Blockbuster Video Is Now A Bar, See The Mix Of VHS And Whisky
A Blockbuster-themed bar is starting as a pop-up location in Los Angeles with the location arranged like the store.
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Nostalgia for simpler times is at an all-time high. Those simpler times? The 1980s and 1990s. Ok, we’ll bite. We had no social media, cell phones were 45 lbs and only your weird neighbor had one in the trunk of his car. But, there was Blockbuster and there were those Friday nights.Â
It began on Twitter with one pic and some copy. @SBRBN, a Los Angeles-based account that reports on cultural events and popular goings on, announced the pop-up bar with a pic and an announcement that a Blockbuster-themed bar is coming on October 31!Â
Well, it was no Halloween trick, because the bar opened up last night, and plans to stay for a short stint through December (as of now). If that changes, we’ll let you know. The Blockbuster theme doesn’t show up just in the branding, but on the inside as well!
Patrons enter the bar much like a speakeasy and a bit on the down low. They are then given a Blockbuster card (remember those?), which serves as a drink ticket. For $45, you get entrance to the bar and two drinks. Not too bad. Would attend.
You can also attend a Blockbuster Brunch beginning on December 10. With your entry card, you’ll get one drink and one entree. The Melrose Avenue location is sure to bring some star power to a night out.
All tickets must be purchased in advance and online. And, they are sure to sell out well in advance. Once you get in the Blockbuster bar, you’ll immediately feel like you’re in elementary or middle school again as you browse the VHS tapes that are categorized just like they were at the store.
You’ll read the back of your big ‘ol VHS tape of choice and see if that drink suits your fancy. If it does, you’ll take it to the bar and the drink will be made for you. Seriously, how huge were those tapes?
But, those were the days. DVDs weren’t out yet and Netflix wasn’t even a glimmer in your mom’s eye. But Blockbuster paved the way for on-demand entertainment and now we look back at it with love and warm memories.
So, here we are now, where movie theaters are going out of business thanks to Covid and on-demand entertainment. Thanks, Blockbuster, but we’re still longing for those days of yore.Â
That is probably one of the reasons we love our collaborations as of late. Two brands that bring about good feelings are even better than one! Netflix is partnering with Walmart and Playboy is partnering with everyday popular clothing brands.
Blockbuster partnering with booze? Time to be kind and rewind. Will collaborations and pop-up shops make up our entire future? It seems that way. After all, they play to our emotions. Fleeting nostalgia makes money.
Look for decade-appropriate drinks like Zima, too. Will you roll the bottoms of your jeans up? Will you use too much hair spray? Maybe, but nothing will take the place of you hanging out at Blockbuster on a Friday night with your dad.
Don’t you just wish you were holding a VHS cassette tape now?
