Back to the Arcade in the South Mall is a retro video arcade that has attracted many people over the last four years. It transports adults back to their childhood playing pinball machines in the arcade, and allows people to have a feel for the vintage games. Many guests go to the mall solely to visit the arcade, bringing in all different people and businesses. 

The South Mall has faced many changes recently, including rising rent prices, more store vacancies, and a Giant opening. All of these factors are affecting the businesses inside the mall, including the arcade. But through all the years and challenges that the arcade has faced, there has been one person that dedicated his time to helping the arcade and his community. Mark Paden, the man behind the machine, is the owner of Back to the Arcade. 

Paden made the decision not to raise his prices, even though his rent has increased. Unfortunately, this act might cost him his establishment if nothing changes. 

“I don’t want to pass a rent increase to the consumer,” Paden said. “People like to come here because they can afford it.” 

His drive is also to help people that are in need. He donates a significant portion of his profits to organizations including a no-kill shelter for animals, organizations to help children with cancer, and ones to help children without parents, but because

of the rising rent prices, this might not be possible anymore. 

“Since I opened my first business up here, I like to help people out through charities,” Paden said. “So when they raise the rent, it gives me a lot less leeway to donate to my charities.”

Employee Roberta Liberman has been working alongside Paden for 41 years and attests to his giving nature. 

“He’s a very caring person,” Liberman said. “He hates to receive things. He likes to give things.” 

One of Paden’s biggest events that he hosts at the arcade every year is during

Christmas time. He has people who are struggling write him letters, and then he goes out and buys them the gift of their choice. 

“He hires Santa, and he comes in, and they have a blast,” Liberman said.

 Paden has been helping people and the community through his arcade. Some customers are loyal to him and would be disappointed if the arcade ends up shutting down.

 Owen Frey, a frequent customer at the arcade, has been going to arcades with his dad ever since he was a child. When Frey found out there was an arcade so close to where he lived, he checked it out and has been going ever since. 

“I like it here a lot,” Frey said. “If it actually does close down, I’d be very, very upset.” 

Many customers are upset about the potential closing and are speaking out to support the arcade and Paden for everything he has done for their community.

“Lehigh Valley has an incredible backing for this arcade, and the people are just sweethearts,” Paden said. “Where I go, they said they’re going to go.”