Keeping Pace With the Arcade District

In the heart of Columbia, there’s a place where progress meets community and creativity merges with entrepreneurship. It’s known as The Arcade District, a vibrant and growing hub led by visionary Bobby Campbell. As the founder, Campbell’s mission has always been clear: to create a space where businesses can incubate, thrive, and disrupt industries while simultaneously enhancing the community.  

The Arcade District sits on Fay Street, nestled between College Avenue and Columbia College. What began as an ambitious vision has now evolved into a bustling district with twenty businesses and counting. Each year brings new developments, new partnerships, and a growing sense of purpose. At the center of it all is Campbell, who oversees the delicate balance of commercial office space, restaurants, and entertainment options, carefully curating a diverse yet harmonious environment.  

A Vision of Innovation and Collaboration  

When Campbell first dreamed of the Arcade District, he envisioned more than just a collection of businesses. He wanted to create a dynamic space where innovation and collaboration could flourish. 

“We’re building a place where companies don’t just exist but thrive together,” Campbell said. “It’s about making the community better, providing great food, entertainment, and most importantly, creating opportunities for entrepreneurs and startups to collaborate and be creative.”  

That philosophy drives the careful selection of tenants in the district. Rather than following a rigid formula, Campbell treats the process as art, where he assesses each new addition based on its ability to contribute to the overall vision. 

“It’s not just about filling space; it’s about creating a balance,” he explained. “Some areas are more suited for commercial office space, while others are perfect for entertainment or restaurants.”  

The district is home to various establishments that reflect that eclectic approach. Irene’s BBQ and Beet Box are just two examples of the lively culinary scene. Meanwhile, the Witches and Wizards Arcade and Arcade Sentinel Park offer unique entertainment options that allow for playfulness. 

“I love the uniformity of the buildings and diversity of things to do with the distillery, arcade, live music, movies, restaurants, brewery, and, of course, our awesome company, Redbud VC,” said Brett Calhoun, general partner at Redbud VC.  

A Community Hub  

Though innovation and business are at the core of the Arcade District’s mission, it has also transformed into something more — a community hub. 

“When we first started, the idea was to create a place for companies to start and grow,” Campbell reflected. “But over time, it’s evolved into something much bigger. We’re hosting community events like Zipper Fest, Cool Fest, and Harvest Moon, where families and friends can come together and enjoy themselves.”  

Those events have fostered a sense of belonging and connection unique to the Arcade District. 

“The consistency of large events brings many people to the district,” Calhoun added. Whether it’s through arts and crafts at Zipper Fest or the geek culture celebration at Cool Fest, there’s something for everyone in this lively district. 

Campbell recalled seeing families enjoying themselves as moments of joy and connection that keep him motivated. He added, “It’s really special to see people coming together, to see families enjoying what we’ve built.”  

Challenges and Opportunities  

Despite the district’s rapid growth, there have been challenges along the way. One of the biggest hurdles has been meeting the demand for office space and ensuring enough resources to support the influx of businesses. 

“We’ve had to be very strategic about how we expand and select real estate,” Campbell noted. “It’s not just about adding more space but making sure we have the right kind of spaces — whether for restaurants, start-ups, or office spaces.”  

Another challenge is staying ahead of the evolving needs of startups. As Campbell pointed out, the business landscape is always changing, and it’s essential to keep adapting. 

“The evolution of the startup town is ongoing. We need to keep creating opportunities,” he said. “The progress we’ve made so far has been incredible, and I’m excited for what’s coming next.”   

Keeping Talent in Columbia  

One of the Arcade District’s primary goals is to retain talent in Columbia. Campbell is passionate about providing opportunities for recent graduates, entrepreneurs, and dreamers to stay in the city and build their careers. 

“Columbia is an incredible place for startups,” he said. “We’ve got the university, great resources, and a supportive community. There’s shared knowledge and funding opportunities that make it possible for companies to really succeed.”  

With the growing number of businesses in the district, Campbell is working to provide more office space and resources to meet the demand. In 2025 alone, there will be 5,000 square feet of new office space and 3,000 square feet dedicated to restaurants. That includes new additions like a health startup, and an indoor live music venue, both set to open in early 2025. The district will also see new dining options like the Tokyo Club and the Drunken Tiger Steakhouse, adding even more variety to the top-quality culinary scene.  

Looking Ahead  

In 2025, the district will host a series of events aimed at engaging the community and fostering thought leadership. Those “Deep Dives,” a mini-TED Talk series, will bring together experts from various fields to share insights and spark new ideas. It’s just another way The Arcade District is positioning itself as a hub of ideas and progress.   

For Campbell, the joy of building the Arcade District is turning a vision into reality. 

“It’s about taking nothing and turning it into something special,” he said. “I love seeing people come together, being successful, and creating something great. I feel incredibly grateful for the community we’ve built and the progress we’ve made.”