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Sally Cohen

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving! 2048 1000 GAD Vending

GAD offices will be closed for Thanksgiving Thursday and the weekend.

Our staff enjoys a good, long holiday weekend with lots of food, pinball, games and football. Hope you enjoy your time together too.

Have a very happy Thanksgiving weekend.

What’s on the Naughty or Nice List? A Game from GAD?

What’s on the Naughty or Nice List? A Game from GAD? 498 724 GAD Vending

Getting ready for Christmas? Facing the worst people on your list? Have they been the right naughty or nice? How about a new game for the house?

GAD stocks many games, pinball and arcade games. Check out a listing here. 

GAD has a free delivery program in the geographic areas around our offices in Omaha, Des Moines and Kansas City. We also have curbside pick-up. Plus, we have an arrangement with various shipping companies for an affordable shipping option to your home.

GAD offers phone support for all our customers. Plus, we have service technicians in various areas that can help if you can’t figure it out. GAD has a large parts department. We can help you determine what you need, and ship it to you.

A home game room must haves –

  • Golden Tee PGA Home Edition
  • At least 1 Stern Pinball
  • Ice or Fire Digital Darts
  • If you have room, consider a shuffle board, foosball or pool table

Let us know how much space you have and we’ll help you with a mix of equipment that makes sense for you and your entertainment needs.

Latest and Greatest New Stern Pinball Releases

Latest and Greatest New Stern Pinball Releases 1500 1483 GAD Vending

Stern has been very productive releasing new titles in the last few months. Thought it is important to take a look at these so you can plan your Christmas shopping wish list.

GAD has these titles in stock or on the way in various levels of play. Check with us to find out availability, pricing and delivery options. Yes, we sell to commercial and residential customers.

METALLICA REMATERED

Metallica Remastered is updated with a full-color LCD display featuring all-new animations and live concert video footage. Stern’s modern Spike 2 electronics will power the gameplay experience.  Fans will enjoy expanded gameplay and improved presentation with 22 songs (8 more than the original) and expanded gameplay rules. Cabinet improvements include an Expression Lighting system and 2 all-new art packages by Metallica artist Rhys Cooper.  Players will experience the same great flow from the original Metallica playfield layout with geometry and mechanical improvements, new versions of gameplay toys, updated mechanical devices, and new UV lighting effects.

Since forming in 1981, Metallica has become one of the most influential and popular bands in musical history. Through their groundbreaking music, electrifying live performances, and a cultural impact that has extended beyond music, Metallica has garnered a massive global following of dedicated fans. Their critical acclaim and influence match the Hall of Fame band’s commercial success in the world of rock music and pinball.

Stern Pinball has ensured that extra care and attention to detail has gone into every facet of Metallica Remastered while respecting the timeless classic game created by pinball legends John Borg and Lyman F. Sheats, Jr. The design team, led again by John Borg and software engineer Raymond Davidson, has created a modern version of the original masterpiece.

John Borg’s classic playfield architecture has been enhanced with three all-new sculptures: Sparky, the Hammer, new RGB-illuminated Skulls, and a new Metallica logo spell-out on the back panel. Dramatic UV lighting effects have been implemented throughout the playfield and on Sparky, and the game includes numerous quality and durability refinements.

The iconic Lyman Sheats rule set has been carefully enhanced to add two new game modes based on Metallica’s two most recent albums, last year’s Grammy-winning 72 Seasons and 2016’s Hardwired…to Self-Destruct, as well as a new “Blackened” Wizard Mode. The Metallica Remastered software also includes numerous refinements throughout and an enhanced illuminated insert array to support the new game rules while preserving the classic gameplay feel from the original.

Metallica Remastered features an entirely new suite of presentation elements, including all video content and animations, new sound effects, and over 1,000 new speech calls that include callouts by the band. Eight new Metallica songs have been seamlessly integrated into the game and include new supporting animations, movies, and HD-quality live concert footage selected by the band. The Expression Lighting system for the cabinet and speakers comes standard with the Limited Edition version and is available as an accessory upgrade for Premium models.

THE UNCANNY XMEN

Stern’s new The Uncanny X-Men pinball games feature Wolverine, Professor X, Cyclops, Storm, Colossus, Beast, Rogue, Gambit, Nightcrawler, Jean Grey, Bishop, Kitty Pryde, and Magneto, along with a supporting cast of allies and foes. The adventure takes players to familiar X-Men locations including the Danger Room, Beast’s Lab, the X-Mansion, and Genosha. Along the way players will interact with fabled X-Men devices like Cerebro and the X-Jet.

The Uncanny X-Men playfield is a unique pinball layout that features an array of new crossing shots and ramp designs with surprising ball trajectories to deliver kinetic satisfaction. The all-new Danger Room design, located to the left of the main flippers, offers a high-risk, high-reward experience that includes a mini-flipper and a novel outlane spinner. Premium and Limited Edition models also include an all-new elevated captive ball vari-target themed as Beast’s Lab.

The Uncanny X-Men pinball game features a mechanically articulated Sentinel for the player to battle. The Sentinel’s large robotic head changes its state based on the player’s actions. In the Premium and Limited Edition models, the Sentinel rises from underneath the playfield and fights back by destroying the player’s ramps or attacking the ball with its extended hands.

“X-Men is a time-honored franchise that Marvel and Stern fans love.  It’s the superhero franchise that I grew up with. We’re excited for fans to experience the fun of The Uncanny X-Men pinball,” said Seth Davis, President & CEO of Stern Pinball.

The Uncanny X-Men’s game experience is masterfully illustrated in comic book style art by renowned artist Jeremy Packer, aka Zombie Yeti. Each game also features a custom X-Men soundtrack with diverse musical styles designed to immerse the player into the game’s various time periods.  The soundtrack was composed by Charlie Benante of Anthrax and Pantera fame. The game’s video presentation makes the classic Days of Future Past story come to life in animated motion graphics style.

JOHN WICK

Stern Pinball, Inc. announces its newest line of pinball games featuring the world’s greatest assassin, John Wick. Created in collaboration with Lionsgate, players will experience the thrilling and action-packed billion-dollar grossing John Wick franchise with film-inspired mechanical features and artwork alongside Stern’s all-new dynamic AI combat system. John Wick pinball games are available in Pro, Premium, and Limited Edition (LE) models. The John Wick film franchise is produced by Thunder Road’s Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee, along with franchise director Chad Stahelski through his 87Eleven Entertainment production company.

In Stern’s John Wick pinball games, players step into the role of the world’s greatest assassin as he fights to escape his past. As the titular character, players can engage in high-speed car chases and fast-action drifting across the playfield, which incorporates models and artwork inspired by iconic locations from the franchise, including the New York Continental Hotel and the Red Circle Club, all set against a dramatically edge lit New York City skyline. Players can also open John Wick’s weapons crate to reveal a hidden shot target path to retrieve an array of weapons. Players must use the sculpted Blood Oath Marker carefully – or risk the consequences. Players need to survive other assassins, complete jobs for the legendary Factions of the High Table, and eventually take on John Wick’s “Special Assignment!”

To raise the stakes, John Wick pinball introduces Stern’s all-new dynamic AI combat system, an innovation that brings the frenetic combat of the legendary films to the game. The Stern team has created a primitive video game AI system to control the enemy lights on the playfield, setting the John Wick pinball games apart from prior pinball machines, where all lights were controlled by player actions, timers, and random number generations. In this new AI combat system, enemy icons are responsive to player behavior and will illuminate dynamically around the playfield to challenge the player. The enemies move tactically with this dynamic software to counter player objectives, creating a unique challenge in each game session. The system also features a new action video player that dynamically reflects player action – as you defeat three enemies, you’ll see video clips of John Wick doing the same in the films!

Accompanying the high-quality film and audio assets woven into the gameplay, John Wick pinball games will include custom narration by critically acclaimed actor Ian McShane as Winston and an original score composed by Charlie Benante of Anthrax and Pantera fame. Additionally, pieces of John Wick’s iconic suits used in connection with the production of the films will be included as a franchise artifact in the LE models, courtesy of Lionsgate. The John Wick pinball games will feature original neo-noir style paintings illustrated by acclaimed artist, Randy Martinez.

“Inspired by one of the most iconic and thrilling film franchises of our time, we’re releasing John Wick pinball games with the most advanced technology we’ve ever created,” said Seth Davis, President & CEO of Stern Pinball, “We can’t wait for players to try out our new combat system and experience the action.”

John Wick pinball games include Stern’s award-winning Insider Connected™ system, which enables players to interact with the game and a global network of players in multiple ways.  Through Insider Connected, players can track progress, earn new game-specific Achievements, take on special John Wick Quests and complete Faction Contracts to increase their Assassin ranking.

Insider Connected also provides an operator-focused toolset to drive location play through a better player experience, game location discovery, location leaderboards, performance analysis, automatic code updates, and remote diagnostics for easier maintenance.  Registration for Insider Connected is available at insider.sternpinball.com/ or in the Insider Connected App.  Download it today on iOS and Android.

MORE FROM STERN

This is just the highlights of the last 3 great releases from Stern. There are so many others that GAD has in stock and ready for your home.

Released in 2024 also include Jaws and Venom. Both in stock at GAD with limited quantities available.

 

 

Great Arcade Games In Stock! Big Buck Hunter Reloaded

Great Arcade Games In Stock! Big Buck Hunter Reloaded 952 694 GAD Vending
What’s in stock at GAD for arcades? Big Buck Hunter Reloaded

Find out more by contacting GAD. We’ll be able to help you with this great arcade game for your home, office or breakroom.

 

Make Checkout Easy

Make Checkout Easy 620 421 GAD Vending

(Crane CPI Vending) Self-checkout technology is at the forefront of rapid retail digitization, transforming the checkout experience for retailers and consumers alike. But for retailers aiming to stay a step ahead of the curve, adopting a customized self-checkout solution as opposed to a generic solution is not just innovative, but necessary. While implementing a self-checkout built specifically for your store may seem complex, Crane Payment Innovations makes the entire process smooth and painless.

Here’s our step-by-step guide on how we build, install and service a self-checkout made specifically for your store – from start to finish.

Consultation

Before prescribing, we diagnose. At CPI, we recognize that a generic turnkey solution is a disservice to your business’s unique and specific needs. The consultation phase is where we diverge from the one-size-fits-all mentality. Our method involves analyzing your specific retail operation and identifying the nuanced challenges and opportunities unique to your store. By dissecting your processes, customer interactions, and pain points, we custom-build a solution that not only integrates seamlessly with your existing operations but also resolves your distinct problems. This approach ensures that our self-checkout system doesn’t just fit – it functions as an extension of your brand’s commitment to customer service and operational efficiency.

Design

Transforming the shopping experience begins with a blueprint that resonates with your brand and clientele. Our design phase is not a one-size-fits-all template; it’s a collaborative effort where your vision is meticulously etched, from layout to branding and beyond. We pride ourselves on a design process that embraces your business’ unique traits to create a bespoke checkout solution.

Customization is the cornerstone here; from touchscreen interfaces to varying levels of customer assistance, our self-checkout systems are tailored to integrate effortlessly within your environment. By aligning the solution with your retail ethos and operational mechanics, we ensure that customer satisfaction and ease of use are amplified.

Installation 

The transition from design to live installation can be an anxious time, with concerns about disruption and downtime. Our experienced engineers and project managers skillfully execute installations with minimal disruption.

Quality assurance and thorough testing are integral to our process, ensuring functionality and stability before customer use. Our aim is to not only install a system but to establish a new era of operational efficiency you can rely on.

Training and Service

The effectiveness of a system relies on its operators. That’s why we’re committed to making sure each staff member has a full knowledge of how to operate your new checkout solution. Our immersive training, led by knowledgeable professionals, covers both technology and your retail needs.

But our commitment doesn’t stop there. Ongoing support and maintenance are the foundation of our customer experience. Our dedicated support team is ready to troubleshoot and guide your staff, ensuring consistent productivity and exceptional customer service.

Embracing the Future of Retail

Embarking on a journey to a custom self-checkout can be tricky, but CPI is here to guide you every step of the way. As retail automation gains momentum, we are dedicated to making things simple and achievable, and to making seamless experiences the norm.

CPI is more than just an automated checkout provider. We design seamless, stress-free systems deeply rooted in the retail landscape. From inception to operational excellence, our dedicated support ensures a smooth and effective transition to custom self-checkout.

Ready to start today? Call GAD Vending.

Thank you to our Veterans

Thank you to our Veterans 2048 1365 GAD Vending

A big thank you to those family, friends, staff and customers that served our country.

November – National Our Favorite Coffee Drink Month

November – National Our Favorite Coffee Drink Month 940 788 GAD Vending

With two of our favorite coffee drinks having national days this month, we are officially declaring November “Our Favorite Coffee Drink Month”. November 8 is National Cappuccino Day and November 23 is National Espresso Day just to make sure we celebrate appropriately.

To join in the celebration, just contact the closest GAD office (800.798.2812) in either Omaha, Des Moines or Kansas City. Let us know the office size breakroom you are in charge of – and we’ll not only commiserate with what a pain coffee clean up can really be and we’ll bring you a cup of coffee from one of our Crane Vending machines.

We also work with lots of vending route companies that can do the upkeep for you. They are experts at servicing coffee vending machines as well as your snack and soda equipment.

Crane Vending machines features are numerous, so we’ll go over a few:

  • Fresh grounding of the beans
  • Easy maintenance
  • Lots of choices for users
  • Can be set to free or paid
  • Users can save their favorites on their phone and order in an app
  • The vending machine can notify you when it needs restocking
  • GAD stocks parts to keep your machine in working order

What’s in Stock? Kalkomat Boxers

What’s in Stock? Kalkomat Boxers 1500 1504 GAD Vending

Kalkomat is an international manufacturer of some of the best, most innovative arcade games available today. What does GAD love the best? The stand up boxer series!

GAD stocks various boxer arcade games. Available for purchase by the public for home use, office, breakroom or arcade. Currently in stock is the American Boxer, Fire Boxer, and Combo Boxer.

Contact GAD for all the information on the Kalkomat Boxer games.

Halloween – Trick or Treat and Pinball

Halloween – Trick or Treat and Pinball 753 751 GAD Vending

What a great combination for Halloween – do a little trick or treat and play pinball in to the night.

GAD favorites for Halloween – Elvira or Stranger Things (both in stock or look on Stern for places to play!).

But of course, we could be moved to play a rousing pin on any of the best music games available. Especially exciting is the new Metallica Remastered. If that isn’t your band – how about Foo Fighters, or Iron Maiden? Younger kids enjoy TMNT, Mandalorian, or Jurassic Park. Anything Marvel is always a good choice – Avengers, Venom, Deadpool or Guardians of the Galaxy. Not yes? How about from a favorite movie? James Bond? Godzilla? Jaws? The choices are amazing.

Amazing choices, in stock at GAD for pick up, delivery or ship out.

Halloween Costume Ideas!

Halloween Costume Ideas! 940 788 GAD Vending

What are you going to be for Halloween? That’s easy – your PINBALL character!

So easy to be anything Star Wars or Mandalorian. How about Ghostbusters or TMNT? Marvels? So many great characters, so few days to dress up!

But we’ll be so bold that if you dress up like your pinball, share the photos.