HOB's Hobbies, Strathmore's local game shop and cafe, will be moving across town next month.
The store has been operating in the downtown area next to Joyland Theatre since it first opened eight years ago.
"When we started, we had all sorts of things. Model trains, radio-controlled cards, and a used bookstore," said John Hilton-O'Brien, owner of the store. "People didn't buy the other things very much. In the end, we wound up becoming a straight game store with a play space."
According to Hilton-O'Brien, the store also sells espresso-based beverages. Because of this, it will also be changing its name from HOB's Hobbies to HOB'S Game Cafe once it makes the move to Crystal Ridge.
Hilton-O'Brien added that there are a few reasons to justify the move, claiming that they've outgrown their downtown space.
"The basement isn't usable, and the building is very old. There are small issues with the electrical. There's also a south-facing window over a sidewalk and street into a space that doesn't have air conditioning. This could get quite uncomfortable in the summer."
Their Crystal Ridge location, which is near Strathmore High School, is a newer building with air conditioning and more space.
"We'll pay a lot less for utilities and our electrical service will be much more dependable. The old space is over 100 years old," said Hilton-O'Brien.
HOB's Hobbies was created to serve as a place for Strathmore residents who aren't involved with sports and don't drink alcohol. The shop includes play space that features weekly games of Dungeons & Dragons, Warhammer 40,000, and other tabletop games.
"We don't do computer games," added Hilton-O'Brien. "Use the force, Luke, get off the computer."
According to Hilton-O'Brien, several local couples have met through the games hosted at his shop, with some of them still playing at HOB's to this day.
HOB's is an acronym for Hilton-O'Brien's surname and will be closing its old location by October. Until then, games are being hosted at both the downtown location and Crystal Ridge spot.