Game Cafe

Game Cafe is one of the very few game stores that actually invite people to come and play. I wrote them to find out more. Naturally. When I read their response, my first reaction was "finally." At last, a game store that understands, respects, and provides for play. My second reaction - I have to share this with the known universe. Here's what they sent me (shared with permission).

"Game Cafe is a retail game store started, owned and run by my husband and myself.

"We are all about fun and have worked hard to create a comfortable and inviting environment that is family oriented. We are located on the Historic Independence Square in Independence, MO, and have been open for just over a year now.

"The way our store is set up is that the front area is our retail board and card game section. We sell unique games for ages 3 through adult. There are many types, from light-hearted family games, group/party games, 2-player games, kids games, educational games, strategy games, puzzle games, collectible card and miniatures games and more. We have a large Chess/Checkers table in front that is free to anyone who wants to use it.

The middle of our store is a cafe area with snacks (candy, chips, ice cream, small microwaveable pizzas and sandwiches, etc) and drinks (soda fountain and bottled). It is also a place to play tabletop games. We have a game menu were you can select a board or card game from our growing game library to play in-store for $1 per person. We have games for kids, families, adult groups, couples, etc. We also host many game tournaments and leagues in this area. Tuesday nights is new game night where I teach a board or card game to the group that comes that night. (This particular group is designed for older teens and adults and is free) There is no charge to use our table/play area in general.

"The back area of our store holds our computers and video games hooked up to wall mounted flat-screen T.V's. We have PC games, are connected to the Internet, and have XBOX 360's, a Game Cube, and a Nintendo Wii. To play in this area, there is an hourly fee. We have many game titles to choose from and allow people to bring their own game titles to use if they choose.

"We also have a game room in the back that can be rented out for group games or for birthday parties and such. We have a basement that is in the process of being finished and will become a hall to host large scale gaming events, and be available to rent out for groups or even receptions."

from Bernie DeKoven, funsmith