Dice Versa, a board game lounge that opened in late 2023 on the ground floor of Tower280 downtown, is closing.
Owner Riley Dethier announced the news in a Sept. 8 Facebook post, writing that after three years in business, “we still cannot financially break even and will run out of funds soon.”
By phone, he said one reason for the struggle may be changing habits. “I don’t feel like 30-and-unders are going to bars as much as they used to,” Dethier said. “I do feel like since COVID, people would just rather stay home or do free activities.”
The location also may be a factor. He said he hasn’t polled customers but suspects that a plaza with parking might have been more convenient for them.
Beyond that, he had to keep working as a pharmacist to fund
the business. That meant hiring people to be there when he couldn’t, which also ate into the bottom line.
Dethier plans to keep Dice Versa open until around Thanksgiving.
On Facebook, he wrote: “We love every employee and customer who has helped and supported us along the way, so we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude for getting us this far.”
He told the Democrat and Chronicle he has no regrets about opening the place.
“I would have kicked myself if I never tried,” he said. “Even through the stress, it was a great experience. I loved doing it for people and the city.”
Dice Versa opened Nov. 18, 2023, at 280 E. Broad St. (Tower280) in the former Original Grain spot.
The café has hundreds of board games, from classics like Monopoly to such newer titles as Junk Art. For an $8 fee, guests can play as many as want.
The establishment also serves food, soft drinks, beer, wine and cocktails and desserts.
Dethier based on concept on Snakes and Lattes, a board game bar and restaurant with three locations in Toronto and one each in Chicago and Tempe, Arizona.
Despite having to close Dice Versa, he said he would consider giving entrepreneurship another try in the future.
For now, “I definitely want to take a break from it.”
Reporter Marcia Greenwood covers the grocery business and consumer-focused grocery news, as well as retail development, openings and closings. Send story tips to mgreenwo@rocheste.gannett.com. Follow her on X @MarciaGreenwood.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Rochester board game lounge to close in November
