We recently caught up with Christian from Retro Realm and Green peppers, and we asked him ab out the latest addition to the offerings in Middlebury.
K&K: What drew you to invest in this particular block of downtown Middlebury?
Christian: I’ve lived in six states and worked in ten, and I’ve spent about 15 years in the arcade world, along with a background in restaurants—including time with Spare Time Entertainment in Colchester. My wife suggested the Washington St space for an arcade. After I visited the space I realized the potential but she certainly saw it first!!! We immediately felt the potential. The space had been unoccupied for about ten years, and it just felt like an opportunity to bring life and energy back into it.
K&K: You now have Retro Realm and Green Peppers alongside Buy Again Alley—did you see early on that this could become a hub for younger people?
Christian: Yes, absolutely. I really see this as a destination—somewhere people can come to spend time, not just pass through. There’s a natural connection between what we’re all doing here, and it’s grown into a space that really appeals to younger people, families, and increasingly younger couples too.
K&K: How do you see these three spaces working together to create a bigger shared experience?
Christian: It’s that “eat, play, shop” combination. You’ve got the arcade at Retro Realm, food at Green Peppers, and then Buy Again Alley in the middle. People move between the three, and it creates a really social, connected experience.
K&K: What kind of atmosphere or experience are you hoping people have when they spend time on this block?
Christian: It’s very much about family fun. What I hear a lot from parents is that they love being able to bring their kids somewhere safe, where they’re playing together in person—not online. It’s social, it’s active, and it feels good for families.
K&K: Do you see this becoming a go-to hangout spot for teens, college students, and families?
Christian: Yes—that’s the goal. We’re already seeing more late teens and younger couples coming in, and being in a college town, I’d love to bring more students into the mix as well.
K&K: How does adding Green Peppers change or strengthen what you’ve already built with Retro Realm?
Christian: Food really completes the experience. With Green Peppers, people can stay longer, sit down, and make more of a visit out of it. We’re restoring the seating area for about 50 people, and we’re aiming to have that open by mid-April.
K&K: Have you noticed any shifts in foot traffic or energy since taking on the restaurant?
Christian: Definitely. There’s more flow, more people staying and moving between places. It’s starting to feel like a real destination.
K&K: Are you thinking about collaborations or events that connect the arcade, restaurant, and neighboring businesses?
Christian: Yes, and also thinking about the physical space—looking ahead to outdoor seating in the summer, both outside Retro Realm and Green Peppers. That will really help bring the whole block together.
K&K: What challenges come with building this kind of destination in a small town like Middlebury?
Christian: It takes time to build momentum and habits. But the response so far has been really encouraging, and people are starting to see this as a place to come and spend time.
K&K: Looking ahead, what’s your vision for this block—and what would you love it to become known for?
Christian: I’d love it to be known as a place for family fun—a place where people can come together, have a good time, and feel connected. That’s really what it’s all about.
A few highlights from Green Peppers
- Seating for 50 people, reopening mid-April
- Classic 10”, 14”, and 17” pizzas remain
- New flavors alongside tradition
- Weekly soups and specials returning
- Christian’s own meatball recipe now on the menu
- Focus on quality improvements, while keeping prices largely stable
Green Peppers 10 Washington Street #3 Middlebury
Retro Realm 10 Washington Street Middlebury