Columbus is about to get a serious dose of nostalgia with the upcoming arrival of VHS Social Club, a retro-inspired bar set to open later this year at 520 S. Front St. in the Brewery District. The brainchild of Rhome Ruanphae, the founder behind Basil Thai and Buddha Bowl, this new concept will transport guests back to the ‘80s and ‘90s with a unique blend of vintage entertainment and themed eats.
Ruanphae, a proud member of Generation X, is crafting VHS Social Club as a love letter to the era of video stores, classic gaming consoles, and cult-favorite films.
From the moment guests step inside, they’ll be surrounded by memorabilia straight out of a retro video store. The bar will feature walls lined with vintage movie posters, classic VHS tapes, and even working Nintendo and Super Nintendo consoles hooked up to in-house TVs for guests to play while they sip their drinks.
The space itself will span nearly 3,000 square feet on the second floor of the Brewery District building Ruanphae acquired last year. The bar will emphasize happy hour offerings, creating a casual and welcoming atmosphere for after-work gatherings and weekend hangouts.
No nostalgic experience would be complete without themed food and drinks. The menu will feature cleverly named items inspired by iconic ‘80s and ‘90s films, including the Breakfast Club Sandwich, ET Fried Chicken, and the PAC-MAN Burger. Whether you’re reminiscing about your favorite childhood movies or introducing them to a new generation, there will be something for every film fan to enjoy.
With its nostalgic charm, interactive entertainment, and creative menu, VHS Social Club is shaping up to be one of Columbus’ most exciting new bar concepts. Stay tuned for more details on the grand opening, and get ready to rewind to the golden era of VHS!
