Conversations with Bryan Broyles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bryan Broyles.

Hi Bryan, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was restoring pinball machines and playing in a local pinball league for several years. I ended up winning the Georgia state pinball championship in 2015 and went to Las Vegas to play in the nationals.

Over this time, I started traveling and playing in nationwide events. I was introduced to more and more pinball collectors, and after speaking with some, they had opened places in Florida and North Carolina to allow people to come and play their games.

We found a small place to start and see if it would work. After the first 3 years, we had over 1.5 million people look up our location on Google Maps. We are at 3 million now!

After the first 3.5 years and following extensive feedback from our customers, we decided to build a new, larger location from scratch, adding beer, wine, and cider, along with the most unique bar you’ll ever see.

We are now double the size, and we have more than double the games. I have games at another location, Schoolhouse Brewing, in Marietta, to hold our overflow. Those are available to play as well.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
COVID-19 presented a considerable challenge, as no one wanted to come into close contact with buttons, as the mechanism of its spread was unknown for a while.

We installed a sink up front and had people wash their hands as soon as they came in and put on a mask.

That helped build confidence among people and also showed that we cared.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
After six months of our business being open, I left my corporate job of 17 years to put 110% of my time into this business.

It’s a struggle to keep almost 100 machines running smooth with no problems.

Even as a business owner, I have to repair and still get those hands dirty.

The most challenging part about pinball is keeping all the mechanical parts moving.

We’ve supported fundraisers to donate two pinball machines to Ronald Mcdonald Houses in Metro Atlanta with Project Pinball.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Other than Covid, I would say we’ve been fortunate.

New people are joining our leagues and events every week.

Pricing:

• $12 for one hour of play
• $20 for two hours of play
• $25 for an All Day pass
• $14 for league nights (3 hours of play)
• $14 for ladies night (3 hours of play)

Contact Info:

• Website: https://portalpinball.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/portalpinball/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/portalpinball/

Image Credits
Project Pinball

The picture with the light green shirts are when we dedicated a pinball machine to the Ronald McDonald Childrens House.