By: Katelynn Wright
A local business in Nassau County is bringing people together—one game at a time. Rollin With My Gnomies, a board game cafe, is giving the community a place to connect, unplug, and have fun.
Before opening the cafe, co-owners Thomas Southard and Heather Bracy had years of experience running a food truck. For their next venture, they wanted something that combined their love of board games with their desire to create a space for the community.
When they were living in Jacksonville, they frequented a local game house and noticed how much it brought people together. After moving away, the couple quickly realized there were fewer options for hobby-based gathering spaces, especially tabletop gaming. The distance to existing game venues made it challenging to participate in events. They couldn’t help but think about their old haunt in Jacksonville.
They believed their new community could benefit from a similar space, offering both entertainment and a chance for people to connect in person.
“We felt like this was something the community needed,” Southard said. “And if we felt that it needed to happen, who was better to do it than us?” —Southard said.
At Rollin With My Gnomies, the environment is just as important as playing cards or rolling dice. Guests say the cafe has created a safe and welcoming environment where people can meet new friends, spend quality time together, or simply take a break from screens. One regular described the atmosphere as inviting, noting that the owners often join in games with patrons, helping to build a sense of community and warmth.
Creating a safe space is central to the cafe’s mission. Southard shared that even teenagers have found the cafe to be a place to step back from phones, enjoy some fun, and stay out of trouble. The emphasis on connection, inclusivity, and accessibility has helped establish the cafe as more than just a business; it’s a space where people of all ages feel welcome.
The shop continues to grow their community with regulars spreading the word and first-time visitors finding their new favorite hangout. Guest Victor Jansen noted, “I know they host events, but this is the busiest I’ve seen in a while. It’s pretty cool.”
Rollin With My Gnomies started as a business idea and has now become a central meeting spot where friendships grow and community thrives. Southard and Bracy hope to continue expanding events and game nights, keeping people connected, one game at a time.