Modesto gaming cafe offers plenty of ways to play. How to book parties, streaming events
What is there to do in Modesto? “Visit the Gallo Center,” is one answer you might expect to hear, or, “Go to a bar.”
One Modesto native is seeking to add another option to the list by opening a hobby store and cafe, where visitors can play board games, shop and socialize.
Rob Van Tuinen, 36, took over the space that formerly housed Modesto Comics and established Meeple Valley Board Game Cafe. Modesto Comics shuttered Feb. 16, and Meeple Valley opened its doors two weeks later.
“This is a great community and (all ages) space that is open, bright and inviting,” Van Tuinen said. “I think we need more of that in our community and to support different groups.”
Van Tuinen spent his childhood playing board games like Monopoly and Aggravation with his family — memories that he cherishes and that are his inspiration for opening the store.
For $7, visitors can choose from around 200 board games from the store’s library and play at one of the six tables for as long as the store is open. Meeple Valley is open Sunday through Thursday from noon to 8 pm. and Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
There also are two rooms for rent where customers can host birthday parties, streaming or other events.
The Blue Room is a private room that can be rented for $80 for four hours, and has cameras for streaming. The Yellow Room is $60 for four hours, is a bit smaller and does not have a closing door.
Ticket to Ride, the Trekken series, Star Wars, Dune, Monopoly, Scrabble and Clue are some of the games in the library that are available for use during store hours.
There also is a retail section of the store, with a large selection of board games for sale. The cafe sells sandwiches, drinks and snacks.
Van Tuinen, who works for the city of Modesto full time, is usually seen at the store after 4 p.m. His father, Bob, takes care of things during the day.
“He has always been supportive of the things that I have wanted to do over the years,” Van Tuinen said.
Now retired from the Army Reserves, Bob has been exploring woodworking and came up with the concept for Meeple Valley’s game tables.
The tables have a play space with a mat, and a lip that prevents dice from rolling off. They also have cup holders.
Van Tuinen is taking steps to make the store sensory-friendly and welcoming. “We’ve gone through and measured our spaces and made sure it’s not too loud or hectic and try to keep it as friendly as possible,” he said.
Meeple Valley is at 115 Mark Randy Place, Suite A, in Modesto.
