Mystery Box Games A Board Game Cafe Experience In Northampton County

Introduction

Mystery Box Games, formerly known as Punch Out Games, is a board game cafe operating in Northampton County, Pennsylvania. The business offers a unique combination of food, drinks, and space to play approximately 300 board games. After facing challenges at their original location, the business has transitioned to a new venue and adopted a new name while continuing to provide entertainment and community space for game enthusiasts.

History and Relocation

Mystery Box Games was established by partners Barbara Vasconez and Mik Matiss, who opened their BYOB (bring your own beverage) cafe in December 2021 at 161 Northampton St. in downtown Easton. The business concept originated from a game night experience in late 2021 when the partners were playing Mario Party and decided to bring a board game cafe to Easton.

The founders visited board game cafes in Philadelphia and New York City before launching their business. Initially operating as a mobile service, Mystery Box Games brought games to local breweries, restaurants, public markets, and other venues. The business could also be booked for private events such as birthday parties.

After operating at the downtown location for several months, the business faced challenges due to building maintenance issues, including ceiling leaks and water damage, which led to a dispute with the property's landlord. Consequently, Mystery Box Games concluded its run at the downtown Easton location in May 2021.

During the transition period, the business hosted various pop-up events where Vasconez and Matiss brought a selection of board games to restaurants and other establishments. On June 1, the partners announced a new name for the business - Mystery Box Games, a name suggested by their friend, drag queen entertainer Estee Lauderdale.

Current Location and Facilities

On August 11, Mystery Box Games opened at its new venue located at 1458 Northampton St. in Easton's West Ward, situated in the ground-floor space of The Packard Apartments building. The new location operates near the newly opened Plants + Coffee cafe and plant shop.

The venue offers approximately 300 board games for patrons to enjoy, creating a space for community engagement and entertainment. The business emphasizes creating an inclusive environment where everyone is welcome, particularly noting that most games aren't difficult to learn, aiming to draw more people into the hobby without the intimidation sometimes associated with game shops catering to hardcore hobbyists.

Operations and Services

Mystery Box Games operates with the following schedule: - Tuesday through Friday: 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. - Saturdays: 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. - Sundays: 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m

The business maintains a BYOB policy, allowing customers to bring beer, wine, and other beverages to enjoy at the venue. Additionally, Mystery Box Games carries packaged goods and sodas, with plans to offer "the best chili in town" in the future.

Special Events and Community Engagement

Mystery Box Games hosts various special events to engage with the community and provide unique experiences. Upcoming events mentioned in the source material include: - Pumpkin carving contest on October 7 - Halloween party on October 14 - Halloween All Ages Drag Bingo on October 15

The business also emphasizes community involvement, mentioning in their online announcement that they are "grateful to be partnering with fantastic organizations to offer after school programs and more." They aim to create a space that brings "laughs, joy, and freedom from every day stresses."

The founders have expressed their commitment to community giving and fun games, as indicated in a May 31 social media post: "We can't wait to be in a better location with new friends and old friends. We look forward to a journey filled with community giving and fun games."

Private Event Bookings

Mystery Box Games offers private event bookings, including birthday parties and other special occasions. This service allows customers to reserve the venue for private gatherings, providing a unique entertainment option for celebrations.

Conclusion

Mystery Box Games represents a unique entertainment option in Northampton County, combining board gaming with food and beverage options. After transitioning from their original location and adopting a new name, the business continues to focus on community engagement, accessibility, and fun. With regular operating hours, special events, and private booking options, Mystery Box Games serves as both a recreational venue and a community gathering space.

Sources

1. WFMZ - Board Game Cafe Has New Name and Location in Northampton County
2. Wanderlog - Best Restaurants to Have Dinner in Northampton
3. Nextdoor - Florence Rd Neighborhood in Northampton, MA
4. This American Life - Transcript