Sept. 15, 2022

The tokens and tickets will be starting to flow at the newest addition to The Empire Mall.

Gibby’s is opening Thursday in what used to be Westmoor Music, not far from Applebee’s and near Nestle Tollhouse Cafe, Candy Clubhouse and Animal Rides, which owner Brian Gibbs said he hopes will be a kid-friendly location.

He also is operating the arcade at the food court, which opened in August with video games and crane machines but hasn’t been giving out tickets until its counterpart opened.

Response has been “awesome,” Gibbs said. “It’s doing really well.”

The larger location is filled with a mix of arcade and redemption-style games.

“I’ve got a two-minute drill, Space Invaders Frenzy, which is like an 8-foot screen, a big Jurassic Park, Doodle Jump, Big Bass, our newest one is Wonder Wheel, a couple basketballs … we’ve got all kinds of stuff,” Gibbs said.

He also plans to add more games and rotate some out with arcades he owns within bowling centers in Sioux City.

Gibbs has worked in the industry for years, dating back to his time managing an Aladdin’s Castle location. He most recently ran Gibby’s at Southern Hills Mall in Sioux City.

Visitors are excited to encounter the same old-school approach to tokens and tickets they grew up with, he said.

“That’s what people are going to love,” he said.

The Sioux Falls location is hiring an assistant manager, senior attendants and attendants. Gibbs said the job is an especially good fit for tech school and college students.

The main Gibby’s location also has a fully stocked prize center ready for cashing in tickets earned at both arcades within the mall.

“It is awesome,” Gibbs said. “The question is, ‘What can’t they win?’ I’ve got everything.”

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