Table top/RPG Games Cafe

[Barsanuphius]

Would this be something you may use?

Membership based (including free passes) Day Pass/Monthly/semi-annual/annual and maybe bi-annual. Rates will be reasonable and paid members get special exclusives/discounts/and secret prize drawings.

Provide Space to host and play your favorite game (Magic, D&D, Traveller, Monopoly, Yatzee, Munchin, Whatever...)

Promote game of the month, (Raffle for Core rules book or Starter pack or New Supplement, etc...) o:

Have a cafe/Coffee Bar like setting, with a good source of Doritos, Mountain Dew, Subs and Pizza...plus other items our moms would prefer...maybe :CoW:


This idea came to me for a few reasons. I could possible create my own job. also, I have a lack of space to host a game, a lack of gammer contacts presntly , plus it is a place where we could all come together, in a comfortable, safe place with other games we may like to try with out spending hundreds of dollars on a system no-one really likes.

 

[Stan Shinn]

Great idea in theory. I would not expect to make money off of it, certainly not enough to make a living.

Here's a place doing something similar:
http://dallasgamesmarathon.com/

A peak at their space:

Poke around on their site to see their business model. Mostly board games and card games but some roleplaying. They rent their space out for folks to do special events, mini-conventions, etc., when they are not using it for gaming.

They are lucky if they break even on just covering the cost of the retail space.

Think about it -- Comic and Hobby stores sell merchandise and also provide game space. You'd be doing the same thing -- only without the revenue from collectible card games, comics and hobby games.

Unless I'm missing something about what you propose

 

[Barsanuphius]

No, your not.

And I know what you are saying about the finances.

 

[Stan Shinn]

If you are willing just to do it as a labor of love to provide premium gaming space, and willing to risk losing a few thousand dollars as you build up clientele, go for it! But if you want a business, I'd suggest the traditional Comic & Game store route. A tough industry to crack into, and make profitable though.

If you are willing to forgo the business side of things, and just want to build a great gaming network, maybe you might try what I did. I set up a meetup group for the Dallas/Fort Worth area. In less than three years we've grown to nearly 900 members:

http://www.meetup.com/dfwroleplayers/

I've managed to connect with some unbelievably great players and currently have two gaming groups and a waiting list to get into my groups. A great problem to have.

My survey to join the meetup group includes a question about 'Are you willing to host'. Could be you don't need a nice gaming space if you recruit friends who will host the game for you!

I would suggest getting to know new folks from a meetup at a public space, be it game store (best option), library room, or other rental room (some libraries, town halls, or other organizations rent individual rooms -- your players could pay dues to cover the cost of this kickoff game). Do a one-shot, and then cherry-pick the folks you like for the real group you form later on. I've done this a couple of times now. Works like a charm.

Putting flyers at local game stores and finding other local communities, and generally doing networking can (if you live in a larger urban area) locate lots of players. I recruited using Meetup.com, Google+, Facebook, my own friends, and ended up with literally 30 people from whom I played with about 8 (they filled out a survey and I picked the ones I liked the best best on playstyles and such) and and then finally privately invited the top five to my actual game group. I host but two other folks are also willing to host. Best game group I've had in years!

-- Stan

 

[Adam Dray]

The food that game & comic stores see enter their shop costs more than the books they're selling. Open a restaurant / coffee shop / bar that sells real food and offers gaming as an attraction, and you'll have a better chance of making a profit.

I'd be surprised if basic concessions/vending (coke, chips, etc.) are going to be enough to do it.

Also, why NOT sell games, too?

 

[aramis]

Also, why NOT sell games, too?

Possibly zoning.

And inventory taxes. Food inventory isn't always subject to the same taxation as durables.

Anchorage has one type that allows meeting halls and office spaces, but not stores nor restaurants, for example. The Zoning commission sometimes allows variances for small restaurants in that type, but not usually stores.

 

[Barsanuphius]

The food that game & comic stores see enter their shop costs more than the books they're selling. Open a restaurant / coffee shop / bar that sells real food and offers gaming as an attraction, and you'll have a better chance of making a profit.

I'd be surprised if basic concessions/vending (coke, chips, etc.) are going to be enough to do it.

Also, why NOT sell games, too?

That is it exactly! you got the idea I was thinking of !