Tabletop game store rolls into Elbridge, offering space to play

Christopher Malone Town, village and business reporter

ELBRIDGE — Gamenasium isn't just a store, it's a space.

Specifically, the tabletop gaming business opening Friday is what owner Rob Kahrs calls a "third space." Home is the first and work is the second, making the third a place of retreat from the other two.

Located on South Street near the village of Elbridge's four corners, Gamenasium both sells card and board games and provides a comfortable place for people of all skill levels to play them.

People or groups can come in for open play or make reservations, using their own games or ones bought from the store. There are also demo copies for customers to try before committing to buying.

The idea for Gymnasium has been on Kahrs' mind since high school in Baldwinsville. It came to the 2010 graduate in response to a business class assignment, but he boxed up those thoughts to pursue a career in sales and marketing after college. Attending tabletop and video game conventions over the years, like RetroGameCon in Syracuse, helped rekindle the idea.

"It's been cool working on this the last couple of months," Kahrs told The Citizen. "Everything is falling into place."

Kahrs wants Gamenasium to be an accessible, family-friendly space, and erase the stigma that gaming stores are for adults only. As other "third spaces" like movie theaters, bowling alleys and bars get more expensive, he said, businesses like his are positioned to offer a more affordable place to relax, interact and have fun.

"Game stores are in a position to really expand and build an audience," he said.

Gamenasium is focused on contemporary games like "Disney Lorcana," "Dominion," "Boss Monster" and others that can be found on the shelves. Kahrs said many of these games have expansion packs in order to prevent repetition or stale gameplay. There are games of the month as well, with October's being the smash hit card game "Exploding Kittens."

Other familiar favorites like "Ticket to Ride" and "Catan" are still pending, Kahrs said, but should be available soon. Classics like "Monopoly" or "Risk," however, won't be found there.

As he finalizes his store, Kahrs is already planning for events like viewing parties for game awards, "Dungeons & Dragons" nights and "Magic: The Gathering" tournaments.

Kahrs also hopes his Elbridge space is a stepping stone for him — whether it's to another store or a larger space — and for the local gaming community.

"You see Starbucks on every corner," he said. "It'd be great to see a local game store in every town."

Staff writer Christopher Malone can be reached at (315) 282-2232 or .

Town, village and business reporter