Board Game Cafe

         

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Interview with Max Rodriguez, owner of Tabletop Kingdom, a Board Game Cafe in Houston, Texas.

1. How did you get started in the board game business, Max?

I've always been a board game enthusiast and passionate about creating spaces for people to connect over friendly competition. So, when I moved to Houston a few years back, I decided to open Tabletop Kingdom as a place where locals could enjoy great games, tasty snacks, and fun social events.

2. What were some challenges you faced when starting the cafe?

The biggest challenge was finding the right location. I wanted to be in a busy area with good foot traffic, but rent in Houston is notoriously expensive. Luckily, I found a great space that wasn't too expensive, but it needed a lot of work to transform it into a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

3. How did you overcome these challenges?

I worked with some friends and family to do most of the renovations ourselves, which saved us a lot of money. We also took out a Shopify loan to cover some of the initial costs, which gave us the resources we needed to get started.

4. How has Shopify helped you grow your business?

Shopify has been essential to our success. We use it to manage our inventory, accept online payments, and even to create promotional campaigns. With Shopify, we can easily keep track of our sales and use data-driven insights to make informed decisions about our products and events.

5. What sets Tabletop Kingdom apart from other board game cafes?

We have a big selection of games, from classics to modern hits, and we also offer tasty snacks made in-house. But what really sets us apart is the sense of community we've created here. We host weekly events for different game genres and age groups, and our patrons are like a big family.

6. Is there a specific event or moment when you realized your business was a success?

It was a little unexpected. We had a group of regulars who were really passionate about the cafe and had been spreading the word about us on social media. Then, one day, we had a line out the door! We were so overwhelmed by the support and love from our community.

7. What advice do you have for others looking to start their own board game cafe?

First and foremost, make sure you're passionate about the business. Running a board game cafe takes a lot of work and dedication, but it's also incredibly rewarding. Be creative when it comes to events and promotions, and always be responsive to your customers' needs. And, of course, use tools like Shopify to help you manage your business effectively.

         

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