‘A childhood dream’: Michael Botkin opens retro arcade in downtown Windsor ...Saudi Arabia

Michael Botkin grew up in arcades. He played “Donkey Kong” and other classics, but pinball machines were his favorite.

It’s only fitting that Botkin should bring his love of pinball to Windsor, home of the Wizards — making him, in a sense, a “pinball wizard.”

Earlier this month, the Windsor Chamber of Commerce celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Botkin’s new business, the Sip N’ Flip Arcade and Soda Bar, 516 Main St.

Also having recently hosted a pinball tournament, Botkin said the past few weeks have been wild. Customers of all ages have packed into the arcade to enjoy the same games and pinball machines Botkin enjoyed growing up.

Even though it shows his age, 45, he helped some younger customers with the inner workings of the arcade.

“All the kids who come in here … I don’t think they even know what a quarter is,” he said. “I’ve had kids go to the (coin) changer and go ‘How do I use this?’

“I have to show them how to put the cash in. They get the quarters, and they come out and say, ‘What do I do with these?’ ”

Botkin gets a chuckle about showing the younger generations how everything works, but it was almost game over for this “secret” lifelong business endeavor last year.

After spending 24 years in the software industry, Botkin was laid off. For the past three years, the Severance resident had been crafting plans to make his dream come true in neighboring Windsor.

And like Mario in the old-school “Donkey Kong” game — one of the many games available at Sip N’ Flip — Botkin had plenty of barrels to hurdle.

Botkin initially wanted to open the business in the same area as the Future Legends complex, but with recent lawsuits creating uncertainty for that development, he looked elsewhere. He looked into renting a building near Cafe Mexicali, Freddy’s and Baskin-Robbins, off the intersection of Colo. 257 and Colo. 392 in Windsor, but the rent was too high.

“So honesty, I gave up on it at the end of last year,” he said.

However, life gave his plan an extra life in February.

Before Sip N’ Flip moved in, the downtown Windsor spot was home to Poudre Pet and Feed. In February, Botkin learned that the owner of the building was looking to sell, so Botkin hopped at the opportunity.

However, more barrels came his way in the form of getting the building up to code, and even more came when he decided to sell alcohol.

Botkin closed on the building in April, but he didn’t have his soft opening until Halloween. Despite the countless hours of labor, Botkin feels it was all worth it.

“It’s been amazing. I haven’t had any negative feedback,” he said. “Everyone who comes in — especially locals — say, ‘Windsor really needed this. They need something for the kids to do. They need a hangout spot.’ ”

Windsor Downtown Alliance Executive Director Michelle Vance echoed that sentiment. The younger demographic in Windsor didn’t really have a place to hang out, and the Sip N’ Flip is poised to offer that.

“It’s a cozy place,” Vance said. “We’re thrilled to have him. We’re excited for him, and we’re here to support him.”

Even though the arcade sells beer, wine and seltzers, Botkin said his soda bar has plenty of combinations for children, even Utah “Dirty Soda.” Whatever drink customers get, it should pair well with any game or pinball machine they put their coins in.

“Mortal Kombat,” “Cruisin’ USA” and “Mario Kart” are among the several classic games are in Botkin’s arcade. Currently, there are 13 pinball machines, with a few more on the way. The pinball machine themes range from Deadpool to Iron Maiden, as well as the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Metallica.

Unlike many other arcades, Botkin owns the pinball machines instead of renting them. He has collected the machines for five years.

With business starting to settle in, Botkin already has plans to host more pinball tournaments and leagues in 2025, even a skee-ball league. He also has plans to build a patio in the back of the business that would feature a cornhole area and a pickleball court. He said his liquor license extends to the back, so when Broadview Park hosts summer events, he can attract a bigger crowd.

“It’s like a childhood dream for sure. I can’t believe it. I honestly cannot believe it,” he said.

The winter hours for the arcade are 2-9 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 2 p.m. to midnight Fridays, noon to midnight Saturdays and noon to 6 p.m. Sundays. The arcade is available to rent for birthdays and other events. Go to sipnfliparcade.com or call 970-305-7363 for more information.

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