Columbus restaurateur launching nostalgic dive bar concept centered around VHS movies, 80s-90s video game consoles

A Columbus restaurateur is bringing a whole lot of nostalgia to the Brewery District.

Rhome Ruanphae, the founder of Basil Thai and Buddha Bowl, is preparing to open a unique new concept in the former home of Brick An American kitchen. VHS Social Club, which is located at 520 S. Front St., is aiming to open later this year.

“I’m a Gen X-er, and VHS tapes were always a big thing for me. We want the concept to be about movies, and about nostalgia,” Ruanphae said. “Imagine an 80s dive bar with regular VHS movie nights.”

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The space will be decorated with vintage movie paraphernalia, and will also lean into the 80s and 90s vibes by offering Nintendo and Super Nintendo systems hooked up to in-house TVs that guests can play while they grab a drink.

VHS Social Club, which will be just under 3,000 square feet, will take up the second floor of the massive Brewery District space Rhuanphe bought last year. It will focus on happy hour service, and will also offer a small kitchen with nostalgia-themed items, like a Breakfast Club sandwich, ET Fried Chicken, “PAC-MAN” Burger and more.

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