A new dining establishment in Frisco is merging upscale cuisine with video game aesthetics, aiming to attract both gamers and general patrons. @nerdvana.food+spirits, located at 5757 Main St., Ste. 112, opened its doors in January following a grand opening celebration earlier that month.
Owner Kristy Pitchford stated that the venue is designed to be welcoming to everyone, regardless of their interest in gaming. She emphasized that the space is intended to feel like an adult playground, catering to a demographic that has grown up with video games and now seeks higher-quality food and drink options than traditional arcade bars typically provide.
Pitchford developed the concept after her husband, Randy Pitchford, CEO of Gearbox Software, visited a similar themed bar in Australia. She collaborated with her brother, executive chef Mike Junio, to execute the vision. The restaurant features console games placed throughout the dining area, alongside decor that reflects gaming culture.
The menu includes dishes that reference popular titles. Shrimp Diablo, priced at $12, consists of three jumbo shrimp topped with diablo sauce and arranged to resemble the logo for Diablo III. The Hadouken Beef, costing $13, features medallions arranged to mimic the control sequence for a Hadouken move in Street Fighter.
Cocktails also draw inspiration from gaming lore. The Diamond Butt Stallion ($10) combines Luxardo limoncello and Smirnoff vodka. The Mad Moxxi ($9) includes Hornitos Plata tequila and habanero-infused simple syrup. Another option, the Kristige ($10), uses Three Olives pineapple vodka and habanero-infused simple syrup, named after the handle Pitchford has used since her teenage years.
Pitchford noted that the median age of gamers is now 35, indicating a market for establishments that offer good food and drinks without the typical bar-style fare. The venue caters to an adult crowd, featuring some games rated for ages 18 and older.
