Bally’s Tom Foolery: Milwaukee

One of a handful of Bally’s Tom Foolery early arcade bar/nightclub concepts that existed briefly in the early 1980’s. This location was previously a Barnaby’s Family Inn, until Bally Manufacturing Co. purchased the chain in 1981 and converted it into the Tom Foolery concept. This location likely opened in early 1982, with the first newspaper mention of it on Mar 18, 1982. The arcade crash of 1982-1983, plus the mountain of debt that Bally’s was navigating at the time, put an unfortunate and swift end to this concept. This location likely closed in early 1984, with its final newspaper mention from January 19, 1984.

The building still stands as of 2025 and is currently a community center/event venue. It was previously (prior to 2008) a NAPA Auto Parts store.

Reference

• First newspaper mention – hiring ad, Mar 18, 1982
• Final newspaper mention, Jan 19, 1984