Rob Simmons, a 59-year-old Novato resident with a background in gaming and graphic design, fulfilled his lifelong dream of opening his own establishment in October. After securing a lease, Simmons wasted no time in bringing his vision to life. By the end of March, Pixels Arcade Taproom at 1137 Fourth St. in San Rafael was open for business. The taproom is a haven for classic arcade game enthusiasts, featuring favorites like Pac-Man, Centipede, Donkey Kong, and pinball. In addition to the arcade games, there is a console gaming lounge equipped with Xbox and PlayStation consoles, all of which can be enjoyed with a selection of beer and wine.
Simmons expressed his gratitude for the support and approachability of the city of San Rafael throughout the process of opening Pixels Arcade Taproom. He commended the city for its professionalism, friendliness, and effective communication. This positive experience with the city inspired Simmons to further invest in the community and contribute to its vibrant business landscape.
The city of San Rafael has launched an initiative called San Rafael Go, aimed at promoting the city as a business-friendly environment. This initiative provides a single point of contact for individuals seeking information on development, business retention, relocation, or starting a new business. Stacey Laumann, the city’s program manager of economic development, emphasized the importance of making resources easily accessible to business owners and entrepreneurs.
San Rafael Go is part of the city’s economic development strategic plan, which was developed to revitalize the downtown area in response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The plan includes 32 actions to be implemented over five years, with a focus on supporting small businesses, attracting new investments, and fostering economic growth.
One of the key strategies being explored by the city is the conversion of the San Rafael Downtown Business Improvement District into a property-based business improvement district. This transition would involve collecting assessments from property owners in addition to business owners, to fund activities such as safety, security, cleanliness, and events in the downtown area.
The city is also considering the establishment of an enhanced infrastructure finance district, which would leverage property taxes to support development projects through bonding. Additionally, arts programming plays a vital role in attracting foot traffic to downtown San Rafael. The city has allocated grant funds for events in the Downtown San Rafael Arts District, including initiatives such as murals, window displays, and other artistic projects.
Furthermore, the city is working to support the cannabis industry by proposing a new tax rate for cannabis operators. In response to the challenges faced by cannabis delivery operators, the City Council reduced the special business tax to 2% through December 2024. The city’s economic development team is collaborating with cannabis operators to determine a sustainable tax rate moving forward.
Joshua Townsend, policy director of the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce, praised the city’s proactive approach to economic recovery and business support. He highlighted the city’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment and facilitating growth opportunities for existing and new businesses.
Rob Simmons, the owner of Pixels Arcade Taproom, expressed his enthusiasm for the city’s efforts to attract and retain businesses. He emphasized the central location of San Rafael in Marin County and its unique blend of urban amenities and small-town charm. Simmons believes that initiatives like San Rafael Go will continue to enhance the city’s appeal as a hub for entrepreneurship and innovation.
In conclusion, Rob Simmons’ journey to open Pixels Arcade Taproom in San Rafael is a testament to the city’s commitment to supporting local businesses and fostering economic growth. Through initiatives like San Rafael Go and strategic economic development plans, the city is laying the groundwork for a thriving business community and a vibrant downtown area. As Simmons continues to delight patrons with classic arcade games and gaming experiences, he stands as a symbol of entrepreneurial spirit and community engagement in San Rafael.
