It’s the start of something new but also the return to something old for John McEndree, the founder, owner, and operator of the Nostalgia Lounge, now open at 8484 Mentor Ave. in Mentor.

The Nostalgia Lounge is an arcade bar that strives to create an immersive atmosphere that enables guests to relive the best moments from their lives and experience nostalgia like never before.

Complete with countless video games and board games, a full bar and kitchen, and rock anthems from the 80s and 90s playing in the background, the Nostalgia Lounge opened their first location about three months ago, right here in Mentor.

When planning the Nostalgia Lounge, John sought to create a place where he would have loved to spend his time when he was growing up in the 90s. John has both worked in and managed restaurants for over 17 years now, but the Nostalgia Lounge is the first restaurant that he has planned and opened himself.

“I knew I wanted to do something unique and engaging, and this allows me to be truly creative,” he said. “There are multiple arcade bars that are out there, but I want this to be more than an arcade bar. I want this to be an actual experience.”

By all accounts, he has been successful. The Nostalgia Lounge is filled with a variety of arcade machines from multiple eras and is decorated with posters and cut-outs of the Mario Brothers, Pac-Man, Star Wars characters and more, all to create an environment where unforgettable memories can be made by people from all generations.

The Nostalgia Lounge is proud to find its home in the City of Mentor. When asked why he chose Mentor, John proudly replied, “I have lived and worked everywhere from Ashtabula, to Geneva, from Twinsburg, to Fairport, to Solon, and Kent, and the community of Mentor is absolutely amazing.”

In particular, John pointed to the countless demographics found in the City of Mentor. “I have people that are ten years old that come in here and enjoy themselves and I have people that are in their seventies that come in here and love it and have a blast. There is clearly unlimited potential here,” he said with a smile.

John was happy to say that the community has responded very well to his new business so far. “This is just the beginning and people around here are very excited about the ‘ultimate nostalgia experience,’” he concluded.

A bold statement for sure, but not without justification as John is dedicated to making every single visitor have a memorable experience as he continues to grow his business within the Mentor community.

We thank John and his crew at the Nostalgia Lounge for their investment in our community and wish them continued success in the future.

Visit their website or follow them on Facebook for menu options, hours, promotions, events, and other information.