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The Weekly Grind - August 18th, 2025 Newsletter

Happy Back to School Week!

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NEW ITEMS & RESTOCKS for retail

NEW from Sensory Play

Critical Grind Iridescent Tumblers. We have new tumblers available. They are Matte Black with a rainbow iridescent underlay. No two tumblers are exactly the same. Stop by to pick yours up today.

$30 per tumbler w/metal straw and bring it back to receive 10% off every cafe beverage that goes in it.



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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:

We are now offering our Hot Foods Menu every weekday starting at 5pm and weekends starting at 11am.


(Soup is coming soon...)

RPG Event Updates!

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--> KIDS RPG NIGHT

There is a chance Kid's RPG Night will be canceled this week.

As of writing this, Monday morning, I do not have any GMs available. I am still looking and hoping to find at least 1. I will email the parents on the list tomorrow or Wednesday at the latest let you know for sure. I apologize and appreciate you're patience and understanding.


I will be emailing the parents directly every week a few days before Kid's RPG Night with the link for sign-ups and session descriptions. So if you are a Kid's RPG Night parent, please fill out this form (if you haven't already).


Please remember Kid's RPG Night is only the 2nd and 4th Fridays.



--> Discord Looking For Party Highlights

These are some RPGs being mentioned in our Discord that people are looking to get together and play.

Dungeons & Dragons, Paranoia, Starfinder, Daggerheart, Thirsty Sword Lesbians, and probably some others. Join the discord and don't miss the tables.


Tip: When you join, go to Rules to get verified. Then, VERY IMPORTANTLY: go to Roles-and-Info to select your interests. This is what will unlock the channels.




TCG Event Updates!

Our Magic the Gathering League starts on Monday, August 18th. This will be 4 weeks per round. Played in timed pods with points awarded for place at the end of the game, and various play goals which will rotate every 4 weeks. Promos and Packs will be given as prizes each week.
Our Magic the Gathering League starts on Monday, August 18th. This will be 4 weeks per round. Played in timed pods with points awarded for place at the end of the game, and various play goals which will rotate every 4 weeks. Promos and Packs will be given as prizes each week.
What is Pack Rush? Pack Rush is a simple format. Each player will open 2 packs and play with those as if they were a deck. Ignore color identity rule and use every card from the pack, including the art cards as your starting ink. It's fun, casual, and you don't need to bring anything. Additional Packs and Promos distributed as prizes. Sign Up Now
What is Pack Rush? Pack Rush is a simple format. Each player will open 2 packs and play with those as if they were a deck. Ignore color identity rule and use every card from the pack, including the art cards as your starting ink. It's fun, casual, and you don't need to bring anything. Additional Packs and Promos distributed as prizes. Sign Up Now

Grab your partner, prep your decks, and get ready for a team-based throwdown! Sign up now to reserve your spot.
Grab your partner, prep your decks, and get ready for a team-based throwdown! Sign up now to reserve your spot.
Poorcana: A Low-Budget Lorcana Tournament. See Event rules, details, and sign up HERE
Poorcana: A Low-Budget Lorcana Tournament. See Event rules, details, and sign up HERE
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We've officially started accepting Pre-Orders for the next Lorcana Set, Fabled.


We're also going to be making some changes to how Lorcana Organized Play is run here at Critical Grind. Please stay tuned for those announcements.

Board Game Event Updates!

--> Post Gen Con Games Day

Every year after Gen Con, we host a Post Gen Con Games Day! Save the date for Saturday, August 30th to join us for a day of board gaming. We'll be introducing players to some of our favorite titles we brought home from Gen Con this year!

Special shout-outs will be going to those wonderfully supportive publishers who donated copies to our library this year.





Wednesday Open Play <--

We are currently offering Free Play on Wednesdays. Stop by anytime on a Wednesday and play any of the games in our library. (*this doesn't include any special events or tournaments*)

August's Mini Painting Contest!


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August mini: Morgan, Young Apprentice.


You can pick up your Mini Paint Pass anytime and receive the paint contest mini.

This one is due back no later than August 24th.


We have a few more Morgan minis left for people to pick up. Some have already started coming back.


And if you don't want to participate in the contest, you can still come in any Tuesday or Wednesday for our Mini-Painting drop-in between 3pm & 8pm. $5 for all you can paint, access to our brushes, and paints, and a free figure to practice on. Or additional figures are $5 each.


Critical Podcast

Click the image or HERE to find us on Podbean! Or search for us on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Click the image or HERE to find us on Podbean! Or search for us on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

Let's just say the podcast is on a bit of a hiatus. I haven't given up on this but I need to pace myself.


Thank you all for understanding.


Catch up now on Spotify, Podbean, and Apple Podcasts.


Are you interested in being a guest on the podcast? Fill out this form.






Did You Know!?

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We have a "Kommunity Chest"* Fund for players on fixed income who want to come play games but can't afford the pay-to-play structure.


Anyone who would like to donate to this fund just let's staff at the register know they'd like to add to the Kommunity Chest and we'll add your contribution to the gift card.


Thank you!


*started by our beautiful partners at Liquid Kourage Entertainment

This Month's Calendar & Specials

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AUGUST SPECIALS --

Flavor of the Month: Raspberry Pistachio. The versitility of this flavor combination is great in so many options. Cold Brew w/ Cold Foam (picture number 1), Chai (picture number 2), Cafe Latte, Matcha, or Italian Soda.

Bomb Pop: Cherry Lemonade w/Sparkling Water and Blueberry Cold Foam.

Lemonberry Smoothie: Mixed Berry & Lemonade Smoothie

Hot Toast Summer: Jalepeno Cream Cheese, Strawberries, Hot Honey, Red Pepper Flakes, and Garlic Powder

Extra Smalls Toast: Mashmallow Fluff with Mini Marshmallows, Mini Chocolate Chips, Chocolate Drizzle, and Graham Crackers


Get through that mid-week drab with some gaming! Every Wednesday is a FREE Open Gaming at Critical Grind. Cafe Purchase Required. This doesn't include any special events or tournaments. Only Open Play.
Get through that mid-week drab with some gaming! Every Wednesday is a FREE Open Gaming at Critical Grind. Cafe Purchase Required. This doesn't include any special events or tournaments. Only Open Play.
WE NOW OFFER HOT FOODS MONDAY - FRIDAY AFTER 5PM AND ON SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS AFTER 11AM!
WE NOW OFFER HOT FOODS MONDAY - FRIDAY AFTER 5PM AND ON SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS AFTER 11AM!


This Week's Event Highlights

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This is a quick look at this week's events. And of course any day is Game Day at Critical Grind. Just stop in anytime and find your next favorite game.


Follow our newsletter and socials to never miss an event!


Every link you need to follow us is right here:


SPECIAL EVENTS OF NOTE THIS WEEK:



This Week's Events Flyers/Details



Save the Date! Critical Grind will be closed on Labor Day.

What started as a family tradition to spend Labor Day at the Bristol Renaissance Faire, has become a Critical Grind Tradition. The cafe closes for the day and staff & patrons are encouraged to spend the day galivanting about the faire.

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Signing Off


Thanks so much for taking the time to read this week's Weekly Grind. If there's anything specific you want to hear about at the cafe, let me know!


"Stop trying to calm the storm. Calm yourself. The storm will pass." — Buddha

 
 
 
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