Board games cafes are one of the best businesses that you can start. They bring people together for many hours of fun, laughter, and competition. The best part? Board game cafes offer a vibrant social hub and a profit engine for the owner.
But how do these cafes work? Let’s explore them below:
The Concept of Board Game Cafes
Board game cafes are unique social ventures that provide a variety of board games with the ambiance of a cafe. So, patrons can play the board games while enjoying—good company, drinks, and food.
Generally, these cafes boast many game selections. They can include classic favorites such as Monopoly to modern strategy games.
What’s more, the cafes often offer a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere for people to;
- Gather
- Socialise
- Immerse themselves in the board game world
The Business Model
Board game cafes operate in a multifaceted business model. As stated above, they combine the elements of social connection, entertainment, and food services. Therefore, its business approach aims to be appealing and profitable.
What’s more is that the venues often cater to diverse customer segments that include;
- Families
- Dedicated gaming enthusiasts
- Casual gamers
In addition, the revenue streams for the cafe come from different areas, including:
- Entry fees, which often range from $5-$10
- Food & beverage sales
- Game rentals & sales
- Events & tournaments
- Subscriptions/membership plans
So, as you can see, there are multiple streams of revenue that you can get from investing in a board game cafe. Therefore, you can expect your business to thrive–even in a competitive landscape.
The Game Library
Each board game cafe comes with its own game collections. But the best part? There is always something for everyone. This can be anything from simple, quick games for beginners to complex ones.
In most cases, a board game cafe can have the following;
- Classic games, such as Scrabble and Monopoly
- Modern favorites, like Ticket to Ride, Settlers of Catan, and Pandemic
- Gateway games, such as Sushi Go, Codenames, and Azul
- Party and FIller Games, such as Cards Against Humanity and Exploding Kittens.
Food and Beverage Offerings
If you want your board game cafe to succeed, then you need to consider offering a wide range of food and beverage offerings. Ensure that you cater to the different tastes and preferences of the cafe’s customers.
These offerings will not only help to add to the engaging atmosphere of the cafe but will also add revenue. So, some of the food and beverage offerings you should have in a board game cafe include the following:
- Snacks and small plates, like chips, nachos, pretzel bites
- Meals, like salads, burgers, sandwiches, and hearty stews
- Desserts, such as pastries, cakes, and cookies
- Coffee and tea
- Craft beers and ciders
- Non-alcoholic drink options, like milkshakes, smoothies, juice, and soft drinks
Remember that the key is to provide food and beverages that are easy to consume while the customers play games. Think about reducing food messes and enhancing the ease of eating.
Also, you can creatively tie your menu to different game themes. This can help to enhance the overall experience at your cafe.
The Social Aspect
Board game cafes serve as a gathering point for diverse groups. This social aspect of the casino allows patrons to:
- Strengthen community ties
- Meet new people
- Forge friendships
What’s more, to enhance the social aspect, some of the popular board game cafes host theme nights and events, like game tournaments and trivia competitions. This further enhances the social atmosphere and encourages participation.
Staff Roles and Responsibilities
In a board game cafe, the staff plays an essential role in ensuring operational efficiency and the best customer experience. Some of their key roles and responsibilities at the cafe include the following;
- Greet guests
- Take food and beverage orders
- Prepare and serve food and beverages
- Cleaning and maintaining the cafe
- Help customers select games based on their experience, skill level, and preferences.
- Provide game recommendations tailored for groups/individuals
- Explain game rules
- Help patrons learn how to play new games
- Organize the game library
The Customer Experience
As indicated above, board game cafes aim to ensure an engaging, social, and enjoyable customer experience. They create an inviting atmosphere that encourages patrons to connect over drinks, food, and games.
This unique blend contributes positively to a memorable experience for friends, families, and individuals. What more is that board game cafes attract a diverse customer base. This may include college kids, working class, or even the retired.
It fosters a sense of community by encouraging people of diverse backgrounds to connect over shared interests. Therefore, the customer experience at the cafes revolves around creating an engaging environment where patrons can enjoy games while socializing over food and drinks.
Conclusion
Board game cafes are one of the best businesses that you can start in the entertainment and social landscape. They offer the perfect environment where families & friends can bond while they play games. The best part? They can ensure you get your revenue from different areas of the cafe.