Business: Board Game Republic
Address: 900 W. First Ave #130, Denver, CO 80223
Hours: Monday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Tuesday closed, Wednesday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday 11 a.m.-12 a.m., Saturday 11 a.m.-12 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Founded: 2016
Contact: 303-954-9165
Employees: 8
Interview with Keith Meyers, President
Q: How did you get involved in this business?
:I’ve been in the board game industry for almost 30 years. I love the social aspect of board gaming and how it brings people together. I saw this concept in Toronto about 5 years ago and have been trying to get this started in Denver ever since.
Q: What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
:There is nothing quite like us. We have a full selection of Colorado brews, spirits, paninis, crepes, greens, milkshakes and an amazing library of 600 games with something for every gaming taste. It suits the novice gamer, casual gamer and serious gamer as well as couples, families, business groups and tourists.
Q: What do you like best about your line of work?
:After almost 30 years in the industry, I’m still amazed at the ability of board games to bring people together, to produce laughter, to get conversations and ideas flowing. I do believe that board games build community and make the world a better place.
Q: What is your business’ biggest challenge?
:Visibility. Our location is tucked in The Yard, a former lumber yard that is undergoing redevelopment, located at 1st Avenue and Santa Fe Drive. Although centrally located, it’s easy to drive by and not know what’s going on inside. We have Renegade Brewing, a fitness center, a distillery, and a fine furniture maker in the complex with plenty of parking, but it is still tricky to find.
Q: Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
:They’d be surprised to find that I’ve made a living in the board game industry for the better part of 30 years. I’ve worked for Hasbro, Wizards of the Coast, IELLO, The Game Keeper, and I have about 3 dozen published games to my credit. And now a successful (hopefully) board game pub and cafe.