Episode 325: Bang Back Pinball Lounge
"Funky Fresh" Fred Richardson opened this Columbia, South Carolina hot spot during the pandemic, and has watched pinball grow and grow in the community. Find out about this large pinball location, their great food & drink, and why Bang Back is a fun, safe place where everyone is welcome.
Kineticist’s take
Fred Richardson discusses Bang Back Pinball Lounge community-focused model and Columbia's growing pinball scene.
Synopsis
Jeff Teolis interviews Fred Richardson, owner of Bang Back Pinball Lounge in Columbia, South Carolina, about building a thriving pinball community venue that opened during COVID. Richardson discusses his philosophy of community-first operations, women's and youth pinball programs (Bells and Chimes, Little Flippers), and strategic machine layout. The conversation covers tournament hosting, collaboration between local venues, and Bang Back's emergence as a regional pinball hub.
Entities
- Bang Back Pinball Lounge· company
- Brunswick Zone· company
- Marco Pinball / Marco Specialties· company
- Free Play Florida· event
- Indisc· event
- MAGFest· event
- Southern Pride· event
- Stern Pro Circuit· event
- Columbia, South Carolina· location
- Bells and Chimes· organization
- Little Flippers· organization
- Stern Army· organization
- Crystal· person
- Emoto· person
- Fred Richardson· person
- Jason Wordrick· person
- Jeff Teolis· person
- Kevin Stone· person
- Kim Martinez· person
- Kyle Spitteri· person
- Mark Mandeltort· person
- Ray Day· person
- Steve Bowden· person