In a time when screens dominate our everyday life, it’s important and therapeutic to disconnect from our devices and reconnect with the people around us. And that’s the mission behind the Meeple Movers Board Game Café on State Road 200: Unplug, Play & Connect.
Written By Karin Fabry-Cushenbery
Jon and Sonya Tyler are no doubt a fun couple. They have a longstanding love of gaming and took that passion to the next level when they opened their board game café in 2023. Meeple Movers Board Game Café (In case you’re wondering, a meeple is anything, such as a figurine, that represents you in a board game.) was born out of a gaming group Jon formed a decade ago that is now 800-plus members strong. With the opening of the café, the gaming community has a comfortable, fun location to meet up and enjoy a good game and good company. Customers can play at the café, purchase a game or even rent one to take home for several days for a nominal fee.
“We want to make gaming accessible to as many people as we can in as many ways as we can,” says Jon. “We have all styles of games, from hobby and classic to role playing and cooperative. Our games go well beyond the traditional.”
At any given time, the store has 1,200-1,500 titles to purchase and 300 to rent or play in store. And, like any good gamers, Jon and Sonya have their favorites.
For Jon, it’s 51st State, a post-apocalyptic game that has players trying to rebuild the country. For teaching though, which is what Jon gets the biggest charge out of, he would choose Mantis, a game that encourages stealing cards from your opponents to create matching pairs for yourself.
“I love teaching people how to play the games,” says Jon. “I am an extreme extrovert, so I am all over that. I feel like I’m meeting new friends and having a good time all the time.”
Sonya loves the game Splendor and also King of Tokyo, which she describes as a “fun, cute, easy game.” Jon adds that it’s a king of the hill Yahtzee-type game where you take out fellow monsters.
“If you can think of a topic, there is likely a game for it,” says Jon. “Everything from construction and gardening to animals and aliens. The games range from very strategic to chaotic to simple.”
Jon and Sonya share that they have a wide variety of customers (friends), from dedicated role players to first-time gamers looking for a fun family night. Meeple Movers is a family-friendly environment that can go from quiet and subdued to rowdy and raucous depending on the games being played. But Jon says, rest assured, it’s always fun! It’s also perfect for an interactive date night. In addition, Meeple Movers would love to host your next party, get together or team-building event. Besides the huge variety of games, the cafe also offers a selection of puzzles, game accessories and more.
The on-site café offers an assortment of goodies to enjoy while playing, from burgers and pizzas to chicken teriyaki pot stickers and corndogs. Plus, all the favorites like fries, mozzarella sticks, soft pretzel sticks, candy, popcorn and more.
“We keep our menu simple, making sure we put out good, quality food,” says Sonya. “We also offer craft beers, ciders and sodas you may not find at other places in town, plus a selection of wines.”
Jon and Sonya (who also works full time at Interfaith Emergency Services) love to share their passion for board games with customers and friends and pride themselves on helping customers find just the right game to play or purchase. They encourage everyone to come and check out their board game café.
“Board game cafes are unique,” says Jon. “And Meeple Movers is unique among board game cafes. We are very focused on providing a great experience for everyone who walks through the door. So come and try something new, unplug from the screens and visit with family and friends. I guarantee you’ll have fun.”
Meeple Movers
Check the website calendar for upcoming events each week.
3101 SW 34th Avenue, Ocala
(352) 572-5637