Step-by-Step: Starting Your Own Board Game Cafe

Starting a Board Game Cafe with Practical Startup Steps

Picture this. The place is buzzing, shelves are full of colorful games, people are laughing over coffee, and every table has a different game in progress. You’re not just serving drinks—you’re hosting game night for the whole community.

It sounds fun, and it can be. But behind that relaxed vibe is a real business that needs planning, money, permits, and long hours—especially at the start. Before you jump in, you want a clear picture of what it takes to open the doors the right way.

This guide walks you through the startup phase of a board game cafe. We’ll look at what you’ll offer, how you’ll set it up, what it costs, and the steps to get legal and ready—so you can decide if this is the right move for you.

Is Owning This Kind of Business Right for You?

Before you think about menus or game shelves, ask a deeper question. Do you really want to own a business, or are you just looking for a way out of your current job? There’s a big difference.

Owning a board game cafe means long nights, busy weekends, and full responsibility. You may go without a steady paycheck in the early months. Passion for games and people helps you stay focused when problems show up.

If you’re not sure where to start, it helps to step back and look at the bigger picture of business ownership. You can review points to consider before starting a business and think about how they apply to this idea.

• Ask if you’re moving toward something you care about, or just running away from something you dislike.
• Think about your family and personal life—are they ready for you to work evenings and weekends?
• Look at your finances—can you handle some uncertainty while the business gets off the ground?
• Check in with your passion—will you still care about this idea when you’re tired, stressed, or facing problems?
• Review how passion and commitment affect success using this guide on how passion affects your business.

Understanding the Board Game Cafe Concept

A board game cafe is more than a coffee shop that happens to have a few games. It’s a place where games are the main reason people show up, and food and drinks support that experience.

You provide a curated library of games, a comfortable space to play, and staff who can guide people toward the right games and explain the rules. Many cafes also sell retail games, host events, and rent space for parties.

Getting clear on what this model looks like in real life will guide every other decision—from location and layout to pricing and staffing.

• Core products and services: access to your game library, food and drinks, and a welcoming space to play.
• Extras you can offer: game nights, tournaments, learn-to-play sessions, trivia nights, and private event bookings.
• Typical customers: hobby gamers, families, couples, friend groups, students, and local companies looking for team activities.
• Scale: most board game cafes are brick-and-mortar locations with staff, not one-person operations, though you may start lean and grow.

Decide on Your Business Model and Scale

Your business model shapes everything—pricing, layout, staffing, and funding. Board game cafes often blend a cafe, game library, and event space, and there are different ways to earn revenue.

You’ll also need to decide how big you want to go. A small, cozy space with a limited menu requires less capital and fewer people than a large venue with a full kitchen and bar.

Take your time with this step. It affects whether you can self-fund, need a loan, or bring in investors or partners.

• How you charge for game time: per-person cover fee, hourly fee per person or table, a minimum purchase, or membership passes.
• Menu style: simple snacks and drinks, or a more complete kitchen; adding alcohol increases regulatory and staffing needs.
• Scale of operation:
  • Lean model: smaller space, limited menu, owner runs many roles with a few staff.
  • Larger model: bigger footprint, full kitchen and bar, extended hours, larger staff, and more capital—often better suited to loans or investors rather than personal savings.
• Owner structure: solo owner, partners, or investors—each option affects control, profit sharing, and legal structure.

Research Demand, Competition, and Profit Potential

A board game cafe needs enough people in the area who like the idea and can afford to visit. It also needs enough margin on food, drinks, and fees to cover rent, staff, and your own pay.

Market research doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does need to be honest. You want to see real demand and realistic numbers, not just hope.

To better understand this part, you can review a simple guide on supply and demand and how it applies to your local market.

• Visit possible competitors: other board game cafes, hobby stores with play space, coffee shops, bars, and family entertainment venues.
• Note who they attract—students, families, office workers—and when they are busy or slow.
• Talk to people in your area about the idea and ask what would make them visit and how often.
• Check what people typically spend in similar venues and compare that to your expected prices.
• Make sure there’s enough potential demand and profit to cover rent, staff, inventory, and your own wage.

Talk to Non-Competing Owners and Get an Inside Look

One powerful way to shorten your learning curve is to talk to people already running board game cafes—but in areas where you will not compete with them.

Owners can share details you won’t find in public research: which games break fastest, which events work, and what they would do differently if they started over.

To structure these conversations, you can use this guide on getting an inside look at a business from experienced owners.

• Search for board game cafes in other cities or regions, far enough away that you will never be direct competition.
• Reach out politely and explain you’re planning to open in a different area and respect their market.
• Ask about challenges, staffing needs, game library management, and what surprised them the most.
• Take notes and look for common patterns—especially around costs, permits, and game replacement.

Clarify Your Products, Services, and Target Customers

Once you know there’s demand, narrow down exactly what you’ll offer and who you want to attract. A family-friendly space looks different from a late-night bar for strategy gamers.

Clear choices here guide your layout, menu, pricing, and marketing. Try to focus instead of trying to please everyone.

When you know who you serve best, you can build a game library, menu, and event schedule that fits those customers.

• Products and services:
  • Game library with a mix of party, family, and strategy games.
  • Coffee, tea, soft drinks, and simple food such as sandwiches, flatbreads, or desserts.
  • Game nights, tournaments, themed events, and private party bookings.
  • Retail game sales, accessories, and gift cards.
• Target customers:
  • Families who want a safe, fun place to play together.
  • Students and young professionals looking for an alternative to bars.
  • Hobby gamers who want to try new titles without buying them.
  • Companies looking for team-building events or casual outings.

Estimate Your Startup Costs and Equipment Needs

Next, you’ll want a realistic estimate of what it will cost to open the doors—not just to buy games and tables, but also to satisfy health, building, and fire rules.

Start with a detailed list of everything you need, then collect prices. The size and level of your concept will drive the total. A small cafe with a simple menu costs less than a large venue with a full kitchen and bar.

For a step-by-step approach, you can use this guide on estimating startup costs and adapt it to your board game cafe.

• List major cost areas: lease deposits, build-out, furniture, equipment, game library, initial inventory, licenses, and professional fees.
• Research the price of each essential item from real suppliers, not just rough guesses.
• Include working capital to cover rent, utilities, and staff pay for the early months when revenue is still growing.
• Plan for regular replacement of worn or damaged games as an ongoing cost once you open.

Plan Your Location and Space

A board game cafe is a destination, but location still matters. You want an area that feels safe, is easy to reach, and has enough people who match your target customers.

Because this is a brick-and-mortar business, make sure zoning allows your use and that the space can support your kitchen and seating plans. You’ll also need to think about parking, neighbors, and noise.

To think this through in detail, you can use a practical guide on choosing a business location and apply it to your cafe.

• Look near universities, dense residential areas, office districts, or mixed-use neighborhoods.
• Check visibility from the street and ease of access by car, transit, and walking.
• Ask the landlord and local authorities if the space is already approved as a restaurant or cafe, or if you’ll need extra work.
• Confirm whether you can get a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) for your planned use before you sign a lease.

Choose a Name, Domain, and Social Handles

Your name should be easy to say, spell, and remember. It should also work well on a sign, website, and social media.

Before you fall in love with a name, make sure it’s available. You’ll want to check state records, trademarks, and domain names.

To guide this step, you can review a focused article on selecting a business name that fits your long-term goals.

• Search your state’s business registry to see if the name is taken.
• Check federal trademark records to avoid conflicts with existing brands.
• Look for a domain you can use, and grab matching or close social media handles.
• Keep the name flexible enough to handle future changes in menu or services.

Choose a Legal Structure and Register Your Business

Once you have a name and a plan, choose a legal structure. Many small businesses start as sole proprietorships by default, then move to a limited liability company (LLC) as they grow, but you’ll want to pick what fits your situation.

The structure you choose affects taxes, liability, and how you bring in partners or investors. A board game cafe with staff, a lease, and public foot traffic often benefits from formal structure.

For a clear overview of registration basics, you can review this guide on how to register a business and then talk with a professional if needed.

• Decide whether you will start as a sole proprietor, partnership, corporation, or limited liability company.
• File formation documents with your state, usually through the Secretary of State or similar office, if you choose a formal entity.
• Apply for an Employer Identification Number from the Internal Revenue Service.
• If required, register any assumed name or “doing business as” name with the proper agency.

Licenses, Permits, and Compliance Basics

A board game cafe is subject to the rules that apply to restaurants and cafes, and possibly to venues that serve alcohol. The exact permits differ by state and city, so you’ll need to research your area.

You don’t have to become an expert in every regulation, but you do need to know who to talk to and what to ask. This is a good place to lean on local authorities and professional advisors.

Many rules vary by jurisdiction, so always verify with official government sources rather than copy another city’s process.

• Check with your city or county about a general business license or business tax registration.
• Contact your health department about retail food establishment or restaurant permits and inspections.
• Confirm zoning and use approvals with the planning or building department, and find out what’s required to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy.
• If you plan to serve beer, wine, or spirits, ask your state alcohol agency what license category fits your concept.
• Register for sales tax accounts, employer payroll accounts, and unemployment insurance where required.
• Discuss workplace safety requirements with your state or local labor or safety office, especially if you’ll have employees.

Plan Your Menu, Game Library, and Pricing

Your menu and game library should fit your customers and your space. A smaller kitchen usually means a simpler menu, which can still work well if you choose items that pair with long play sessions.

Your game library is part of your identity. You’ll want an easy way to sort, display, and care for games so staff and guests can find what they need.

Your pricing has to cover your costs and match what people in your area can comfortably pay. If you need help here, you can review a practical guide on pricing your products and services.

• Choose a food and drink menu that your kitchen can handle consistently within local health rules.
• Build a game library with party games, family games, and strategy titles, and plan to add more over time.
• Decide how you’ll price game access: cover charge, hourly rate, memberships, or a minimum purchase.
• Set menu prices that reflect ingredient costs, labor, and overhead while staying fair for your market.

Equipment and Software Checklist for Your Board Game Cafe

Now it’s time to turn your concept into a physical list. Equipment choices should match your menu, service style, and budget. This list focuses on essentials for a typical board game cafe; you can add or adjust based on your plan.

Use this as a starting point, then confirm details with your health department, fire marshal, and contractors. They can tell you what is required for your specific layout and menu.

Remember, you don’t have to handle this alone. Professionals who design restaurants or supply equipment can help you choose the right models for your space.

• Game area and seating:
  • Game library shelves and display units.
  • Wide tables suitable for board games and food.
  • Comfortable chairs and, if needed, benches or lounge seating.
  • Storage for personal items such as coats and bags.
  • Extra dice, scorepads, pens, and game timers.
• Cafe front-of-house:
  • Service counter and under-counter storage.
  • Menu boards or digital displays.
  • Refrigerated display case for drinks or desserts.
  • Mugs, glasses, cups, plates, and cutlery.
  • Trays for carrying orders to tables.
• Beverage equipment:
  • Commercial espresso machine and coffee grinders.
  • Drip coffee brewers and thermal servers.
  • Hot water unit for tea and other drinks.
  • Blenders if you serve blended or iced drinks.
  • Under-counter refrigerators for milk and cream.
  • Ice machine and storage bin.
  • Water filtration system sized for your needs.
• Food prep and cooking:
  • Prep tables and cutting boards.
  • Knives, mixing bowls, and food storage containers.
  • Cooking and warming equipment allowed by your local rules, such as convection or countertop ovens, toasters, presses, or microwaves.
  • Reach-in or under-counter refrigerators for ingredients.
  • Freezer for frozen items, if your menu calls for it.
• Dishwashing and handwashing:
  • Three-compartment sink or commercial dishwashing machine, as required.
  • Handwashing sinks in kitchen and service areas.
  • Dish racks, drainboards, and drying space.
  • Sanitizer buckets and test strips.
• Bar area (if serving alcohol):
  • Under-bar refrigerators for beer and wine.
  • Glassware suitable for your beverage list.
  • Bar sink and glass washer, depending on code.
  • Back bar shelves for bottles and supplies.
• Point-of-sale and technology:
  • POS terminals or tablets with stands.
  • Cash drawer and receipt printers.
  • Card readers for credit and debit payments.
  • Wi-Fi router with a separate guest network.
  • Security cameras and recording system, if you choose.
• Furniture, fixtures, and decor:
  • Tables and chairs for your chosen layout.
  • Retail shelves for selling games and accessories.
  • Lighting that makes it easy to read rulebooks and see pieces.
  • Interior wayfinding signs and exterior sign, as allowed by local rules.
• Cleaning and safety:
  • Brooms, mops, buckets, and a mop sink.
  • Vacuum for carpets or rugs.
  • Food-safe cleaners and sanitizers.
  • Trash and recycling containers.
  • First aid kit and fire extinguishers as required by code.
• Office and storage:
  • Desk, chair, and lockable file cabinet.
  • Computer and printer for admin tasks.
  • Shelving for dry goods and paper supplies.
• Software to consider:
  • Point-of-sale software for food, drink, and game fees.
  • Accounting software for income, expenses, and taxes.
  • Scheduling software for staff shifts.
  • Reservation or booking software for tables and events.
  • Email marketing or customer list tools.

Skills You Need – And How to Fill the Gaps

A board game cafe blends hospitality, retail, and event hosting. No one starts with every skill. What matters is knowing what the business needs and how you’ll cover each area.

Some skills you can learn with time, courses, or practice. Others may be better handled by staff or outside professionals.

If you’re unsure where to focus, you can also review common issues in this guide on mistakes to avoid when starting a small business.

• Food safety and basic kitchen or barista skills.
• Strong customer service and conflict handling.
• Ability to learn and teach a wide range of games.
• Basic bookkeeping, cash handling, and inventory tracking.
• Marketing and social media, including photos and simple posts.
• People management: coaching staff, giving feedback, and building a positive culture.
• Planning and organizing events such as game nights and tournaments.
• Working with advisors such as an accountant, attorney, or insurance broker—see this guide on building a team of professional advisors.

Plan Your Team and Staffing Approach

This type of business usually needs more than one person once it’s up and running. Even if you start lean, plan how you’ll add staff as volume grows.

You might begin by doing many roles yourself, then hiring part-time help as soon as you can afford it. The key is to avoid burnout and protect service quality.

For help timing your first hires, you can read about how and when to hire staff for a growing business.

• Decide which roles you’ll handle at first (such as owner-manager, game host, or barista).
• Plan starter roles for staff, such as game hosts, servers, and kitchen support.
• Create basic job descriptions so people know what’s expected.
• Factor wages, payroll taxes, and training time into your startup budget.

Write Your Business Plan and Line Up Funding

Even if you don’t need a loan, a business plan helps you stay organized and focused. It pulls together your concept, costs, revenue ideas, and next steps.

If you do need financing, lenders and investors will expect clear numbers and a realistic plan. A board game cafe with a full build-out, commercial equipment, and staff often needs more capital than a simple service business.

You can follow a practical outline using this guide on how to write a business plan and adapt it to your cafe.

• Summarize your concept, target customers, and business model.
• Estimate startup costs and monthly operating expenses in detail.
• Project realistic monthly revenue based on seat count, pricing, and expected traffic.
• Decide how you’ll fund the business: savings, friends and family, partners, loans, or investors.
• If you plan to apply for a loan, review this guide on how to get a business loan and prepare the documents they expect.

Design Your Layout, Brand, and Corporate Identity

Your layout affects comfort, service speed, and noise level. Your brand and corporate identity shape how people feel the moment they walk in or see you online.

Think about how people will move from the entrance to the host area, order point, game shelves, and tables. Then support that with a consistent look on signs, cards, and the website.

If you want a clear plan for your visuals, you can study a guide on building a corporate identity package that ties everything together.

• Sketch a layout that separates the service counter, game library, and seating while keeping sight lines open.
• Plan lighting, colors, and decor that support reading rules and playing games for long periods.
• Design a logo that works on your sign, website, menus, and merchandise.
• Review these resources on business cards and business sign considerations so your physical brand looks professional.
• Use this website planning guide to plan a simple site with location, hours, menu, events, and reservation options.

Banking, Insurance, and Risk Management

As soon as you’re serious about starting, separate your personal and business finances. A dedicated business bank account makes tracking income and expenses much easier.

You’ll also want to talk to an insurance professional about the risks that come with a public venue that serves food and possibly alcohol. The coverage you need will depend on your structure, size, and location.

If you’re not sure which policies are common for small businesses, you can review this guide on business insurance as a starting point.

• Open a business checking account and, if needed, a savings account for tax reserves.
• Ask your bank about merchant services or connect your point-of-sale system to your payment processor.
• Meet with an insurance broker to discuss general liability, property and equipment coverage, and any special coverage for alcohol service or events.
• Keep copies of leases, permits, and key contracts in secure storage, both physical and digital.

Set Up Your Systems, Payments, and Policies

Before opening, set up the systems that run behind the scenes. Clear processes make it easier to train staff and keep service consistent.

Even simple written policies about payment, reservations, game damage, and event bookings will reduce confusion and conflict later.

Think of this as giving your future self an instruction manual, instead of trying to decide rules on the spot during a busy night.

• Set up your accounting system and chart of accounts to track food, drink, game fees, and retail sales separately.
• Connect your point-of-sale system to your bank and payment processors and test every payment type.
• Create simple booking forms and confirmation emails for parties and events.
• Decide how you’ll handle deposits, cancellations, and no-shows for private events.
• Write clear house rules on game use, time limits (if any), and behavior expectations.

Day in the Life: Imagine Your Future Routine

Before you commit, it helps to picture a typical day as the owner. This isn’t about scaring you away—it’s about giving you a realistic view so you can decide if this fits your life.

A board game cafe can be rewarding, but it’s active, hands-on work. Most of your busy time will be evenings and weekends, when others are off.

Use this mental picture to check whether your energy, family situation, and goals fit what the business will ask from you.

• Morning: review yesterday’s numbers, check messages, confirm reservations and deliveries, and walk the space for any issues.
• Afternoon: meet vendors, test menu items, update social media, and prepare for events or busy times.
• Evening: greet guests, support staff, solve problems, and watch how people use your space and game library.
• Late night: close the store, check cash and reports, note what went well and what needs to change.

Pre-Launch Marketing, Word of Mouth, and Grand Opening

Marketing starts before opening day. You want people to know what you’re building, where you are, and when you’ll open your doors.

Because this is a local, brick-and-mortar business, focus on the community around you. Nearby residents, students, and office workers are your most likely early customers.

For ideas on early promotion, you can read about how to get customers through the door and creative grand opening ideas that fit your style.

• Launch a simple website with your concept, location, and opening timeline.
• Set up social media pages and share progress—construction updates, game arrivals, and menu testing.
• Network with local game groups, schools, and companies about future events and team nights.
• Plan a soft opening for friends, family, and invited guests to test systems.
• Plan a grand opening once you’ve fixed early issues and are ready for a full crowd.

Final Pre-Opening Checklist

Before you unlock the door for paying customers, slow down and check that the basics are in place. Rushing this stage can cost you time and money later.

Use a simple checklist and adjust it to your situation. The goal is to confirm you’re legal, safe, stocked, and ready to welcome guests.

If you want a reminder of common traps to avoid, you can review this guide on mistakes to avoid when starting a small business and cross-check your plan.

• All required licenses, permits, inspections, and your Certificate of Occupancy are approved and on file.
• Health and safety procedures are in place, and staff know basic food safety practices.
• Point-of-sale system, payment processing, and receipts are tested and working.
• Game library is organized, labeled, and easy for staff to restock.
• Menu, pricing, and printed or digital materials are consistent and clear.
• Banking, accounting, and basic recordkeeping systems are ready.
• Insurance policies are active, and you understand your coverage.
• Marketing basics are live: website, social pages, sign, and clear opening hours.

Starting a board game cafe takes planning, money, and commitment—but you don’t have to do every step alone.

You can lean on local authorities for rules, hire professionals for complex tasks, and build a team over time. The more clearly you see the startup path now, the better your chances of opening a place that serves your community and supports your goals.

101 Tips for Running Your Board Game Cafe

These tips bring together practical ideas you can use to shape, launch, and improve your board game cafe. You can come back to this list whenever you want to focus on a specific part of your business.

Pick one tip at a time, put it into practice, and give it time to work before moving on to the next. Small, steady changes will help you build a stronger, more enjoyable place for both you and your guests.

What to Do Before Starting

1. Write down why you want to run a board game cafe, so you can judge every big decision against that reason when things get busy or stressful.
2. Make sure you are comfortable working evenings, weekends, and holidays, because those are often the busiest times for social and game-focused venues.
3. Talk with board game cafe owners in other cities who are not your competitors and ask what surprised them most about costs, permits, and daily work.
4. Decide whether you want a family-friendly environment, an adult-focused space with alcohol, or something in between, because that choice affects menu, hours, and rules.
5. Walk the area where you might open and count the number of students, families, and offices nearby to judge whether your concept fits the neighborhood.
6. Build an initial budget that covers build-out, equipment, game library, permits, professional fees, and at least several months of rent and payroll.
7. Decide how large you want the operation to be and whether you will rely on personal savings, loans, or outside investors to cover the startup costs.
8. Sketch out how big your game library needs to be at opening and how you will expand it over time without overwhelming new guests.
9. Choose how much cooking you will do on site, because a simple menu with limited prep requires less equipment and fewer permits than a full kitchen.
10. Decide early whether you want to serve alcohol, since this changes licensing, training, insurance, and how you design your space.
11. Check with local planning or zoning offices before signing a lease to confirm that a cafe with seating and games is allowed in that location.
12. Build a basic advisory circle that can include an accountant, attorney, insurance agent, and contractor so you have experts ready when you need help.

What Successful Board Game Cafe Owners Do

13. Spend time on the floor watching how guests move, where they hesitate, and which games they pick so they can adjust layouts and recommendations.
14. Train staff to ask a few simple questions and then suggest a short list of games, instead of leaving guests alone in front of a large wall of boxes.
15. Use written checklists for setup, food prep, game area resets, and closing so nothing important depends on memory alone.
16. Hire and coach staff not only to serve food, but also to act as friendly guides who know games well enough to help any group get started quickly.
17. Review sales, table use, and event results at least once a week and make small adjustments instead of waiting for problems to become serious.
18. Regularly feature a few “games of the night” to make choices easier and highlight titles that fit the crowd or season.
19. Schedule events on slower nights to build traffic when you would otherwise have empty tables and idle staff.
20. Invest in ongoing training in both food safety and game knowledge so guests can trust the quality of the experience every time they visit.
21. Stay visible in local community groups, game clubs, and school activities so people think of the cafe first when planning outings.
22. Use data and guest comments to decide what to change next, rather than reacting to the loudest complaint or the latest trend.

Running the Business (Operations, Staffing, SOPs)

23. Create a clear opening checklist that covers turning on equipment, brewing coffee, stocking the game area, and inspecting restrooms before guests arrive.
24. Standardize recipes and portion sizes for every menu item so food costs and quality stay consistent no matter who is working.
25. Set practical time guidelines for table use, especially on busy nights, and teach staff how to explain them in a friendly, direct way.
26. Label every game with a simple code and assign it to a specific shelf so staff can find and return titles quickly even when the cafe is full.
27. Write a short procedure for what happens when pieces go missing or boxes are damaged so staff know when to repair, replace, or retire a game.
28. Schedule regular checks of game components and boxes so you can catch wear and tear before it frustrates guests in the middle of a session.
29. Develop kitchen and service procedures for handwashing, food storage, cross-contact, and dishwashing that match local health rules.
30. Use a basic forecast of busy and slow times to build staff schedules that cover peak hours without paying for extra people when the cafe is quiet.
31. Hold quick pre-shift meetings to review reservations, events, featured games, and any menu changes so everyone starts on the same page.
32. Keep a simple logbook for incidents such as spills, minor injuries, and rule issues so you can spot patterns and fix root causes.
33. Plan a schedule to add new games and retire titles that no longer move so your library stays fresh and matched to what guests actually play.
34. Separate roles clearly so staff know when they are responsible for the kitchen, serving, or teaching games, instead of trying to do everything at once.
35. Set firm procedures for counting cash, reconciling drawers, and preparing deposits so there is always a clear record of daily sales.
36. Post emergency procedures and key contact numbers in a place staff can see quickly in case of a medical issue, fire alarm, or equipment failure.
37. Use slow periods to restock, deep clean, repair games, and prepare promotional materials instead of letting staff stand idle.

What to Know About the Industry (Rules, Seasons, Supply, Risks)

38. Understand that your local health department will treat you like any other food business, which means inspections, food safety rules, and required equipment.
39. Know that serving alcohol usually involves extra license steps, longer approval times, and strict rules about age checks and staff training.
40. Expect seasonal swings, with colder months often bringing more game nights and warmer months shifting demand toward cold drinks, outdoor options, or different hours.
41. Learn the basics of how board games are distributed so you can build relationships with reliable suppliers instead of depending only on retail stores.
42. Budget for continuous replacement of popular games, because heavy use, spills, and rough handling are unavoidable over time.
43. Recognize that noise levels and crowding can drive away some guests if you do not manage music volume, seating layout, and large group placement.
44. Check your lease and building rules for limits on hours, events, live music, or outdoor seating so you do not plan activities you cannot legally run.
45. Stay aware that changes in food regulations, alcohol rules, or capacity limits can affect your operation and may require adjustments to your setup.

Marketing (Local, Digital, Offers, Community)

46. Create a simple website that clearly lists your location, hours, pricing model, menu highlights, and how your game library works.
47. Claim and update online business listings so accurate information appears when people search for cafes, games, or entertainment in your area.
48. Post regular photos and short updates on social channels showing real groups enjoying games, featured titles, and upcoming events.
49. Offer student nights or club partnerships with nearby schools and colleges where you give small discounts in exchange for steady traffic.
50. Develop team-building packages for local companies that include game recommendations, snacks, and a host to guide the event.
51. Build a weekly calendar of themed nights such as cooperative game night, family night, strategy night, or trivia night to give people reasons to return.
52. Start a simple loyalty program that rewards frequent visits with game time, snacks, or early access to events.
53. Design a few photo-friendly spots in your cafe where groups can take pictures with their favorite games and share them.
54. Run short, time-limited promotions during slower seasons or days of the week instead of discounting all the time.
55. Collect email addresses from guests who want updates and send them event calendars, new game arrivals, and special announcements.
56. Promote retail game sales by displaying the titles people are currently playing and keeping a few copies available for purchase near the exit.
57. Track how guests heard about you and which promotions they respond to so you can invest more time and money into the channels that work.

Dealing with Customers (Trust, Education, Retention)

58. Train hosts to greet guests as soon as they walk in, explain the basic process, and answer common questions before people have to ask.
59. Ask about group size, age range, and experience to recommend a small set of games instead of overwhelming guests with too many choices.
60. Explain wait times honestly, give realistic estimates, and update guests if the timing changes so they do not feel ignored.
61. Teach staff how to explain rules in stages, starting with the goal of the game, then basic actions, and finally finer details as play begins.
62. Keep a set of easy-to-learn games ready for new players so they can start quickly and build confidence before trying heavier titles.
63. Post clear house rules about outside food, game fees, reservation timing, and conduct so everyone knows what to expect.
64. Handle accidental damage to games with a calm, fair approach that protects your costs without embarrassing the guest.
65. Encourage staff to remember regular guests’ names and favorite games so people feel recognized when they return.
66. After private events, send a short follow-up note thanking the organizer and asking what worked well and what you can improve.
67. Give guests easy ways to share feedback, such as a short link or code on receipts that leads to a quick, focused survey.

Customer Service (Policies, Guarantees, Feedback)

68. Write game fee, time, and reservation policies in plain language and make sure they match what staff actually say at the door.
69. Set a clear policy for reservations that covers deposits, arrival windows, and cancellations, and apply it consistently for all guests.
70. Decide in advance when you will ask different groups to share a larger table and how you will explain that choice during busy periods.
71. Prepare a simple response for wrong orders, long delays, or missed items so staff know when to apologize, fix the issue, or adjust a bill.
72. Give staff limited authority to offer small gestures, such as a dessert or extra game time, without needing manager approval every time.
73. Train every team member on how to handle tense situations, including disputes over rules, noise, or table use, without taking sides too quickly.
74. Review guest comments on a set schedule, pick one pattern to improve, and let your team know what you are changing and why.
75. Post clear notes about allergens and common ingredients, and teach staff never to guess when a guest asks about food safety.
76. Keep restrooms and high-touch surfaces extremely clean, because guests often judge your standards from those areas before anything else.
77. Have staff thank guests as they leave and mention a specific upcoming event or theme night to give them a reason to return.

Sustainability (Waste, Sourcing, Long-Term)

78. Invest in sturdy tables, chairs, and shelving that can handle constant use so you spend less time and money replacing broken furniture.
79. Use protective sleeves or covers on card-heavy games to extend their life and reduce the number of full replacements you need to buy.
80. Plan your menu around items that share ingredients so you can use stock efficiently and cut food waste from slow-moving dishes.
81. Use reusable cups, plates, and utensils where practical and cost-effective so you reduce trash and present a more polished experience.
82. Choose energy-efficient lighting and equipment where possible so your utility bills stay manageable as you grow.
83. Study sales reports regularly and remove items that rarely sell, freeing space and budget for items that drive repeat visits.
84. Keep a running list of small repairs such as wobbly chairs, loose shelves, or broken game inserts and schedule time each week to handle them.
85. Build steady relationships with distributors and food suppliers who understand your volume and can provide stable pricing and delivery.

Staying Informed (Trends, Sources, Cadence)

86. Set aside time each week to review news about new board games, award lists, and trending themes so your library does not feel dated.
87. Join online communities for board game cafe owners or operators so you can compare notes on events, policies, and game selection.
88. Read basic restaurant and hospitality reports a few times a year to understand changes in dining habits, takeout demand, and guest expectations.
89. Review lists of upcoming releases and crowd-funded games each month so you can decide which titles match your audience.
90. Ask your distributors regularly which games they see gaining traction and which older titles are slowing down across their clients.
91. Attend trade shows, conventions, or local meetups when possible so you can test games in person and talk directly with publishers and vendors.

Adapting to Change (Seasonality, Shocks, Competition, Tech)

92. Track sales by day of the week and season so you can adjust hours, promotions, and staffing before busy or slow periods catch you off guard.
93. Create a simple plan for health or safety disruptions that covers cleaning procedures, communication with guests, and temporary changes to seating.
94. Review your event calendar often and be willing to cancel or change events that no longer draw guests so you can try new ideas.
95. Watch how competing venues position themselves and respond by sharpening your own strengths instead of copying their menu or event list.
96. Use online booking tools, digital waitlists, and automated reminders to reduce no-shows and shorten lines during peak times.
97. Test new concepts such as membership tiers, new pricing models, or special experiences with limited trials before you roll them out to everyone.

What Not to Do

98. Do not sign a lease or start building without confirming zoning, occupancy limits, and required permits with the proper local offices.
99. Do not stock your shelves mainly with long, complex games if your typical guests are families or new players who want shorter experiences.
100. Do not ignore signs of staff burnout, such as frequent absences or short tempers, because that strain will quickly damage guest experiences.
101. Do not rely only on game access fees to stay afloat; build a model where food, drinks, events, and retail sales all contribute to your revenue.

 

Sources: U.S. Small Business Administration, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, SCORE, National Restaurant Association, BoardGameGeek, WebstaurantStore, Internal Revenue Service, Bandpass Design, Bard & Baker Board Game Cafe