Get ready, Victoria! A beloved downtown spot is getting a radical makeover, promising an escape from the digital world and a return to genuine human connection.
Three savvy Vancouver entrepreneurs are set to inject some serious fun into Victoria's nightlife with their latest venture, Glitch Arcade Bar. They've acquired the former Yates Street Taphouse, a prime downtown location, and are transforming it into an immersive entertainment experience. This isn't just another bar; it's a deliberate move to create a space where people can ditch their screens and truly engage with each other.
Meet the Masterminds:
The dynamic trio behind Glitch Victoria are brothers Tom and Trevor Poirier, seasoned veterans of the bar and restaurant industry with a combined six establishments under their belts, and contractor Dan Haines. This marks their first expansion beyond Vancouver's Lower Mainland. Dan, who joined the partnership for the Vancouver Glitch location, is now bringing his expertise to the vibrant city of Victoria.
A New Beginning After a Closure:
Their previous Glitch establishment in Vancouver's Kitsilano neighborhood, which had been a popular spot, unfortunately closed its doors in October 2024. This wasn't due to a lack of popularity, but rather a perfect storm of rising rent costs and the natural conclusion of their lease. This experience, however, fueled their search for the perfect next location, one that would allow for their ambitious vision.
The Victoria Advantage:
As of February 1, 2026, the partners have secured their liquor license and a 10-year lease agreement for the historic Dominion Hotel building at 759 Yates Street. This prime downtown spot was a deliberate choice. "We knew we needed a big size," explains Trevor. "This is almost 7,000 square feet." This generous space is crucial for accommodating their impressive collection of arcade games, some of which are quite substantial.
But here's where it gets interesting: the downtown proximity offers something the Kitsilano location lacked. "So what we like about this is it's downtown... We're gonna have the nightclub deal on the weekend so we can keep them here having a good time, but there's also a reason you'll stay all night because you can watch the game, and play the games," Trevor elaborates. This strategic positioning aims to create a destination where patrons want to linger, enjoying a multifaceted entertainment experience.
Version 2.0: Learning from Experience:
Glitch Victoria is being hailed as 'version 2.0,' a testament to the valuable lessons learned from their previous ventures. "We realize where we were lacking," Trevor admits. "We were missing the sports." To address this, the revamped space will feature a dedicated sports bar ambiance. Upon entering, the front right section will house the arcade, followed by comfortable booth seating, 20 bar seats, and five to seven televisions strategically placed to catch all the action.
The Miami Room: A Private Oasis:
For those seeking a more intimate gathering, the back right portion of the bar is being transformed into a private room, dubbed 'the Miami Room.' This exclusive space will accommodate around 20 guests and is equipped with a Bluetooth stereo and consoles for popular multiplayer games like Smash Brothers and Mario Kart. "We're doing like pink flamingo wallpaper, a lot of palm trees, that sort of thing," Trevor says, hinting at a vibrant, tropical theme. A sliding door will ensure privacy for bookings, perfect for birthdays, bachelor/bachelorette parties, or small corporate events.
A Dedicated Dance Floor:
Another key takeaway from their past experiences was the need for a dedicated dance space. "We had a DJ on weekends and a small dance part, but we didn't really have a dedicated space being used," Trevor recalls. The left-hand side of Glitch Victoria will now feature a dance floor, complete with a DJ booth and a private VIP bottle service section. This addition caters to the desire for a more upscale and energetic night out, a sentiment echoed by their friends in their early thirties who are looking for "a cool place... a better looking, nicer place."
Revitalizing the Speakeasy Vibe:
And this is the part most people miss: the downstairs area, which has largely been neglected as storage space by previous operators, is being brought back to life. The total capacity will be 225 upstairs and 50 downstairs. The first section of the lower level will house the larger arcade games, including classics like full-size basketball, skeeball, shooting games, and the iconic Jurassic Park arcade machine. As you round a corner, a narrow corridor lined with existing plush, red velvet booths will unveil a jazz bar or speakeasy ambiance. "We're gonna keep the bones in kind of an homage, but we'll do the speakeasy door, but we'll do more cocktail-forward," Trevor explains, acknowledging Victoria's burgeoning cocktail scene. "We look at it as it's the one more for us as the older crowd," he adds, envisioning it as a place for decompression, especially for those in the hospitality industry after a demanding shift.
With renovations well underway, the partners are targeting a mid to late spring opening. General Manager Julien Chevallier will be relocating to the island to oversee the establishment, aiming to "bring back that feeling of gathering at your local spot – where you run into friends, make new ones, challenge someone to a game, and end up in conversations you never planned on having. It's about being present with the people around you, sharing laughs and friendly competition, and creating memories together in the same room."
What do you think about the trend of arcade bars combining different entertainment elements? Is this the future of nightlife, or are you nostalgic for simpler times? Let us know in the comments below!
