GAMA Expo was an amazing experience. I brought back lots of new items AND ideas!
Last Week's Recap
Episode 7 of Critical Community Podcast came out last Thursday. Meet Andrea! A librarian, crocheter, and wholesome troll.
What is a wholesome troll?? Listen to this episode to find out!
Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Fill out this form.
GAMA Expo Breakdown.
GAMA Expo is an industry convention for designers, publishers, distributors, and retailers. Shaun and I went out there on Saturday and came home very late Thursday Night/Friday Morning. It was INCREDIBLE.
--> Thanks to all of you, we were nominated for one of the Power Retail Awards. We didn't win but seeing the things that the winners are doing was really inspiring. So, maybe next year!
--> I was asked to be on a Game Cafe AMA (Ask Me Anything) Panel. I was nervous but it went really well! I met some other game cafe owners from around the country. None of us do things exactly the same and that's such a fun thing to learn. When the imposter syndrome is setting in, I remember there is no wrong way to do things, just a different way. Now, I have a list of places to visit around the U.S.
--> It was very surreal to be known. I had several people recognize Critical Grind by name. Some were people in the industry that I look up to.
--> One highlight of our trip was spending some time with some local game store owners. We caught up with our friend Andy, one of the co-owners of Goblin Gaming in Ottawa, met Jerry & Lorne, the co-owners of Battle City Gym Cards & Collectables in Wilmington, and had breakfast with our neighbor Scott of Paper or Plastic.
--> Another highlight was winning a large portion of the Hit Point Press booth! Hit Point Press publishes 5e supplement world books like Humblewood, Hekna, Floral Dragons, and more. They also publish the very popular Animated Tarot Deck and Animated Deck of Many Things. They were raffling off their booth and we were lucky enough to be one of the winners. It's gonna take some time to get the items into the system, but you can expect these new products very soon!
--> I sat in on a few peer-to-peer seminars and learned a lot from some very successful people in our industry. The lovely ladies from OddWillows taught me so much about seeking guidance & mentorship, posting on TikTok, and working with your neurodivergence.
--> This was our second year going to GAMA Expo and while I always come back tired, I also come back feeling rejuvenated with ideas and plans for the cafe.
--> This year I've got new products coming in! New deck boxes, Mystery Dice, new Punchkins, new Grimbeard Leather, and more...
--> More events coming up! Mini painting nights, more Magic and Lorcana events, more kids & family programming, new RPG events, board game nights, and more...
--> I would love to host more pop-up events. Bring Critical Grind to the local library or your student's school for Game Night as an incentive. Your office for an employee engagement activity. Game Nights at local breweries or other cafes were some of my favorite events to host.
--> I'm also in the process of implementing a Pre-Order system for TCGs. (This may also be used for other things like RPGs or Board Games)
I would like to take a moment to acknowledge that this GAMA Expo Trip would not have been nearly as successful for us if it wasn't for our great staff back home holding down the fort. Ash, Rudy, Aidan, and Ky completely rocked taking care of the Grind while we were away. We are very appreciative.
Highlights & New Stock
Our March Specials are here!
Sham on the Rocks: Irish Cream Cold Brew topped with Vanilla Merry Mint Cold Foam
Mango Matcha Smoothie: Exactly what it sounds like. Mango Smoothie with Matcha.
Fluffernutter Latte: Peanut Butter & Toasted Marshmallow Latte served Iced or Hot.
Fools Gold Toast: Whipped Ricotta with Chili Pistachios, Honey, and Basil.
Blackberry Forest Toast: Cream Cheese, Muddled Blackberries, Chocolate Drizzle, and White Chocolate Chips.
Did You Know!?
This Week's Events
Upcoming Events:
The new set of Locana comes out on March 7th! Save the date and sign up now to reserve your spot.
We're bringing back the Designer Day at Critical Grind! If you're a board game designer who needs people to playtest their game, sign up to bring your game to our table. Free to participate for designers.
If you're a player looking to playtest some new games that are currently in development, and provide feedback, save the date for March 15th. Stop by between 1pm and 5pm to playtest some great games by some local-ish, designers.
Signing Off
Thanks for reading this week's Weekly Grind. If there's anything specific you want to hear about at the cafe, let me know!
"Always be a first-rate verson of yourself instead of a second-rate version of somebody else." - Judy Garland
Comments