In episode 22 of the podcast, we're talking with Lance Shrader, owner of Gamers Geekery & Tavern in Cary, North Carolina.
Growing up in the mountains in Virginia, Lance didn't have a game store to go to. However, being a board game fan, Lance found himself wanting to build a game store. In Cary, a game store featuring what Gamers Geekery & Tavern didn't exist and Lance wanted to change that.
In 2014, his friend's wife was looking for something to do, so they partnered up and opened a retail space. However, Lance knew he wanted a bar, but couldn't do so within the confines of his first lease. Fast forward to today, the store in Cary features a 12-tap line bar as well as serves food. His business partner handles the game store end while he focuses on the restaurant.
Lance currently has 14-15 employees servicing both the game store and restaurant. Since the 2021 COVID pandemic, staffing has been the most difficult challenge. However, Lance notes after 2-3 years later things are feeling better on that front.
Customers on the other hand are not a struggle for the store. Additionally, there are times when Lance will have to, unfortunately, turn people away due to being at capacity. This while both good and bad can occur on Tuesdays and Saturday nights. It's one of the reasons why Lance is having an extension built across the street from his store.
The majority of the business sales is about 53% food and drink and 47% retail. One of the luxuries afforded to Lance is that he hosts team-building corporate events about once a week which has been a boon for the business.
With about 620 board games available to choose from and a unique appearance that doesn't just appeal to gamers, Lance has built an establishment that has people coming back along with repeat business from corporate events. His goal is to create a comfortable and hospital place for anyone walking through his doors.
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thematchslip/messagePopular Podcasts
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations.
The Nikki Glaser Podcast
Every week comedian and infamous roaster Nikki Glaser provides a fun, fast-paced, and brutally honest look into current pop-culture and her own personal life.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.