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Help Us Save Kickback

A kickback saves the ball from draining and propels it into play, just like we're gonna do here.

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Help Us Save Kickback

Help Us Save Kickback

Help Us Save Kickback

Help Us Save Kickback

Help Us Save Kickback

A kickback saves the ball from draining and propels it into play, just like we're gonna do here.

A kickback saves the ball from draining and propels it into play, just like we're gonna do here.

A kickback saves the ball from draining and propels it into play, just like we're gonna do here.

A kickback saves the ball from draining and propels it into play, just like we're gonna do here.

Elizabeth Cromwell
Elizabeth Cromwell
Elizabeth Cromwell
Elizabeth Cromwell
1 Campaign |
Pittsburgh, United States
$12,489 USD 124 backers
249% of $5,000 Flexible Goal Flexible Goal
Overview
When we heard that local treasure Kickback was going to close, we got together and decided to save it. Knowing how much this place means to the pinball community in Pittsburgh, we're giving you a chance to help. We're asking for funds to help offset some maintenance costs as we work to fix up and reopen the largest public pinball parlor in Pittsburgh (say it three times fast, we dare you!).

UPDATES! STRETCH GOALS! NEW REWARDS!

You guys crushed it on Day One, and for that, we can not thank you enough! As promised, we have some stretch goals - and we've added a couple of new perks. Make sure to check back and follow the updates!

The History

July, 2013, Kickback opened in the Lawrenceville neighborhood of Pittsburgh. Designed by artist Brian Holderman to look like the inside of a pinball machine, this unique coffee shop quickly gained a following and a special place in the heart of this city. There's nothing else like it.

Kickback is one of the only non-bar venues in the city with multiple machines, which means the kids are welcome. We've run tournaments and launch parties there, too.

After four years, the original owners have decided to move on to other things. When we heard this, we decided to step in and take over. 

 

So, who are you?

We're four friends steeped in the pinball community. 

 

Maria Brooks is an Italian-American and will remind you of it at least twice a day.  She is very into her heritage which is why she is so passionate about coffee, food, and the better things in life.  Maria doesn’t consider herself a pinball enthusiast but is very supportive of her husband’s dedication to the silverball. 

 

 


Elizabeth Cromwell is the Assistant Director of Operations for the Replay Foundations, which runs the PAPA World Championships, ReplayFX Arcade & Gaming Festival, and Pinburgh Match Play Tournament. She's also the a founding member of the Bride of PPL Women's Pinball League. As a life long insomniac, she's looking forward to owning a coffee shop.

 

 

Justin Brooks is an IT mastermind by day, pinball technical guru by night.  Justin has been into pinball since he was a kid and has been servicing/repairing/restoring machines for over a decade. He has been technically involved in numerous events including the PAPA World Championships, ReplayFX, and PPO. He also likes to hunt for good coffee and drink a ton of it.

 

Douglas Polka is the director of competition for the Replay Foundation. Doug has helped oversee and run some of the largest pinball events in the world, the PAPA World Pinball Championships and the Pinburgh Match Play Championships.

 

 

 

 

 

We Could Use Your Help!

Kickback will be closed for a little bit while we get our ducks in order and fix a few things. That's where you come in - while most things will not change, there are some maintenance issues to take care of, and some improvements we'd like to see. Every dollar you donate will help us ensure the continued success of this unique and awesome spot.

 

What Will Your Donation Help Us Do?


THE FLOOR
The artwork as you enter Kickback is amazing! The mural on the far wall is designed to look like a pinball machine backglass, and the floor itself looks like a pinball playfield. The whole thing is eye catching, fantastic work by local, well-known artist Brian Holderman.


The floor was never sealed. This is because certain sections have lights underneath, to add to the look and feel of the "inside a pinball machine" theme. This is great aesthetically, but has been an awful wear on the floor itself:


We're working with the original artist on a plan to restore the mural on the floor to its original beauty. Ultimately, we'd all like to find a way to seal and protect it

 

SIGNAGE
One of the things we think Kickback has always lacked is a proper sign. There's nothing to tell people what's there, so even if you're looking for it, you don't know where it is. We'd like to add an outdoor sign to let people know we're there. While ultimately contingent on the landlord, we're hoping for something like this:




 

CAN'T DONATE BUT WANT TO HELP?

Get the word out! Share this campaign! Tell your friends that Kickback isn't gone, just sleeping, and it'll be back soon, better than ever. With your help we can re-light Pittsburgh's KICKBACK

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Choose your Perk

Thank You For Being a Friend

$5 USD
A genuine postcard via postal mail with our heartfelt gratitude and thanks.
Included Items
  • Postcard
Estimated Shipping
July 2017
0 claimed
Ships worldwide.

This One's On Us

$10 USD
We'll send you a coupon, good for one cup of coffee and $5 in tokens.
Included Items
  • Postcard
  • Coffee & Pinball
Estimated Shipping
July 2017
11 claimed
Ships worldwide.

The Patch Job

$15 USD
A unique, fully embroidered, 4.5 inch, iron-on hipster patch.
Included Items
  • Postcard
  • Patch
Estimated Shipping
August 2017
4 claimed
Ships worldwide.

That's Some Damn Fine Coffee.

$25 USD
One kickass Kickback coffee mug.
Included Items
  • Postcard
  • Coffee Mug
  • Coffee & Pinball
Estimated Shipping
August 2017
21 claimed
Ships worldwide.

Suppressed Player Upgrade

$45 USD
Someone - we're not naming names - was having a hard time deciding between certain reward levels. This person - we can't tell you who - really wanted two items that were just not available with a certain... friendly reward level. Add on the coffee mug & hoodie to any $50 and higher donation level. Not IFPA sanctioned, no WPPR points awarded.
Included Items
  • Coffee Mug
  • Hoodie
Estimated Shipping
August 2017
13 claimed
Ships worldwide.

This Lousy T-Shirt

$50 USD
I helped save a local gem that everyone loves and all I got was this lousy t-shirt and free coffee and pinball and heartfelt gratitude and thanks.
Included Items
  • Postcard
  • Coffee & Pinball
  • T-Shirt
Estimated Shipping
August 2017
14 claimed
Ships worldwide.

This Lousy T-Shirt - Redux

$50 USD
I helped save a local gem that everyone loves and all I got was this lousy t-shirt and a patch and heartfelt gratitude and thanks.
Included Items
  • Postcard
  • Patch
  • T-Shirt
Estimated Shipping
August 2017
6 claimed
Ships worldwide.

This Lousy Hoodie

$70 USD
Yadda yadda yadda free coffee and pinball and heartfelt gratitude and thanks.
Included Items
  • Postcard
  • Coffee & Pinball
  • Hoodie
Estimated Shipping
August 2017
4 claimed
Ships worldwide.

This Lousy Hoodie - Redux

$70 USD
Yadda yadda yadda free patch and heartfelt gratitude and thanks.
Included Items
  • Postcard
  • Patch
  • Hoodie
Estimated Shipping
August 2017
4 claimed
Ships worldwide.

I Want It All

$115 USD
For the indecisive amongst you. Gimmie Gimmie Gimmie!
Included Items
  • Postcard
  • Patch
  • Coffee Mug
  • Coffee & Pinball
  • T-Shirt
  • Hoodie
Estimated Shipping
August 2017
11 claimed
Ships worldwide.

Friend of the Silver Ball

$120 USD
Let everyone for all time know that you had a hand in helping to keep Kickback going. Slap your name and message on this 2.5 by 6" engraved plate, which we'll slap on the Wall of Heroes. Did we mention the Wall of Heroes?
Included Items
  • Postcard
  • Patch
  • Coffee & Pinball
  • T-Shirt
  • Dedication Plate
Estimated Shipping
August 2017
15 claimed
Ships worldwide.

Friend of the SilverBall Redux

$140 USD
Just like the other one, but with a hoodie instead of a shirt, for those of us that get a little chilly!
Included Items
  • Postcard
  • Patch
  • Coffee & Pinball
  • Dedication Plate
  • Hoodie
Estimated Shipping
August 2017
2 claimed
Ships worldwide.

You're So Special

$200 USD
You and your plus one will be special guests at our VIP Re-Launch Party! Come taste our new menu, try our new coffee, and play all the pinball for free! Door prizes, food, a DJ, some frikkin' lasers, what's not to love?
Included Items
  • VIP Party (2)
Estimated Shipping
June 2017
7 out of 10 of claimed
Ships worldwide.

Yeah, Well If I Was In Charge

$250 USD
Ever wonder what it takes to run the world's largest pinball tournament? Enjoy the chaotic thrill and mad power of being in charge! Follow Doug around for a day in the run-up to or during Pinburgh 2017. You'll be put to work for a day, to fully appreciate how much effort it takes to keep things running. Liability release required.
Included Items
  • Postcard
  • T-Shirt
Estimated Shipping
July 2017
0 out of 1 of claimed

Party Time!

$350 USD
Party on, Wayne! You get the whole place to yourself and your 20 closest friends for two hours, with all machines on free play. Excellent.
Included Items
  • Party
Estimated Shipping
September 2017
0 out of 5 of claimed

A Token of Appreciation

$1,500 USD
Want to promote your business, league, or amazing artwork? Create your own custom token to be used exclusively at Kickback. We'll print 5000 of them and put them all in rotation.
Included Items
  • Custom Tokens
Estimated Shipping
September 2017
1 out of 5 of claimed
sold out

Luther's Vendetta

$225 USD
Estimated Shipping
September 2017
1 out of 1 of claimed
Ships worldwide.
sold out

Silver Bullet

$275 USD
Estimated Shipping
September 2017
1 out of 1 of claimed
Ships worldwide.
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