The Grab Lab will take over the space previously occupied by Cassea Swim in Promenade Plaza a block from the ocean in Pacific Beach. The concept aims to reinvent the arcade experience by blending gaming culture with anime-inspired design. Unlike traditional arcades with brightly colored themes, The Grab Lab will feature a darker, edgier aesthetic. In addition to its claw machines, the arcade will offer a free-to-play console gaming area and a library stocked with manga and comic books, providing a welcoming hangout spot for the community.
A standout feature of The Grab Lab is its trade-up system, allowing players to save plushie points earned from claw machines. These points can be exchanged for larger prizes or redeemed for special offers at local businesses. This system adds an extra layer of engagement, encouraging repeat visits and fostering connections with the surrounding community.
The Grab Lab was founded by Frank San Nicolas and Liz Jaffari, two friends with a shared passion for video games, anime, comics, and claw machines. Their goal was to create a space that brings together all things geeky and fun under one roof. The business also proudly identifies as veteran, LGBTQ+, and Latina-owned, striving to make the arcade a welcoming and inclusive space for everyone.
The Grab Lab hopes to open this February at 4150 Mission Boulevard, Suite 155, in San Diego's Pacific Beach. For more information, visit thegrablab.com.
Originally published on January 10, 2025.
