GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Brian Beaucher has a vision for his new business, House Rules Board Game Longue.
"It’s game store meets bar and longue," said Beaucher.
Inside the storefront at 404 Ionia Ave SW, are rows of long tables for game play, a bar, and of course, plenty of board games.
Due to current COVID-19 restrictions, House Rules is open for only retail game and non-alcoholic beverage purchases. It is still in the process of obtaining its liquor license.
Beaucher said it has been hard opening a business in pandemic. However, he is familiar with the location. He previously owned Craft Beer Cellars there, a bar and craft beer store that closed due to the pandemic last year. He said businesses owners had to learn to adapt last year, and it was stressful.
"Right now, we are open," said Beaucher, "But because no one can come in and sit at a table, that’s my core market. It’s not available, so I’m trying to survive by selling board games retail and selling some non-alcoholic beverages retail. But until the bar can open, we’re really not going to be successful."
He said the business is a long-term plan, becoming a place in Grand Rapids where people can stay and play board games at the table for hours if they like. While there will be alcohol sold on site eventually, it is also a family-friendly place, with non-alcoholic beverages to consume while playing games as well.
"There are some great game stores in the area you can go play board games on site," said Beaucher, "But no one is doing the beverage service with it. There are some great board games bars across the country, but there isn’t one in Grand Rapids. So, I thought I’d combine my love of board games with a bar and bring everybody together to have fun."
House Rules Board Game Lounge is open Tuesday through Saturday from 12pm to 6pm. It currently offers online orders and pickup for games and beverages on its website.
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