RWND's grand opening brings the ‘80s back
Stevie Craig is engrossed in a game. Photos by Brandy Muz
Owner Phill Warren accepts a citation from Kelly Dooner's office. 
RWND features an arcade with games like Pac Man and air hockey.
The game area of the new spot.
Gamers play skeeball.
Olivia Vaccaro and Lily Shepley working donned in 80's gear.
LJ Burdette and Terisa Bumpus dueling in air hockey.
Pinball players get the ball rolling.
Danny Craig and his mom Brandy boogie down to the arcade. 
PINKLIDS makes a pit stop. Lead singer Amber Lawson, left, and her little sister with the ghost busters vehicle. 
Danny Warren shows off his mad shooting skills while rescuing the band Areosmith.
Stevie Craig is engrossed in a game. Photos by Brandy Muz
Owner Phill Warren accepts a citation from Kelly Dooner's office.
RWND features an arcade with games like Pac Man and air hockey.
The game area of the new spot.
Gamers play skeeball.
Olivia Vaccaro and Lily Shepley working donned in 80's gear.
LJ Burdette and Terisa Bumpus dueling in air hockey.
Pinball players get the ball rolling.
Danny Craig and his mom Brandy boogie down to the arcade.
PINKLIDS makes a pit stop. Lead singer Amber Lawson, left, and her little sister with the ghost busters vehicle.
Danny Warren shows off his mad shooting skills while rescuing the band Areosmith.
Get those scrunchies, fetch the Aquanet and start up the Walkman, the 80's are back.
RWND, an ’80s- and ’90s-themed restaurant and entertainment venue, opened April 30 at 176 Main St. The concept meshes together dining, a retro arcade and a full bar the result of more than two years of development by owner Phil Warren.
The idea grew out of years Warren spent traveling for sales work, which gave him a front-row seat to restaurant and nightlife scenes around the country and abroad. When the opportunity to take on the building in Wareham came up, he said he saw a way to compile it.
“An arcade bar does not have to be a dive,” Warren said. “I promised this town that if I could have their support, I would build something that elevates the community. Something classy, something safe and something fun for all ages.”
With Tetris blocks on the roof, neon lights galore and iconic 80's movie posters all about, guests can go back in time and stay right in town.
Warren was behind the interior design. The dining room is part of the experience, with music videos playing throughout, working pay phones and themed decor that includes a replica of Prince’s motorcycle.
The arcade features more than 40 retro games from the ’80s and ’90s, all available for unlimited play with a $15 admission. There is no charge to enter the building or to enjoy the dining room or main bar.
Warren credited Claudia and Vinnie of Chipie Design, who served as creative collaborators, helping bring several of the visuals inside and outside the building to life.
On the operations side, General Manager Deborah Polito and the kitchen team, led by brothers Matt and Pat Brassil, set the tone for the staff and the menu that blends American and Asian comfort foods. Warren gives special thanks to his family who supported the project and trusted his leadership throughout.
“They embody our brand motto, Be Kind,” Warren said of his team. “Without them, we never would have gotten to this place where we aren’t just an arcade or a bar. We are an upscale dining restaurant built on fun and positivity.”
Warren also pointed to local leadership for its role in getting RWND off the ground.
“I was overwhelmed by the support of everyone in the community, and especially the leaders working in town hall behind the scenes who have a vision for the future of Wareham. They know who they are, and I am very grateful.”
For Warren, he said opening RWND is personal.
“I’ve brought something from my imagination into reality that instantly brings joy to everybody who interacts with it. We’re something completely new. Classy and sassy at the same time, filled with endless fun and positivity. In a world that sometimes seems like it’s forgotten how to have a good time, seeing how much people truly seem to love it fills me with optimism and pride.”
Looking ahead, Warren said he sees a future for the brand beyond a single location.
“Wareham will always be the beginning and the home base, but I would love to see RWND grow and bring joy to people all over the country," he said.
RWND is at 176 Main St. and is open Thursday through Monday. Guests must be 21 or older after 8 p.m. For more information, visit www.plzrwnd.com or call 855-EAT-RWND.
