The next time someone asks for something to do, Greg Enslen has the answer.
Enslen is turning the old Frontier Shop, 114 E. Main St., into Big Robot Game Café - a place where people can come to play video games in a social environment.
"It'll be a social, happy environment the exact opposite of a dark, creepy 1980's arcade," Enslen said.
Enslen said the gaming café will have a "coffee shop feel" and patrons will be able to play video games one-on-one or in groups. Popular game systems like the Xbox, Wii and Playstation will be available for patrons.
Enslen said he is thinking about having older systems like Nintendo 64 at the café as well.
For customers who want to play video games alone, there will be 19' flat screen monitors in rows in one section of the café.
For customers who want to play together, Enslen said there will be "pods" set up that consist of big screen high definition televisions in the center of the pod along with a loveseat or chairs around it.
Enslen said he thinks the game café will provide young people and anyone else who wants to play video games to have something to do that's social and safe.
"Every town is the same way," Enslen said. "If you're between a certain age, there's nothing to do. You can go to the bowling alley or see a movie or hang out playing video games in someone's basement.
People are always looking for a place to hang out with their friends.
"Towns with outlets for high school kids to do something are better off."
Though not everyone is interested in video games, Enslen said he hopes people will be interested in seeing what the café is all about. That is why he is offering a little bit of everything for his patrons.
"I don't want people to be standing around bored and waiting for their boyfriend or kid to get done playing video games," he said.
Enslen said he hopes people who aren't interested in video games will come out to the café anyway and give the games a try, use the computers or go upstairs to the quiet room where they can chat with friends, get online using their own laptops or read a book.
"I want everyone to have a great time," he said.
In addition to the video games and computers, Enslen also will be sell pre-packaged snacks and soft drinks. He said he won't be offering coffee at the café because he doesn't want to compete with Grounds for Pleasure, which is located across the street.
"I love that place," he said. "I'm not even going to try to compete."
Enslen said while the café will open sometime in early to mid '08, he still has some things to work out before the final details of his venture can be set in stone.
"I think this'll be a nice place and it'll give Tipp a more vibrant feel and provide more options for people looking for something to do," he said.
For more information about the café, go to www.bigrobotgamecafe.com or email Enslen at greg@bigrobotgamecafe.com.
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