About Us | Chicken Road Gaming Anti-Cafe

Our Story

Chicken Road began as a simple idea between two friends, Mark Reynolds and Lisa Chen, back in 2018. Both avid gamers with a passion for creating community spaces, they noticed a gap in the local entertainment scene - there was nowhere for people to gather and enjoy gaming together in a welcoming, inclusive environment.

What started as weekly board game nights in Mark's basement quickly grew into something bigger. With more and more friends joining each week, they realized there was a real demand for a dedicated space where people could connect through games.

In April 2019, they took the leap and opened the first Chicken Road location - a modest 1,200 square foot space with just 10 gaming tables and 5 PCs. The name "Chicken Road" was inspired by the classic joke "Why did the chicken cross the road?" - representing the journey from the ordinary to the extraordinary that happens when you step into our space.

By 2021, we had outgrown our original location and moved to our current 3,500 square foot space in the heart of downtown. Today, Chicken Road stands as a beloved institution in our city's gaming and social scene, with over 5,000 registered members, weekly events that consistently sell out, and a vibrant online community.

The original Chicken Road location in 2019

Our Mission & Values

At Chicken Road, our mission is to create a welcoming space where people can disconnect from digital isolation and reconnect with each other through the universal language of play. We believe that gaming is more than just entertainment—it's a powerful medium for building community, developing skills, and creating lasting memories.

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Inclusive Gaming

We believe that gaming should be accessible to everyone, regardless of experience level, background, or ability. Our staff is trained to welcome newcomers, explain games, and ensure everyone feels included.

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Community First

We prioritize creating meaningful connections between people. Our space is designed to encourage interaction, conversation, and collaboration, whether you're strategizing in a board game or teaming up in a digital adventure.

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Playful Innovation

We're constantly evolving our offerings and experiences. From our rotating game library to our creative events, we embrace experimentation and new ideas to keep the Chicken Road experience fresh and exciting.

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Quality Refreshments

We believe that good food enhances the gaming experience. Our menu is carefully crafted to be both delicious and practical for gameplay, with options that satisfy a range of dietary preferences.

Meet Our Team

The heart and soul of Chicken Road is our dedicated team of gaming enthusiasts who bring their passion, expertise, and friendly personalities to create the perfect atmosphere for our community.

Mark Reynolds

Co-Founder & Board Game Specialist

A lifelong board game enthusiast with a collection of over 200 games at home, Mark brings his passion and encyclopedic knowledge to Chicken Road. He specializes in strategic games and can recommend the perfect game based on your interests and experience level.

Lisa Chen

Co-Founder & Community Manager

With a background in event planning and community building, Lisa is the social heart of Chicken Road. She coordinates all our events, tournaments, and community initiatives, ensuring everyone feels welcome and included.

Jamal Washington

PC Gaming Expert

Jamal brings professional esports experience to our team, having competed in national tournaments for several popular titles. He manages our PC gaming section, keeping our hardware updated and our game library fresh.

Elena Petrov

Chef & Refreshments Manager

Elena crafts our menu of gaming-friendly foods and thematic refreshments. With formal culinary training and a passion for gaming, she creates dishes that are both delicious and practical for gameplay.

Our Achievements & Milestones

Since our founding, Chicken Road has grown from a small gathering of friends to a thriving community hub. Here are some of the milestones we're most proud of:

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Community Builder Award 2022

Recognized by the City Business Association for our contribution to creating inclusive social spaces and fostering community connections through gaming.

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5,000+ Community Members

We've built a thriving community of over 5,000 registered members who regularly participate in our events, tournaments, and casual gaming sessions.

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Regional Gaming Tournament Host

Established ourselves as the premier venue for regional gaming tournaments, hosting over 50 competitive events with participants from across the state.

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$15,000+ Raised for Charity

Through our "Gaming for Good" initiative, we've raised over $15,000 for various local charities and causes, demonstrating the power of gaming to make a positive impact.

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Educational Partnership Program

Developed partnerships with 12 local schools to provide educational gaming experiences that teach strategic thinking, teamwork, and communication skills.

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300% Growth Since Opening

Expanded from our original 1,200 sq ft location to our current 3,500 sq ft space, with a 300% increase in both capacity and revenue since our opening.

What Our Community Says

Don't just take our word for it - here's what members of our community have to say about their Chicken Road experience:

"Chicken Road has become my second home. I've met my best friends here and discovered games I never knew existed. The staff remembers everyone's name and gaming preferences - it's that personal touch that keeps me coming back. Whether I'm there for a tournament or just a casual evening of gaming, I always leave having had a great time."

Sarah J.

Regular Member since 2019

"As a parent, I appreciate having a safe, engaging place to bring my teenagers. The staff are great at recommending age-appropriate games, and I've even gotten into gaming myself! Our Friday family game nights at Chicken Road have become a cherished tradition, and it's one of the few activities we can all enjoy together regardless of age."

Michael T.

Family Membership Holder

"I host my monthly D&D campaign at Chicken Road, and the atmosphere is perfect! The themed snacks, ambient lighting, and helpful staff make our adventures even more immersive. Plus, their collection of miniatures and maps has saved our campaign more than once. It's become our go-to place for all things tabletop gaming."

Alex K.

D&D Group Organizer

Ready to Join Our Community?

Whether you're a hardcore gamer, a board game enthusiast, or just looking for a fun place to hang out, Chicken Road welcomes you. Come visit us, book a table, or reach out with any questions!

Contact Us Today

About Chicken Road