A Philadelphia gaming oasis is getting a new, larger home. Queen & Rook, currently located at 607 South Second Street, will be moving to 123 South Street this fall, reports Philly Voice.
Queen & Rook is the brainchild of co-owners Edward Garcia and Jeannie Wong. Garcia spoke to What Now Philadelphia about the gaming cafe’s new location and what customers can expect at the new digs.
Garcia explains that the expansion was inspired by a desire to accommodate as many customers as possible, saying “Over the past year, we’ve been seeing an increase in the people coming in, and subsequently, the number of times we’ve had to turn people away. We need more space to ensure we can welcome everyone.”
The new location will certainly provide plenty of room. The South Street building contains three floors. Garcia says that the first floor will feature the board game cafe customers know and expect. The second floor will hold additional board games and serve as an event space. The basement is where Queen & Rook will truly deviate from its current model. The level will contain between 30 and 40 cabinet arcade games and pinball machines.
Queen & Rook’s menu is receiving an overhaul as well. When asked about the changes,Garcia states “The big one is we’ll be adding two wood-fire ovens. Pizza is a big category change for us and we’ll be adding other wood-fired food items.”
The eatery will also be taking advantage of the larger tap system available at the new location. Queen & Rook currently has six taps, but the new building allows for up to 24 drafts. While the cafe will feature local breweries, Garcia explains that Queen & Rook plans to offer other unusual and unique options customers won’t find in other places, like kombucha and mead on tap.
Queen & Rook signed the lease for its new home a couple of weeks ago. Garcia is optimistic that the space will be ready for an early fall opening, stating that no major remodeling will be necessary. “We want it to feel like a medieval tavern.There will be some minor external alterations.”
Visitors to Queen & Rook will pay by time. The owners wanted to eliminate the need for guests to carry around large quantities of quarters,so the arcade games will be open for unlimited play during the time period customers pay for.
Queen & Rook’s current location will remain open while the new space is prepared. Old and new customers will find a welcoming environment, one Garcia describes as a supportive community.
