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Andy Capp’s Tavern was a restaurant that is recognized for being one of the first public establishments to host coin-operated video games, such as Computer Space and Pong.[1][2] It has since become Rooster T. Feathers, located at 157 West El Camino Real in Sunnyvale, California, USA.[3]

History[]

In September 1972, Atari installed its first working prototype of Pong at this location, setting a milestone for the video game industry.[4] This location was selected because the early Atari staff frequented the bar and were acquainted with the manager Bill Gattis. The anteroom at the back of the bar contained 7 to 8 arcade machines, mostly pinball machines and a jukebox. Shortly after Pong was installed, the tavern called Atari to report that the machine was no longer functioning properly. Allan Alcorn, the game's designer and engineer, found that the coin box was completely full and had jammed.[1]

Andy Capp’s Tavern was established next to Sunnyvale's original bus stop and later became the Country Store, which introduced comedy acts. On January 8, 1984, it was rebranded as Rooster T. Feathers, a popular tavern and comedy club that continues to operate in the heart of Silicon Valley.[3]

Known games[]

Video games (former)[]

Other games[]

  • 6 to 7 pinball machines[1]

Gallery[]

References[]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 The Inside Story of Pong by Miss Cellania, Neatorama. 2012-12-01.
  2. The Origins of the First Arcade Video Game: Atari’s Pong by Harold Goldberg, Vanity Fair. 2011-03-28.
  3. 3.0 3.1 About Rooster T. Feathers Comedy Club, Rooster T. Feathers. Accessed 2022-12-19.
  4. Tech Time Warp: The Birth of Pong and the Video Game Industry by Kate Johanns, SmarterMSP. 2018-11-30.

External links[]

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