The Weekly Grind - October 5th, 2026 Newsletter
Updates:
A little more clarification for you. The CAFE is closing. Critical Grind, Inc started as a gaming event company in 2018, and we will continue to do gaming events even after the cafe is closed. I'm talking to a lot of small businesses and organizations regarding using their space to bring gaming all over the community. If you have a business or organization that has room for us, let me know!
I've had people ask how they can help us right now, and if there's a gofundme. There is not. However, you can help by coming in and buying things. Whether it's games, art, or furniture. Any cash or Venmo income will be going straight to covering as much of our debts as possible. I will also not turn away Cash or Venmo "donations" :) The sooner we bounce back financially, the sooner I can look for a new location.
Here's what we do know:
We're selling some of our game library, art, furniture, equipment, and other items. Others will be put in storage for our gaming events or future space. If a library game is for sale, it will be on the white retail shelves, not in the library. Look for the green tape.
Furniture purchased, we are holding for pick up until between End of Day Sunday, October 25th and Friday, October 30th.
Our staff is looking for job opportunities, so let us know if you have leads.
We will still be attending Lodge Con. For those who don't know, Lodge Con is a FREE local gaming convention at the Will County Fairgrounds in Peotone. We still need volunteers if anyone is interested in helping us. <-- Click here to volunteer!
How to stay connected!
Follow our social media (Facebook, Instagram, & TikTok)
Join our Discord
Stay on our email list.
Here's what we don't know:
Where we're going to be and when.
Specifics of what's going to happen with the Patreon. Below are the considerations we're making when evaluating the Patreon.
Some locations will pay us to be there. Other locations will simply let us use their space. The ladder will require us to charge our players, as we have been.
We're considering the logistics of continuing to rent games.
When we're getting another building.
I need to focus on getting the ground beneath my feet and my head above water before finding a new place. It's not just the business struggling this year, but personally I've got a lot going on. But I have a lot of ideas and we'll see what works as time goes on.
I appreciate how much support I've received thus far.
Thank you all. I love you.
-Dana
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
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:
BORED GAMES NIGHT - TUESDAY - 6PM
ART CLASS WITH QUINNFINITE POSSIBILITIES: 6PM - 9PM
SIP & STITCH - WEDNESDAY - 9AM
CREATOR MEETUP - FRIDAY - 6PM
BLOOD ON THE CLOCKTOWER - SATURDAY - 6PM
POP-UP BAKERY: JP'S PANCAKSES - SUNDAY - 11AM
This Week's Events Flyers/Details
This Month's Calendar & Specials
Ash and Ky came up with the specials this month. Partly with a Halloween theme of Trick or Treat. Things that sound like they shouldn't go together but actually do...
But also...we have syrups to get rid of
October Specials
Cargo Shorts Chai - Chai with Ginger & Irish Cream
Dr Frankenstein - Dr. Pepper & Matcha w/ Vanilla Cold Foam
Shy Guy Matcha - Matcha with Banana, Ube, and Brown Sugar
Grandma's Candy Latte - Latte w/Butterscotch & Maple
Princess Peach Refresher - Strawberry Acai Refresher w/Peach & Coconut
Bread and Butter Rum Italian Soda - Butter Rum Italian Soda w/ Cucumber Cold Foam
Boo-Berry Cereal Milk (or latte) - White Mocha w/ Blueberry, Strawberry, & Raspberry
Bug Juice Smoothie - Harvest Green Smoothie with Watermelon Cucumber Mint Refresher
TOASTS
Mana Toast- Whipped Ricotta, Cucumber, Walnuts, & Garlic Powder
Sweet Victory Toast - Peanut Butter, Banana, Chocolate Sauce, & Rainbow Sprinkles
More Special Events
--> Discord Looking For Party
Join our Discord and find your next gaming group.
We play RPGs every Tuesday and Thursday, but people will plan meet-ups outside those times as well. Join our Discord and see what games are being played.
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.
Monthly Mini Painting Contest
Congratulations to our Final Mini Painting Contest Winner!
Shelby Sawyer!!
Thank you to everyone who has joined us and participated in these contests over the last couple years.
And a very special shoutout to our friends Chris Wimmer and Brian Kale for printing the minis for us.
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Keep an eye on the emails and our socials. We will be taking some paints and minis with us for pop-up painting events other places. And stop by our purchase parties on the 18th & 24th to pick up some of the paints and supplies we're selling!
Signing Off
Thanks so much for taking the time to read this week's Weekly Grind.
"Endings are always tough, but I believe when something ends, there are new beginnings, new opportunities, and new things to be excited for, too" - Mike Fisher
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