In the heart of Columbia, Maryland, a vibrant space filled with energy, nostalgia, and community comes to life every evening—GameOn Bar + Arcade. At the helm of this increasingly beloved establishment is Casey Linthicum, a dynamic entrepreneur whose life journey has shaped her into a leader grounded in service, creativity, and unwavering purpose. She serves as the Co-owner of GameOn Bar + Arcade, a Columbia, MD–based entertainment venue founded in 2022.
With a career built across public service, hospitality, global volunteering, and the rigorous training of McDonald’s “Next Gen” program, Casey’s story is one of resilience, exploration, and passion—which ultimately led to the creation of one of the Top 21 Best Arcades in the US.
Early Roots: A Foundation Built on Service, Strength & Curiosity
Casey’s journey began at Indiana University Bloomington, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice in 2010. But her career path was never linear. Instead, it was shaped by a deep desire to serve and explore.
After graduation, she joined AmeriCorps NCCC, serving as a wildland firefighter in Colorado—battling numerous forest fires and working closely with a team in high-pressure environments. This early chapter tested her limits and instilled qualities that would later define her leadership.
Later, her next move took her to Southern California, where she became the Marketing and Events Manager for a popular nightclub, gaining essential hands-on experience in promotions, hospitality, and entertainment culture.
After a few years, Casey spent six months volunteering abroad at orphanages in Guatemala and Nepal—an experience that left the deepest imprint on her heart and shaped her perspective on how service can transform the way she viewed community, purpose, and leadership.
Stepping into Leadership: From Events to Entrepreneurship
Returning home to Maryland, Casey took on the role of Events Manager at a golf course restaurant, specializing in wedding planning and large-scale events. When that restaurant was sold, she made a pivotal move to join her father, an accomplished McDonald’s franchisee.
Her father’s influence guided her through McDonald’s demanding “Next Gen” program, where she learned business operations, finance, marketing, and leadership at the highest level. Graduating from Hamburger University, she soon became an approved franchisee and eventually chose to sell her store alongside her father’s when he retired.
That transition opened the door to what would become her next major chapter: GameOn Bar + Arcade, co-founded with her husband, Eli. Today, while raising their two children—Brix (5) and Charlie (3)—Casey and Eli run the thriving business together.
Casey is a determined leader because each chapter of her story reflects adaptability, courage, and a strong will to build something meaningful.
A Father’s Legacy: The Most Influential Force
We ask Casey who shaped her the most, and the answer comes instantly: her dad.
“My dad has been the most influential person in my life, both personally and professionally. He taught me the value of hard work, perseverance, and maintaining a positive attitude no matter the challenge. He began working at McDonald’s on his 16th birthday for just $1 an hour and, through dedication and determination, eventually owned 14 McDonald’s restaurants and became a leader among franchisees in our region. Beyond his professional success, he is one of the most generous people I know, always giving back to the community and supporting friends and family. My strong work ethic and commitment to serving others are a direct reflection of the example he set for me,” she shares.
The Vision Behind GameOn: Where Creativity and Nostalgia Meet
The concept behind GameOn was sparked by Casey’s husband, Eli—whose energy, creativity, and magnetic personality brought the dream to life.
“My husband, Eli, is a larger-than-life personality whose energy and vision are truly contagious. Before we met, he worked at bars across New York, dreaming of one day creating a place where adults could come together, have fun, and just be themselves. We met while working at a restaurant on a golf course, and over time, we turned that dream into reality. Together, we brought GameOn to life—a space that reflects his creativity and our shared passion for building something fun, welcoming, and memorable, she recalls.
Together, they transformed that dream into a thriving business.
“My husband, Eli, was the visionary behind the GameOn concept. Our mission has always been to create a fun, safe, and nostalgic environment that’s welcoming to all—a place where people can relax, socialize, and enjoy a truly inclusive experience. This mission is the same today and will be for many years to come,” she adds.
Building a Brand: Creativity, Operations & Community Impact
Casey’s combined experience in marketing and events has taught her to think outside the box, creating one-of-a-kind experiences that bring the community together and elevate the brand. Coupled with her business and finance training at McDonald’s, this experience has prepared her to lead a company that thrives on both creativity and precision—turning ideas into a well-oiled, successful business.
Her ability to create unique, community-focused experiences beautifully complements her behind-the-scenes mastery of operations and finance. Together, these strengths fuel GameOn’s growing presence and reputation.
But with growth came challenges, particularly navigating the different bureaucratic landscapes of each city and county GameOn operates in. Understanding regulations, processes, and government structures was one of the brand’s earliest hurdles—but one Casey overcame with determination and adaptability.
A People-First Leader: Empowering Teams & Giving Back
As a woman entrepreneur, Casey sees her role as one rooted in empowerment, culture-building, and community connection.
She leads with the goal of building strong, motivated teams and fostering a positive, inclusive workplace—a commitment reflected in their impressive 85% employee retention rate.
Her passion for connecting with other female entrepreneurs and learning from each other. She believes that “my weaknesses may be someone else’s strengths and vice versa,” so it’s always great to connect with and learn from other entrepreneurs. Collaboration, learning, and mutual support are core to the ecosystem she chooses to cultivate.
Casey and Eli are deeply committed to giving back to their community and love participating in career coaching for the younger generation, ensuring the next wave of leaders feels supported and inspired.
Balancing Business & Family: A Partnership That Works
“My husband and I are incredibly fortunate to have strong family support, especially when it comes to caring for our kids. Eli and I have a great partnership, often tag-teaming between work and family life while still making our relationship a priority. I stay grounded with a long run every Sunday morning, and I often take advantage of the kids’ space at our gym—sometimes even using it as a quiet spot to get extra work done rather than to work out!” says Casey.
The Road Ahead: Expanding the GameOn Experience
“Over the next two years, we envision GameOn expanding its presence and solidifying our reputation as the number one arcade bar in the DMV. With the recent opening of our first location outside Maryland, in DC, our focus will be on delivering exceptional experiences, building strong community connections, and growing brand awareness. I will play a key role in driving this transformation by overseeing marketing and events, ensuring each location embodies our vision, and fostering a strong, engaged team that delivers the fun, inclusive environment our customers have come to expect,” asserts Casey.
A Leader Who Plays With Heart
Casey Linthicum is more than a co-owner—she is a visionary grounded in service, shaped by resilience, and driven by community. Her journey reflects a life lived with intention, courage, and compassion.
From fighting wildfires to managing large-scale events, from global volunteering to franchise leadership, her experiences have all led to this moment—creating a space where joy, connection, and nostalgia come together under one electrifying roof.
GameOn Bar + Arcade is not just a business.
It’s a reflection of Casey’s heart—and the countless stories, lessons, and people who shaped her along the way.
