May 1977 - Mid 1979

On May 17th 1977, the first store, 370 S Winchester Blvd
was opened to the general public by Atari.
In the first year the store was very successful, though it was close to being shuttered.

Warner Communications, who had purchased Atari in 1976, wanted to focus on expanding the company into the home video game market instead of running a pizza place.
By 1978 Warner and Bushnell had differning interests,
causing Bushnell to resign as CEO and purchase the first store, trademarks, and other rights from Atari for
$500,000 in June of 1978.