Games Nook II more than a store - it's also a community

Why grow old when you can turn your childhood into your livelihood?

That’s exactly what two brothers, Keegan, 29, and Rudy Gjos, 34, have done.

Games Nook II, a store that sells various games including cards, tabletop, and board games, was opened in 2016. It's located at 756 Queen St E.

Their most popular sellers include Magic: The Gathering, Warhammer 40000, and the Digimon Card Game.

Reducing them to the moniker of business owners would be missing the point; they have built an inclusive community around them inspired by childhood interests.

Games Nook II is half store, half game room. The front end is where transactions happen, but the back room is where friends are made.

The store is an attempt to get people out of their homes and into more social settings. It is helping remove stigma from less popular forms of entertainment.

Tables are permanently set up inside the store to allow people to walk in and play their favourite games for no additional charge.

“We wanted to get people together. Other businesses charge for tables or for space, but it was our main focus to not do that. I think that greed would’ve killed the community. If you want to play games and be a part of the community, we’re here for you,” Keegan said.

The inspiration for opening Games Nook II came from the brothers’ childhood love of Warhammer 40000, a tactical tabletop game involving miniatures that you build and paint yourself.

The game was introduced to Rudy initially who then passed on the interest to Keegan. It was their main hobby at home.

Growing up in Desberats made it difficult for the two to get together with friends, but when they could, they would host game nights in their parents’ basement.

Rudy opened Games Nook by himself originally and Keegan later joined him in his venture. He decided to open it after the closure of Local Friendly Gaming, the only local store of its kind.

Disappointed that there were no other game stores in Sault Ste. Marie, Rudy decided to try running the business for a year at first to see where it went.

It has grown into not only a financial success but a breeding ground for new friends and shared interests.

Keegan was studying to become a physio and occupational therapist but after acquiring his Bachelor's degree in health sciences, he became Rudy’s business partner.

“I was working part-time here to cover Rudy’s days off and I was enjoying it a lot. I talked to Rudy, and we decided we could make it work together. I didn’t get into the master’s program I applied to, so I decided to stay home and became Rudy’s partner. This is my passion,” Keegan said.

Games Nook’s goal is to provide a safe space for people of all demographics and backgrounds who want to have plain old fun.

The Gjos brothers have succeeded in doing what many people dream of; turning what they love into a source of income. They have found themselves at home in their work.