Rubio’s family and friends celebrate the Grand Opening of Board Game Knights in Downtown Gridley. Photo courtesy by Board Game Knights

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) – A new business has staked their claim in the downtown area, but they aren’t all fun and games – wait, yes, they are.

Board Game Knights is one of five new locally owned businesses to join the Historic Downtown Gridley area in the last year.

Owner Miguel Rubio has been working on the concept for a few years, with Downtown Gridley as the location for the nostalgic-yet-fresh, board gaming establishment. 

His wife Aidee and son Miguel Jr. have supported him on this adventure and together, the family made the establishment a reality.

“It started with a love for board games and a dream to build a space where people of all ages could connect, strategize and laugh together,” said Rubio. “I saw how board games could bring people together in a way that’s creative, strategic and just plain joyful.”

The medieval theme echoes Rubio’s choice to use a play on words with his business name, Board Game Knights (BGK). The feeling of adventure permeates through snack bar bundles like the “wandering knight” and “royal rations” to the play packages and all day/adventure passes.

A variety of seating, tables and play areas greet those who enter Board Game Knights to facilitate play of one of the 500+ games available. Photo courtesy by Board Game Knights

Board Game Knights celebrated a well-attended Grand Opening ribbon cutting, Aug. 16 with clever incentives for the community to come out and play. To celebrate the opening of his business, keeping gamers in mind, Rubio designed a special quest, much like a scavenger hunt, for players to win raffle tickets for his opening day raffle. Raffle prizes ranged from board games to free memberships, or items donated from local businesses such as Candelario ACE, Our Town Pizzeria and The Farmers Wives.

Rubio wanted to also thank Anthony’s Balloons for the festive balloon arches that graced the entrance to his establishment opening day and Sweeties for their baked goodies.

Of opening day, Board Game Knights Team said, “We’re excited for the adventures ahead, and we hope you’ll keep questing with us. The realm of Board Game Knights is officially open, and it’s better than we ever imagined, thanks to you.”

Board Game Knights keeps an updated catalog of their games and puzzles online for guests to browse. A cozy kids’ corner with blocks, puzzles and books is available for young gamers while older players try their hand at classics such as “Monopoly,” easy to learn games such as “Animal Upon Animal” or something more complicated like “Lost Ruins of Arnak.”

Owner, Miguel Rubio cuts the ribbon to Board Game Knights, surrounded by supporters. His wife Aidee and son Miguel Jr. stands off to the left of the scene, holding the other side of the ribbon as the business opens to the public. Photo courtesy by Board Game Knights

Board Game Knights features specialty tables designed for gaming, slanted surface tables for puzzles and activities such as take-home crafting kits, including the crochet craze “The Woobles”.

Open less than a month, Board Game Knights has already had phenomenal reviews from those that have suited up and stepped into the gaming kingdom.

“Oh my gosh, we had so much fun!” said Brand Macfarlane after visiting with her crew. “We were laughing so hard. You have to check it out!”

Entry fees are designed to be budget-friendly, with one adult and one child bundles as low as $20 for endless play. Adult passes are $10 each, youth passes for ages 7-17 are available for $5 each, children under 6 are free and Board Game Knights offers discounted senior passes for just $5.

“Whether you’re here for a full quest or just a quick visit, there’s a bundle for your adventure.”

Board Game Knights is located at 556 Kentucky Street, Gridley. The realm is open Wednesday through Friday from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sun., 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Give them a call at 530-448-8800 or go online at bgknights.com to view their 500+ game catalog and plan your visit. Www.bgknights.com.