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Another day, another loss for New York. Buzz-a-Rama, the beloved slot-car racing spot that's been operating in Kensington, Brooklyn for almost 60 years, has officially closed its doors.
A true neighborhood operation, the spot was also home to vintage arcade games and displays selling replacement parts for the cars. According to Gothamist, it was "likely the last slot-car racing joint in New York City."
Buzz and Dolores Perri first opened Buzz-A-Rama in 1965. Unfortunately, the couple passed from COVID-19 only ten days apart back in May 2021. Their son Frank had taken over the business but he decided to close up shop because, as he said to Gothamist, it didn't make financial sense to keep it running as taxes alone were $50,000 per year.
Frank is currently selling off the shop's inventory and New Yorkers are invited to stop by the at 69 Church Avenue through Sunday at around 4pm.
Just like recent news regarding the sudden closing of the Court Street Regal theater, the shutter of Buzz-A-Rama has drawn reactions by New Yorkers of all ages.
Here are some of the most heartfelt ones posted on social media, plus a video from inside the space also featuring its late owners:
Damn, didn't know, would have gone for some nostalgia & slot cars
— WeirdAbsurdDad #GetVaxxed #MaskUp #BeBoosted (@absurd_dad) January 18, 2022
Tho was only there twice, thanks for the fun times.
Beloved Slot-Car Racing Spot Buzz-A-Rama Closes For Good, Son Of Owners Selling Inventory.https://t.co/h5A7VNuPnP
Buzz-A-Rama closed. I remember my dad taking me there as a kid. Pretty sad moment.
— iamalainalain (@iamalainalain) January 19, 2022
My last time in New York--just before Covid--I visited Buzz-A-Rama in Brooklyn. https://t.co/Zg8WyhL2xw
— David S. Wallens (@DavidSWallens) January 18, 2022
Was so sorry to hear about the closing of Buzz-a-Rama in Windsor Terrace, where I spent many an afternoon when the kids were young. I taught them that this was the only kind of driving I’d allow. pic.twitter.com/TkWukSKZCX
— Gersh Kuntzman (@GershKuntzman) January 17, 2022
Another moment in NYC history has come and gone. May Buzz and Dolores RIP and be remembered for the special space they created for so many people.
— Raúl Cuza (@rcuza) January 17, 2022
Beloved Slot-Car Racing Spot Buzz-A-Rama Closes For Good, Son Of Owners Selling Inventory - Gothamist https://t.co/8CkKMCISTY
There's heartache and treasure to be had at Buzz-a-Rama today. They're selling everything. Stop by if you can. https://t.co/pLa7jrJt3z
— Matthew Kronsberg (@matt_kronsberg) January 16, 2022
Live fast. Die beloved.
— Eric Rudnick (@ERudnick) January 16, 2022
No Regrets.
Beloved Slot-Car Racing Spot Buzz-A-Rama Closes For Good, Son Of Owners Selling Inventory - Gothamist https://t.co/Tj5mVILJ4Q
One of the great joys of living in the odd little pocket of Windsor Terrace was walking to the occasional Buzz-a-Rama birthday party. RIP to another part of what made Brooklyn worth it. https://t.co/RRFjh72RvD
— Bill Tipper (@tripleblip) January 15, 2022