"Wargaming cafe?" Topic

Was sitting here painting per usual, and into my noggin' sails the image of a cafe full of wargamers relaxing at scenic tables, happily arguing about rules, sipping lattes and fruit teas.

That would be awesome.
Now, if my flgs could just morph into that… my high-falutin' miniature sensibilities would be satisfied.

Tea for me please. Milk but no sugar and a biscuit if you have one.

Like the idea.

There are a couple of board-game pizzerias in my town, and they do good business. A wargaming cafe might be a tough business to keep afloat, though – you have to factor in how much money per hour each table is earning you, and if there's a crew of gamers occupying one table for six hours on a Saturday evening, drinking one latte every two hours each, you're essentially paying them to come play at your lovely cafe.

Certain long play rule-sets would be BANNED.

A wargaming cafe might be a tough business to keep afloat, though

Perhaps they should offer naval wargames?

There is one in Seattle (more of a bar than cafe) serves food, drinks and has wargame tables.

Perhaps they should offer naval wargames? grin

hah!

Yeah some wealthy entrepreneur on TMP (cough cough) needs to do that in Nashville…

There is one in Seattle (more of a bar than cafe) serves food, drinks and has wargame tables.

Is that the one in Ballard?

We have one opening up soon here in Orlando FL

cloakandblaster.com

Well damn I want of those in Charlotte.

Saltflats, could u tell us where in Seattle exactly? I'm in LA but get up there ocassionally. Thanks in advance!

Very cool. My wife and I had thought about doing a gaming themed B&B once.

I wonder how well it would do in northern Virginia?

A B&B that found a good gaming room (and had terrain and armies you could rent/borrow) would do well. Be a nice place for clubs to gather so families could toddle off while hte boys have a bash…

45thdiv, I've had that same thought but I would go nearer the shore. DE, NJ maybe NC this way the non gamers could go to the beach during the day or play Golf or shop.

There's a boardgame cafe here and it seems to be doing well.

cafemox.com
D'oh! I guess it IS a cafe!
Yes, Mark, that's the one in Ballard. Did you ever get to check it out?
I usually get there once a year but had to cancel the trip this spring.

Yes, near a place where other family members could do things while the gamers play would be a good idea. I will run that idea by my wife.

Wargaming at 'Giga Bites' in Marietta Ga., NW of Atlanta.

'Cloak & Blaster' is apparently waiting for me to leave town to open.

Yes, Mark, that's the one in Ballard. Did you ever get to check it out?

Not yet, but I passed it the other day while looking for something else. Since it's only 2 miles away from me, I suspect I'll be dropping by fairly soon.

@ Dave F
A couple in Nashville is working on it has we speak.
So? Maybe dreams do come true…….

Dave, if it would be awesome, why not make your dreams come true yourself (and profit from it too) by establishing such company yourself?

Sounds like a fantastic idea…but unsure how practical it would be – maybe café, wine bar, and paninoteca (sandwich bar)

Years ago in Delaware right outside of Philadelphia, there was a place that had a fryer, flattop grill and coffee machine. It was a great place to play, they sold some troops, boardgames, and comics. That could not keep it going. I may do that as a retirement strategy. I think they were too free with their buddies and it cost them. I would even charge myself for food and goods. I loved the idea of playing a game, having lunch, then rounds two. I miss it really.

Yea the way to make it work would be in the beer and food sales where you can have a good mark up.

I think any game cafe or even independent game shop would need to charge for use of their tables, much like billiard halls. It would have to be economical such as $5 USD for a 4x4 and $8 USD for a 6X4 and $10 USD for anything larger. While we all want a great gaming atmosphere, these places have overhead and I can't see someone playing a four or six hour game and ordering only two lattes.

Years ago in Delaware right outside of Philadelphia, there was a place that had a fryer, flattop grill and coffee machine. It was a great place to play, they sold some troops, boardgames, and comics. That could not keep it going. I may do that as a retirement strategy. I think they were too free with their buddies and it cost them. I would even charge myself for food and goods. I loved the idea of playing a game, having lunch, then rounds two. I miss it really.

I think you mean a place called "The Rogues Den", which was in Claymont DE. Great location right off I-95 30 minutes from Philly. You hit the nail on the head on its' demise, poor management, buddies eating for free, etc. They did sell FOW stuff for awhile and may have had a FOW tournament. There are several game shops in the area with tables in the back and maybe a soda machine, but no "café/pubs" in the area.

Seattle-wise, in addition to Cafe Mox, there is the AFK Tavern (Everett and Renton), the Ray Gun Lounge (Capitol Hill area) and Meeples Games (West Seattle).

many of my wargames have been played at this wonderful place:

geeksboro.com

Well, I've always thought the business model of a FLGS needed to change to something more like a pool hall. You can easily have the pub/cafe as the front of the house and some gaming tables in back. Rent the tables hourly like a pool table (make the rate reasonable) You need to develop the idea that the table has a monetary value, and get people to realize it, without alienating them.

European clubs have done this by having paying dues to be a club member. I know I've been spoiled as an American. I spend a good amount in my local store each month (~$100) which I see as doing my part. We seem to be looking for more adult venues, where most American stores fight to be considered family/female friendly.

But yes… a nice pub/cafe that was gaming friendly would be great.

Edit: Guess I should have FULLY read all the responses… I second Captain Avatar.

You got it DeRuyter. We played there. Right on Philadelphia Pike. Would have lunch and a coffee so they could pay their rent. Oh well, we had it for a little while.