DES MOINES, Iowa — Des Moines’ first-ever board game cafe is set to open sometime this spring.

Many Des Moines gamers know The Rook Room as a pop-up event at local businesses. Tony Tandeski and Annelise Tarnowski hosted a myriad of game nights over the last six years as they planned to open their own physical space.

In December, they got one step closer to their vision of opening a game lounge and restaurant in downtown Des Moines when they leased the site of the former St. Kilda Cafe and Bakery.

“If you [told] me even a year ago that I would be standing here in a place like this, ready to open the doors to the general public, I would’ve told you you’re crazy,” said Tandeski. “We were enjoying the pop-up lifestyle, This was always the goal but it’s kind of that thing that’s way off in the distance and you don’t know if it’s going to come to fruition.”

People can expect a restaurant, cafe, bar, events space, and community hub all in one. Tandeski and Tarnowski will have over 800 board games and puzzles, from the classics like Monopoly and Scrabble to newer games.

Each game has stickers to indicate important information like how hard the game is to learn, how many players can play, etc. Tarnowski also said they will have flags for people to leave at their tables to indicate if they’re open to socializing or if they want to be left alone.

They are still working on the construction of the space, particularly in the space downstairs. It will also be fully accessible, with an elevator inside. In total, The Rook Room will have 6,000 square feet for gamers in Iowa to enjoy.

However, people aren’t obligated to play a game. Tandeski said people can stop by for coffee or food and stay for a few minutes, or they can stay for hours to play one or more games.

Tarnowski said they’re working with the owner and chef at Lachele’s Fine Foods to finish their menu, and they will have an exciting twist on a classic.

“The most exciting thing is a dream that we had which is to make our own Hot Pockets. So, we’ll have these pizza puffs with rotating flavors that are going to be so great, like the things you love about a hot pocket but with local ingredients,” she said.

The construction of the downstairs section has delayed their original opening plan, however, The Rook Room is still projected to be open sometime this spring.

Tandeski and Tarnowski say they plan to operate Thursdays through Tuesdays when they first open and there will be a cover at the entry for some nights. They also will be hiring soon. More information on The Rook Room can be found on their website.