Downtown Laramie Arcade to Close in March [VIDEO]

Downtown Laramie's only arcade, Hero Depot, announced Friday that it will permanently close its current location in mid-March.

Owner Ryan Kiser says he always planned to establish a combination bar and arcade where patrons of legal age could purchase and enjoy alcoholic beverages while gaming.

When the Laramie City Council voted to give the last available retail liquor license to another downtown business, it became clear to Kiser that he would not be able to fully implement his business plan. Monthly losses persist despite what Kiser calls "incredible" support from the community.

Kiser says he hopes to partner with one or more local businesses to keep at least a part of Hero Depot in Laramie, which he calls home. But Kiser says "the process of obtaining a liquor license is much simpler" in Colorado, so he's contemplating the idea of relocating to start a new establishment.

Here's the full statement from the Hero Depot Facebook page:

IMPORTANT MESSAGE: We are sad to announce that Hero Depot will be closing (permanently) at our current location sometime in mid-March. We are forever grateful for the support we have received and for the incredibly joyous times we've experienced during the past two years. Thank you!

We are looking at options to stay in Laramie (possibly by partnering with other businesses). Yet, it is still one of our goals to establish an arcade and game lounge. Thus, we are also looking at setting up shop in a location where there are less hurdles for serving cocktails and brews. We truly hope this shop will be in addition to a Laramie location.