Gamers can find a haven downtown on the bricks, with the opening of Game Knights at 414 N. Dewey, the old Keith Theater building.

Game Knights held a soft opening March 29-30 and the owners are encouraged with the turnout.
The owners, James and Josh Howell, and Conner Chessmore, have played electronic games since they were young, and wanted to offer a sport besides fishing and hunting to the general public of North Platte.

The trio pitched their idea in the annual “Big Idea” contest, organized by the North Platte Young Professionals, partnered with the North Platte Chamber of Commerce. They took third place and won $3,000 to spur their entrepreneurial effort.

Game Knights customers can play Magic: The Gathering, Pokémon and other games, and also paint miniature portraits. The charge is $5 a seat, and it entitles the gamer to some friendly store credits in exchange.

The store is open five days a week — Tuesday-Saturday. The times are 2-10 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, and 2 p.m.-1 a.m. on Friday-Saturday.

The owners are “absolutely gamers,” playing most every day of their lives. Josh Howell estimates that he has 20,000 hours of experience playing card games, board games and role playing.

By George Lauby

Mackenzie’s Snack Shack: Quick, healthy fare on the bricks

Located downtown on the bricks at 408 N. Dewey, the brightly painted walls of Mackenzie’s Snack Shack exude a welcoming vibe.

Owner Mackenzie Fernandez helmed her restaurant’s soft opening the last weekend in March.

Fernandez wanted to open a place that would be a healthier choice than typical fast food. She saw a need in North Platte for a place where people could make more nutritious food choices. Through hard work and determination, she brought Mackenzie’s Snack Shack to life.

“We have really been inspired by healthy eating,” Fernandez said. “I believe if you eat healthy, you feel good, you look good and then you do good,” she said with enthusiasm.

According to Fernandez, business has been going well in the short time they have been open.

“The best thing has been seeing customers smile and hearing the ooos and ahhs when they taste our food,” Fernandez said. The outpouring of support from the community is greatly appreciated.

Fernandez has a range of experience working in restaurants and managing events. She previously ran a food truck, selling tacos and homemade tortillas. She feels fortunate to have learned the restaurant business, including working alongside trained chefs.

The restaurant employs a build-your-own concept. Customers choose fresh ingredients and toppings from the bar. Fernandez expertly combines them into a custom salad, yogurt or hummus bowl. The elotes, Mexican street corn with toppings, has already become a customer favorite.

House made salad dressings, homemade pickles, pickle pico and Fernandez’s special recipe protein dips round out the menu. Dips are available in flavors such as ranch and herb tomato, with Greek yogurt to pack a protein punch.

With her husband Jose, daughter Mia and son Leo, Mackenzie’s is truly a family owned and operated business. Fernandez can usually be found behind the salad bar. Jose mans the register, ensuring customers have everything they need to savor his wife’s culinary creations. Leo and Mia clean, clear tables and greet customers. It is evident that they pitch in to make the eatery a comfortable place to grab a quick snack or healthy meal.

Now that the restaurant is up and running, Fernandez hopes to add new menu items and eventually offer delivery. The couple wants to begin offering hot food at the restaurant, although that is still in the planning stage.

Mackenzie’s is open 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Mondays, 11-3 Tuesday-Thursday, from 9-3 on Fridays and 11-6 on Saturdays. Dine in and take out orders are welcome.

By Teressa Sykora

Mobile business restores shine, polish to chrome

Marty Holman Stark of North Platte started polishing aluminum and chrome in 2013. He met his first customer through friends, and immediately, he knew it was something that he wanted to do.

“There is a sense of pride in looking at a tire rim or fuel tank that used to look terrible, now shining like new,” he said.

Stark officially got going in November 2022 and business continues to be good.

Allstark Finishing provides quality aluminum and stainless steel polishing.

“We love what we do, and we know you will too” is his motto. The business is mobile. He travels to customers across Nebraska and into surrounding states. His most ambitious project so far was polishing a 90-foot church steeple near Central City, which took three weeks.

To make arrangements, check Allstark Finishing on Facebook or call 308-293-9451.

By George Lauby

The report was first published in the Bulletin’s April 10 print edition.

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