Carl's e-story: Reviving the Past, Leveling Up the Present

When Carl Arnheiter swapped the skyscrapers of New York City for the skyline of Evansville, Indiana, he wasn't just relocating—he was rebooting.

Armed with a dream and a discerning eye for the delightfully quirky, Carl saw potential where others saw a long-abandoned vacuum cleaner shop. 

Carl quote

You can here.

“There's a place for your ideas, here.”
 
 

 

Learn more about Carl.

Enter Arcademie: a two-story barcade where nostalgia meets innovation. The building, once home to Bethuram Vacuum Cleaners, had been collecting dust—literally. But Carl looked past the grime and straight into possibility. He preserved the building’s soul, turning vintage vacuums into glowing light fixtures, ceiling joists into table legs, and filling the space with retro games, fresh cocktails, and an undeniable sense of fun. Evansville gave him the room to dream louder, get a little weird, and invite the community to play along.

But this isn’t just a bar. It’s a Carl-crafted experience. Every syrup is made in-house with fresh ingredients. Every detail has a purpose. And every corner echoes his belief that art and joy can (and should) exist in unexpected places.

And let’s be honest: when’s the last time a vacuum store made you want to stay for a drink? 🍸

Carl
Girls playing game