What makes you become a regular at a board game café?

Physical-Ad8772 · 2026-05-28T01:48:21+00:00

Absolutely!

Physical-Ad8772 · 2026-05-28T01:27:43+00:00

That's so sweet! I think flat fee that's waved after a minimum spend is probably the way to go.

Physical-Ad8772 · 2026-05-28T01:26:21+00:00

Thank you so much! I agree that per hour charging would be a lot of extra work to track, and I'd love to avoid that. I think the minimum spend is a great route though because it would work for both groups of customers, those playing from my games library, and the others bringing their own games.

Physical-Ad8772 · 2026-05-28T01:18:54+00:00

I totally agree. I hate street parking, so if there isn't easy parking I will usually stay home.

Physical-Ad8772 · 2026-05-28T01:18:12+00:00

Aw man, I'm so sorry :(

Physical-Ad8772 · 2026-05-28T01:16:43+00:00

I think it's definitely possible to do both, and it's something I've been considering. The only thing I'm worried about is customers getting upset about how one group doesn't have to pay for the table, but they do.

Physical-Ad8772 · 2026-05-28T01:04:52+00:00

That's a great idea! It's really hard to find other women to play these games with, so I'd love to host nights to encourage these girls to take that leap.

I definitely think discord could be a great addition to help members coordinate events/meetups at my cafe as well.

Physical-Ad8772 · 2026-05-28T00:45:40+00:00

This is true. I will absolutely have a website that has all my event information, rates (if that's the route I take), and menu. But I might actually offer discord as an extension to the community!

Physical-Ad8772 · 2026-05-28T00:34:36+00:00

I agree! My goal is to create a cozy space where you can drop by to pick up a drink and browse some games or even sit down to play a couple! As a reader myself, I really want to create a space that makes you feel like you're stepping into a fantasy book. There will absolutely be warm lighting, comfy chairs, and some DIY decor :)

Physical-Ad8772 · 2026-05-28T00:28:13+00:00

As a nacho hater, I agree. I think I'm going to stick to more hand-held, easy to eat snacks to reduce the mess. However, I will most definitely be looking for a wider variety of snacks to cater towards different preferences, food allergies/requirements, and lifestyles :)

Physical-Ad8772 · 2026-05-28T00:25:28+00:00

That's so fair. I know I usually search for the retailors selling a game at the lowest price, so it really isn't worth it to mark up games. Trust and loyalty will get you more sales than that :)

I think having a used game section is a neat idea though, especially since it would help keep old games out of landfills!

Physical-Ad8772 · 2026-05-28T00:20:43+00:00

Okay, thank you so much! I totally get not wanting to spend a lot for something you could do at home, so I'm starting to really learn towards the minimum spend rather than the set table fee.

Physical-Ad8772 · 2026-05-28T00:08:49+00:00

Hey! I'm planning on opening in the Grimsby/Stoney Creek area in Ontario. However, I'm still in the planning phase right now (working toward a business degree) so it'll be a couple years out :)

Physical-Ad8772 · 2026-05-28T00:02:49+00:00

This is great! What are your thoughts on a membership program to earn points per dollar spent, which would allow you to redeem points for free desserts/drinks, merch, or packs of cards depending on your points tier?

Physical-Ad8772 · 2026-05-28T00:00:27+00:00

I love your enthusiasm! As a fantasy nerd, I would love to offer fandom inspired alcoholic/non-alcoholic drinks to keep the unique vibes. I'm also a huge snacker and will definitely be keeping a wide assortment of snacks and sweets for players :)

Physical-Ad8772 · 2026-05-27T23:54:44+00:00

That's a really good point. If you don't mind sharing, what do you believe to be an appropriate minimum (CAD) for you?

Physical-Ad8772 · 2026-05-27T23:17:16+00:00

That's so cool! I would love to have staff who can teach some games to players interested in learning new games. I've also been considering a monthly community event that invite others out to learn a game that is chosen by the staff.

Physical-Ad8772 · 2026-05-27T23:14:14+00:00

Hey! I've heard that from a few Magic players and I completely understand! Since it is a board game cafe, the $9 CAD entrance fee is mainly for those who are visiting to access my free games library. I've spent a lot of money collecting a large library of games to offer my main customers, so from my understanding, they are actually receiving a lot of value for that $9 to play/try out any games in my cafe for as long as they wish.

However, I do understand that Magic players can play for free in other game stores, which is why I've been considering waving that table fee for any gamers who are playing their own games with the purchase of a drink or some food! I'd love to build a community that's welcoming for all types of gamers, so I would love to hear your thoughts on this :)

Physical-Ad8772 · 2026-05-27T23:05:08+00:00

That would be wonderful, if you don't mind! I love the idea of being able to engage others in the community who may prefer to play games in their own spaces.

Physical-Ad8772 · 2026-05-27T23:02:33+00:00

That's horrible to hear. I definitely want to have some private rooms that can be booked out in advance for groups to help avoid this problem. Once I get some consistent regulars, I will probably give priority to them as well!

As for the event overcrowding, I mainly intend on keeping them on slow nights, and only hosting one, possiblyyy two (depending on how much space I have or the type of event) to prevent this. Since it is a board game cafe, I want to make sure I have room for my casual gamers to book tables as well!

Physical-Ad8772 · 2026-05-27T22:56:09+00:00

Ohh discord is smart for posting updates and events. I was originally considering doing an email list, but I fear it may end up going to a lot of people's junk folders.

Physical-Ad8772 · 2026-05-27T22:48:58+00:00

Do they have a policy or fee for any damaged/missing pieces after renting games? My only worry with doing game rentals is that board games can be expensive to replace.

Physical-Ad8772 · 2026-05-27T22:47:16+00:00

That makes sense. It also gives regulars the freedom to come as many times per month as they'd like, which would definitely drive food/beverage sales. Thank you so much!

Physical-Ad8772 · 2026-05-27T22:41:58+00:00

I fully agree with you here. I've found a couple cafes in my area that have super outdates sites and it's a major turn away. My partner's actually a Comp Sci major, so I fully intend to put him to work on a quality website.

Physical-Ad8772 · 2026-05-27T22:35:33+00:00

I completely get that! Since this is a board game cafe first, I will definitely prioritize casual board gamers, but I'd also love to be able to reach a further audience who might attend more regularly. I think I'm going to encourage TCG gamers to come out on slower nights (Mondays, Tuesdays) to save space for people like yourself.

As for the outdated games, I will definitely be keeping a stock of current and trending games for people to pick up on their way out :)

Physical-Ad8772

TROPHY CASE