Community Highlights: Meet Jessica Caswell of Rewind Retrobar

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Caswell.

Hi Jessica, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Rewind Retrobar, located in Knightdale, NC, was born from a desire to bring a piece of downtown Raleigh’s energy to our own community. As four long-time residents of Knightdale, we set out to create a welcoming space where neighbors could come together, have fun, and enjoy their own version of “Cheers.” We’ve added a vibrant nightlife scene that Knightdale was missing, and we’re proud to see our vision come to life.

Since we opened two years ago, we’ve hosted more than 300 events, from epic Halloween Parties, Onesie Karaoke, a glamorous Gatsby Party, a totally tubular 80s Prom, to Christmas Sweater Karaoke, we have it all ! These gatherings have helped foster countless friendships and a strong sense of community at Rewind.

Our cocktails are another standout feature. Our talented bartenders craft delicious drinks with a retro twist, like the fan-favorite Showtime Synergy. Inspired by the 80s cartoon Jem and the Holograms, this interactive cocktail includes a pink sugar-rimmed martini glass filled with cotton candy and a beaker of cocktail for customers to pour, creating a transformation as magical as Jem herself.

And of course, we couldn’t call ourselves Rewind without retro gaming! Our unique long-and-narrow building is lovingly nicknamed “the mullet”—business (the bar) in the front, and the party (retro gaming) in the back. Guests can enjoy a variety of arcade games or relive their childhoods with six retro gaming systems set up for free play. Whether you’re a Tetris champion or a Super Mario 3 fanatic, you can pair your gaming nostalgia with one of our creative cocktails.

At Rewind Retrobar, we love watching our community come together, connecting over games, events, and great drinks. It’s everything we dreamed of—and more!

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey to where we are today has certainly had its challenges, as few things in life ever go exactly as planned. The road was not always smooth, with some significant hurdles along the way. For instance, the COVID-19 pandemic caused unexpected delays in our opening, and construction setbacks added to the frustration. However, once the building was ready, we hit the ground running and haven’t looked back since.

The bright spot throughout it all has been the incredible support from our Knightdale community. The encouragement and connection we’ve experienced have been truly rewarding, and we deeply value the strong relationships we’ve built. Challenges aside, this journey has only strengthened our gratitude and commitment to serving this wonderful community.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
At Rewind Retrobar, we specialize in creating a one-of-a-kind experience that blends the nostalgia of the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s with a vibrant social atmosphere. Located in Knightdale, NC, we’re known for our creative cocktails, retro gaming, and a welcoming space where people can connect and have fun.

What truly sets us apart is our active and diverse events calendar, which keeps our community engaged week after week. We host everything from weekly trivia nights and live music performances to monthly music bingo and wildly popular karaoke events, often with fun themes. Our retro car meet-ups, 80s/90s proms, Halloween parties, and other unique gatherings create unforgettable memories for our guests.

We’re incredibly proud of the strong sense of community we’ve built through these events and the friendships that have formed because of them. Rewind isn’t just a bar; it’s a place where people come together to celebrate, laugh, and relive their favorite memories.

Of course, our cocktails are a major highlight! We’re known for our retro-themed drinks, like the fan-favorite Princess Peach’s Sweet Tea. This delightful cocktail offers a peachy twist with peach boba and a peach gummy ring, making it as fun and interactive as it is delicious. And whether you’re sipping a cocktail or playing your favorite retro games—from arcade classics to free-play gaming systems—Rewind offers an experience that’s truly unique.

At Rewind Retrobar, we’re more than a business—we’re a destination for good times, good drinks, and even better company. We can’t wait for you to come by and see what makes us so special!

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Over the next 5–10 years, we see the bar and entertainment industry continuing to evolve towards creating more immersive, experience-driven environments. Guests are no longer just looking for a place to grab a drink; they want a space that offers community, nostalgia, and unique experiences they can’t find anywhere else.

One significant trend we anticipate is the increasing demand for experiential offerings, like interactive cocktails, themed events, and niche spaces that evoke a sense of nostalgia or cater to specific interests. This aligns with the growing popularity of retro-themed venues like ours, where people can relive their favorite memories while enjoying modern twists.

We also expect technology to play a larger role in shaping customer experiences. From augmented reality gaming and digital drink menus to event integration through apps, tech will continue enhancing how people engage with nightlife and entertainment venues.

Community-building will remain key. With the rise of suburban nightlife and smaller, local venues, people are looking for places that foster connections close to home. This shift toward “third spaces”—beyond home and work—will shape how businesses like ours design spaces, events, and offerings to strengthen local communities.

In short, the future of our industry is all about creating unforgettable experiences, fostering connection, and embracing innovation while staying true to what makes each venue unique. At Rewind Retrobar, we’re excited to grow with these trends, continuing to offer our community a space that’s nostalgic, fun, and always evolving.

Pricing:

• Most Beers- under $10
• Cocktails- ranging from $8-$12
• Variety of High End Whiskeys and Tequilas

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.rewindretrobar.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rewindretrobar/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rewindretrobar/