Local Pinball Shop Revives Retro Hobby

Tucked away in a shopping center on Spring Street and Bellflower Boulevard in the fast-paced environment near Long Beach Airport, lies a shop that transports visitors to the golden age of gaming. I Need a Miracle Tickets and Pinballs is not just an arcade – it is a club that welcomes everyone and anyone. A room with a vibrant atmosphere. Hearing the metal ball clanking with the bumpers as customers hit them, rhythmic sounds, the aquarium running in the corner, flashing neon lights and the movement of the flippers.

This shop was not the first and only passion for owner Astiaj Samadi. He took his first steps as an entrepreneur being a ticket broker dating back to 2004. He would buy and resell tickets to concerts, sporting events and theater in the city of Long Beach. It was a hobby turned to “something a little bit bigger and bigger,” that would lead Samadi to open a brick-and-mortar store.

At a brewery, Samadi would spot a pinball machine called “Rush.” He would ask the front desk who owned the machine, and this would lead to him meeting Gerald Kirchner and his journey to opening his own pinball club would start. Samadi would buy one machine from Kirchner for his shop, and that investment would not stop there.

“So, he ended up putting a few in here and then a few became a few more, and then a few more became a few more,” said Samadi.

This relationship would create a partnership and both would become owners and business partners in 2023.

In 2024, the beloved Gatsby Books would close its doors after 14 years and would create an opportunity for Samadi to expand his shop next door.

“We went from 14 machines [first location] and we now have a total of almost 45 machines here [second location],” said Samadi.

Both of their passions for the game would help their business thrive in the community. The shop is a testament for their love of the game for both Samadi and Kirchner that can be traced back to their younger years. Living in a household with a dad that would bring toys back from work, Kirchner is no stranger to toys and games.

“So, I was about 9 years old and I remember my brother lifting me up and showing me this pinball machine and having me hit the flipper,” said Kirchner. “I just absolutely completely fell in love with pinball at that moment, it was magical.”

Samadi’s history with pinball can also be traced back to his younger self.

“I love pinball machines myself,” said Samadi. “It used to be something I used to play when I was much younger. In my late twenties and early teens, I got into pinball playing at different places.”

With the love and passion both owners have for the hobby, both try to replicate the feeling they have for the game and share the same interest to their customers. Christina Dehart, longtime friend of Samadi and employee, was taken aback by the energy the people bring into the shop.

“I was actually surprised,” said Dehart. “It’s a small community but how well everybody gets along and just bonds over pinball and they’re becoming friends outside of the club. It’s just nice.”

From hosting girls-only nights to having nights dedicated to collecting and donating blankets to the local pet shelter. Accepting everyone as young as “four years old” to reach visitors as old as “75 years old”. Kirchner wants this shop to be more than a one-trick pony to satisfy one demographic in this niche hobby.

“We want you to come into my shop and feel welcomed,” said Samadi. “The most important thing is we want you to be there and are happy you are there. We want everyone to come in and be respected and seen.”

The shop offers league events that happen every Monday and Thursday night and official tournaments that are nationally ranked. The shop offers hourly, day and monthly passes. Unlike video games, pinball is a game that brings people out to meet in one place and this in turn has fostered a community that both Samadi and Kirchner welcome into the shop.

“I love people coming in and having their eyes go like wow and that’s when I know we’re doing it right,” said Samadi.