EAST LIVERPOOL, Ohio – Not happy with working their typical 9-to-5 jobs, a local couple decided they wanted to open their own business, and there was no better time than the present.
Dartagnan and Katie Lamparty celebrated the opening of Doubles Board Game Cafe, 501 Market St., with a ribbon cutting Wednesday.
The new business is unlike any in the area, according to Dartagnan.
“After we had the idea, we were looking around to see how rare it was. There is one in Cleveland, but none nowhere close. We thought it would be a niche,” he said.
Located in the former Fox’s Pizza shop, the cafe invites customers to not only enjoy fresh pastries in several flavors but also a variety of finger foods, including chicken sliders, pretzel sticks and buffalo chicken dip and mini pancakes with numerous toppings.
Both hot and iced coffees and teas, lattes, cappuccinos, lemonade and other drinks are also available.
All the dishes are made by the Lampartys.
“I love to bake,” Dartagnan said, adding that his wife – who also operates Pawsitive Impact, a nonprofit for shelter dogs – formerly worked at Tim Horton’s.
“She was used to the coffee-cafe atmosphere, and we were hosting game nights of our own. One thing led to another,” he said.
The name of their business was actually thought of by Katie years ago when she pointed out people can roll “doubles” and have a “double” shot of espresso.
The name also reflects the other aspect of the new business: board games for customers to rent and play.
For $3 per person, customers can try their hand at a multitude of well-known games, such as Mouse Trap, Monopoly, Clue, checkers, chess and many more, with no time limit. Those under age 5 can play for free.
Dartagnan said the fee will help cover the cost for replacing games and purchasing new ones.
Asked if he believes the business could spark renewed interest in board games among younger generations, Dartagnan said, “I hope so – even [students from] Kent State University and the [New Castle] trade school. We want the younger crowds, the kids, the young adults, all shapes and sizes. Come down with a group of friends. There’s finally a place to hang out downtown.”
The cafe will also host game nights. This Saturday is Dungeons & Dragons Night, and aficionados can bring their own D&D games and reserve a table. Next Saturday is 80s Night, featuring classics such as checkers, chess and other games. On July 26, the cafe will host Murder Mystery Night, featuring games such as Clue.
On game nights, special combo foods and drinks not on the daily menu will be sold.
Fox’s Pizza shop had been closed and vacant for some time, and Dartagnan said some repairs and painting had to be completed before Doubles Board Game Cafe opened. The couple put their own touches on the decor, which features wall paintings done by Katie. Game-related touches can be spotted throughout the dining/game room, including a trunk covered with Monopoly money.
Wednesday’s opening attracted a large crowd. Among the day’s first customers was Jeff Cornfield and his children Ainsley, 7, and Sam, 6, who were testing out both the food and a Mouse Trap game.
“We have board games at home. A friend said you gotta go there. It’s beautiful. We can’t believe it. We’re excited,” Cornfield said of the new business.
Dartagnan said he and his wife realize their new venture is a work in progress.
“This whole first month we’re open will be trial and error to see what works in the area, what sells best in the area and what doesn’t. We fully intend to change the menu to cater to the downtown,” he said.
“I want to bring business back to the city,” Dartagnan added. “The city’s downtown has been in a rebuild the past couple of years, and we’re just honored to be part of it.”
The cafe is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. For information, call 330 382 2419.
Pictured at top: From left are Dartagnan Lamparty, Mayor Bobby Smith and Katie Lamparty.