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