Tabletop Tavern Game Cafe

Blain and Raimey Doggett created Tabletop Tavern Game Cafe with a simple but meaningful vision: to offer a cozy, inclusive board-gaming experience where everyone feels at home. Whether you're a newcomer still figuring out if board games are your thing or a seasoned adventurer who’s been running the same D&D campaign for years, Tabletop Tavern provides a welcoming space built on accessibility, comfort, and connection. Designed as a warm gathering place for all ages, the Tavern blends great food, inviting atmosphere, and a passion for play to create a destination where memories are made one game at a time.

With an expansive game library, day-pass access, and the freedom to stay and play as long as you'd like, Tabletop Tavern makes it easy to dive into something new or bring along your own favorites. Guests can pair their game sessions with craft beers, sandwiches, and snacks, or simply enjoy the space as a quiet spot to study or work. For frequent visitors, membership options offer added savings and convenience. From rolling dice to simply grabbing a bite in a welcoming atmosphere, Tabletop Tavern stands as a cozy community hub where fun, flavor, and fellowship come together.

Get to know Blain and Raimey and hear their advice for other small business owners in their Q&A!

1. When did you start your business?
We started the formation process in June of 2024 and opened to the public December 14, 2024.

2. Why did you decide to start your business?
Our family has always loved board games. Blain & Raimey visited a game store in Seattle that had a bar/restaurant where you could try out board games in-store. The next year co-owners, Jeff & Sara visited Seattle and went to the same business. Ever since then, we all wanted to bring that experience to our community.

3. What is your favorite memory in the business?
The times when our family are all at the tavern working side by side.

4. What is the most rewarding part of running a small business?
Working with family and engaging with the community.

5. What is the hardest part of running a small business?
Not starting with a million dollars. :) Obviously the rising prices and state of the economy affect how well we do.

6. How does the business get to positively impact your community?
Tabletop Tavern Game Cafe offers our community an atmosphere of face-to-face connections in an increasingly digital world. With an accessible library of over 300 board games, the cafe provides a safe and inviting "third place" where friends, families, and strangers can unplug and build relationships through board games, food, and drink. Guests experience our communal, game-centered atmosphere while breaking scratch-made bread together. Families, students, longtime gamers, novices, large groups, and couples come together in the welcoming environment of Tabletop Tavern.

7. Biggest challenge in the business?
The costs of running a business are significant. We are constantly looking for ways to increase our customer base and reduce expenses while not sacrificing quality.

8. What makes your business different from your competition?
There is no other business in our area with the same business model as Tabletop Tavern Game Cafe. Our customers can play board, card, and other tabletop games while enjoying our delicious food selections, housemade drinks, or a beer, wine, or mead while they play. Additionally, we have an expansive selection of merchandise such as trading card games, board games, dice, shirts, and other gaming accessories.

9. Best tips for others in business.
Utilize people with various areas of expertise.

10. How did the SBDC help you on your venture?
SBDC helped guide the process of opening the business and put us in touch with some lenders.

11. What's a food you could eat forever?
BREAD - one of the reasons we opened Tabletop Tavern Game Café is our love of homemade food.