The Weekly Grind - December 15th, 2025 Newsletter
- Critical Grind Gaming
- Dec 15
- 4 min read
UPDATES
HIGHLIGHTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
We had the pleasure of hosting a Game Night for the staff and their families from 4Sight iCare in Plainfield. Did you know, Critical Grind offers employee engagement events here at the cafe, or at your business?
Our friends at the Joliet Public Library meet here for their book club once a month. This past week they took advantage of our 10pc Toast Catering Trays. Did you know you could order any of our Specialty Toasts as a 10pc tray? Pricing varies by toast. (Pictured: Smalls [Marshmallow Fluff, Chocolate Sauce, Graham Cracker], Nutty Buzz [Ricotta, Walnuts, Honey], It's A Toast [Ricotta, Tomato, Balsamic Glaze, Salt & Pepper, Italian Seasoning]
I also wanted to take a few minutes to thank everyone who voted for Critical Grind for the Herald-News Readers' Choice Awards: Best in Will County. Last Monday was the Awards Reception and I was able to pick up our plaques for winning Best Family Recreation for the 2nd year in a row, and Best Birthday Party Venue for the 1st year.
Critical Grind is excited to be working with a newer non-profit this year, Love Smiles. They are collecting new books, puzzles, toys, board games, and coloring supplies for pediatric cancer patience. The ages for items is between 0 & 18, but it's been expressed that babies and older kids are easiest to shop for. The 5-15 are often forgotten about. Please consider donating items for that age range to compensate. We'll have the donation box until January 2nd.
CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS!!
New TCG items, Board Game Restocks, D&D ideas, and more!!
This Week's Event Highlights
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:
RPG NIGHT - TUESDAY & THURSDAY - 6PM
HOMESCHOOL GAMING - THURSDAY - 11AM
BLOOD ON THE CLOCKTOWER - SATURDAY - 6PM
This Week's Events Flyers/Details
This Month's Calendar & Specials
DECEMBER SPECIALS --
Wintermint Latte: White Chocolate Latte with Homemade Peppermint Syrup
Grinchmas Italian Cream Soda: Blue Curacao & Pineapple Italian Soda with Cherry Cold Foam
"Mulled Tea: Hot or Iced Berry Hibiscus Tea with Blood Orange and Chai
Snowman Toast: Marshmallow Fluff, Pretzels, Orange Sprinkles, Chocolate Chips & Edible Glitter
Figgy Toasty: Ricotta, Apples, Cranberries, Sliced Almonds, Crushed Walnuts, Caramel, & Nutmeg
Winter Nuts Toast (Naughty or Nice): Honey Butter, Assorted Nuts, Honey & Red Pepper Flakes (Naughty) or Cinnamon Sugar (Nice)
Special Events
Join us on Tuesday, December 30th from 7pm - 9pm for our Resolution Night to plan for the year ahead. Bring a notebook, bullet journal, planner, or whatever you'd like to use to make your plans.
On Wednesday, December 31st we're hosting a New Years Eve Party. This is a Board Night. To sign up to bring a board, reach out to Dana. We do ask that everyone bring something, but if you can't afford to bring a board, reach out about things that may be needed like utensils, plates, beverages.
This is an AFTER-HOURS event. The cafe will not be open to the public. To commit your attendance please let Dana know you'll be there.
RPG Event Updates!
--> KIDS RPG NIGHT
How it normally works: I email the parents directly, hopefully on the Monday 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 takes place the 2nd and 4th Fridays, GMs permitting.
NO KID'S RPG NIGHT ON DECEMBER 26TH.
--> Discord Looking For Party
Join our Discord and find your next gaming group.
It looks like there is some interest in D&D, Daggerheart, Vermin, and a few other sessions being discussed in the Discord.
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!
Magic League on Mondays and Lorcana League on Sundays!(Join the Discord for the League Goals)!
To sign up for a TCG Event, just click the photo.
Monthly Mini Painting Contest
Whether you're participating in our contests or just looking for a space to hang out and paint, stop by any Tuesday 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 pick up additional figures for only $5 each.
Stop in to pick up the December Contest Mini: Wicked Snowman! Paint it and bring it back by December 21st to enter the December contest.
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!
"You must live in the present and find your eternity in each moment." - Henry David Thoreau
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