Tucson Games and Gadgets has been on a roll lately when it comes to entertaining geeks, gamers, and practically anyone who’s looking for some fun. Just a couple of years ago, the store opened The Short Rest Tavern inside the Tucson mall — a dimly-lit bar equipped with board games, magical decks of cards, and elixirs straight out of the cauldron.
Geeky Grinds is the next venture by Tucson Games and Gadgets, which is scheduled to open later this month or by early September at 4500 N. Oracle Rd. Once the doors open, the new coffee shop will be located on the second floor, across from Dillards, and right next to PacSun.
The Tucson Games and Gadgets crew has also thrown together a Kickstarter to score a little extra cash throughout the process. The funds will go toward purchasing a top-notch commercial espresso machine and other much-needed items for Geeky Grinds.
“At Geeky Grinds, we are on a mission to create a unique and welcoming destination for the community, a haven where the love for Pop Culture, Books, Poetry, and Games converge over the perfect cup of coffee. Located in the heart of Tucson Mall, our coffee shop aims to be a sanctuary for all enthusiasts of the geeky realm.”
Mark Kadow of Geeky Grinds, Tucson Games and Gadgets, and The Short Rest Tavern, is currently gathering possible coffee roasting prospects for the coffee shop — providing more than one option is what they’re setting their sights on.
“We will hopefully be serving up some local coffee from Yellow Brick Coffee as well as Italian Coffee from Lavazza,” said Kadow. “And, of course, Dungeons and Dragons-themed coffee from Geek Grind Coffee.
Geeky Grinds (not to be confused with Geek Grind Coffee) will also be serving a few baked goods to keep your energy goin’ strong during an intense game of Magic: The Gathering. Expect to see daily varieties of pastries, bagels, and more.
“We are hoping to have several different events including poetry readings, book readings and signings, and other nerd faire,” said Kadow. “Possibly even chess meet-ups over coffee!”
Geeky Grinds will be located inside the Tucson Mall at 4500 N. Oracle Rd. The coffee shop is aiming to be open by the last week of August, but keep up with the latest by following Tucson Games and Gadgets on Instagram and visiting tucsongamesandgadgets.com.
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Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
