Business spotlight
Spotlight: The Old Skool Bar
What's New Kzoo · Updated Nov 2, 2026
Be Present
We wanted to encourage people to be present - leave the outside noise out there, hang out, talk to each other, listen to music, come together.
James Flora, Owner
James Flora ran Kalamazoo Beer Exchange for 15 years. After visiting a bar in Vegas where everyone put their phones away, he felt the difference real connection makes - and wanted to bring that to Kalamazoo. Old Skool opened in 2026 in the old Union Cabaret space with a simple rule: no WiFi, no phones, no outside noise.
What makes them special
- No WiFi, No Phones: Put your phone away and actually hang out - that's the whole point
- Chef-Driven Bar Food: Where fine dining cooking technique meets bar food.
- The Game Room: Pool tables, vintage arcade, pinball, Skee-Ball, foosball & a CD jukebox
- Live Music & DJs: Local bands and DJs, piano karaoke every Monday
Old Skool Bar, 125 S Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo, MI 49007