Get an inside look at Downtown Allentown’s latest gaming destination– AFK Gaming. AFK Gaming introduces a revolutionary gaming lounge experience that caters to both casual and competitive gamers alike. You can secure a day pass to get access to the latest games or take part in gaming tournaments. Keep reading to learn why owner Josh Babayan chose to open this gaming lounge in Downtown Allentown.
Name and title: Josh Babayan
Business address: 107 N 7th St. STE 140 Allentown, PA 18101
What is your business name? AFK
What are your social media handles? @afkallentown on Instagram, AFK Allentown on Facebook
What products or services do you sell? Gaming lounge with PS5s and hundreds of video games
Describe the vibe of your store. Great for pre-gaming before a night out or if looking for a chill night playing some video games
What is the one thing your business is known for, over your competitors? This is the first gaming lounge in the Lehigh Valley.
Explain why you’re known for that. Usually, gaming lounges are only in bigger cities. I’m happy to bring the first one to Allentown, which is also growing.
How did the business get started? I always had the idea, and decided now was the time to act on it.
Why did you choose to open your business in Downtown Allentown? I was born and raised in Allentown. I wanted to bring something different for the people in the city to do.
Tell us about the biggest “win” in your business’s history? Explain what it was, how it came about, and what it meant to your business. Being able to gift a PlayStation 5 to a group of kids who didn’t have one. It means everything to be able to give back to the community I grew up in.
What is the biggest risk your business has ever taken? Explain what it was, what could have happened if it had gone wrong, and the end result of the risk. Being the first of anything can either go really well or really bad. It was a big risk opening the store because there isn’t any data on if a gaming lounge could work in the city.
What are some of your store’s goals for the future? I’m hoping to provide free gaming after school for all students in the city of Allentown. Also, I’m looking to be a different option for nights out. Whether it’s a date night, just the boys hanging out, or something different to do that people enjoy.
Tell us an interesting and fun fact about your business? We’re constantly doing gaming trivia on the Instagram page where we give out free passes for people who answer correctly.
What events do you have coming up? We do a Gamefest every month where we have 5 different tournaments in one day and give out cash prizes for each tournament.
Tell our apartment residents about the offer you have on Cobu? $5 off day passes for all City Center residents and employees.
What’s your favorite lunch food for you and your team? Always down for some good mild wings
What’s your favorite quote, and who originally said it? Everyone has two lives, and the second one begins when you realize you only have one.
