Stacked pizza boxes and flashing arcade machines greeted customers as Rocky Tops Pizza held its official ribbon cutting outside Old North Arcade in Pullman Square Thursday, Feb. 12, marking its continued presence downtown.
The local, family-owned restaurant began operating inside the arcade and bar in summer 2025. Eugenia Lambert, the owner and Marshall University professor, said the ceremony formally recognized the business’ expansion into the Pullman Square location.
“We’ve been open since June first,” Lambert said. “This just makes it official.”
Rocky Tops also operates a second location on Buffalo Creek Road in Kenova, West Virginia. Lambert said the downtown space offers something different from the Kenova location by combining pizza with entertainment.
Located inside Old North Arcade, the restaurant serves whole pizzas, slices, sandwiches, salads and wings alongside modern and classic arcade machines. Students receive a 10% discount with a valid Marshall ID. Customers can also order through Grubhub and DoorDash for pickup or delivery.
Lambert said connecting with Marshall University students has been a priority since opening. She has reached out to fraternities and Marshall Women’s Swimming & Diving, introducing students to the restaurant’s menu options.
“We want to be involved with the students,” Lambert said. “They’re a big part of the community.”
The ceremony pulled in community business leaders, family members and supporters who said the expansion reflects broader momentum in Pullman Square.
“It’s great to see continued growth downtown,” said Megan Archer, the president and CEO of the Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce. “We really rely on business owners like Eugenia and Frank to create this bustling community of entrepreneurship. Anytime we can celebrate a local business, it’s a good day.”
Customers said the combination of pizza and arcade games makes Rocky Tops stand out among downtown dining options.
Huntington resident Jimmy Nelson said he visited for both the food and the games.
“Well, I was just coming up here to play some games and eat some food,” Nelson said, “so I figured since they have the best pizza I figured I’d come here.”
Nelson said this was not his first visit to the establishment, and he enjoys the restaurant’s cheese pizza. He added his favorite game in the arcade is Star Trek Pinball.
For Amy Dehass, Huntington resident and Marshall alumna, Rocky Tops has become a regular weekend destination.
“My husband decided we were going to have a date night,” Dehass said. “We both love to play games, and we like to kind of just take some time when we’re not working to come out and hang out with other people that like to do the same things – play games.”
Dehass said she has been a regular customer since the restaurant opened in the arcade space.
“This is something we usually do on the weekends, maybe two or three times a month. I really enjoy being here,” she said.
While she said pizza is her favorite menu item, Dehass emphasized the arcade atmosphere is what truly sets the business apart.
“The arcade games, absolutely,” she said when asked what stands out most. “They also have DJ nights here, and so sometimes, they do themed nights, and those are awesome as well. They have trivia nights here, too, and overall, it’s just a really fun place to be.”
Lambert said the restaurant regularly plans seasonal promotions and special events to encourage repeat visits, including karaoke nights and themed gatherings.
For customers like Dehass, the draw is simple.
“It’s something different,” she said. “You can grab food and have fun at the same time.”
David Lozano can be contacted at [email protected].
