Booming business, a board game bar opens in Maisons-Laffitte

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The diversity of businesses in the city center is important to many. The concept developed by Johan Scemama fits the mold perfectly. In Maisons-Laffitte (Yvelines), La Bonne Excuse opened at the end of October 2024, rue des Plantes. It is possible to buy there board gamesbut also to sit down and play it.

“My main activity, as it is only the beginning, is selling games. But the objective is that we can sit at a tabledrink, snack and play, envisages the manager, Johan Scemama. I’m going to try to get the license that will allow me to offer small sandwiches and sweet things. »

He continues: “There aren’t any gaming bars around here. There are quite a few in Paris but otherwise, they almost don’t exist. I think that this is my strength. I hope to make myself known beyond Maisons-Laffitte, plus I am close to the RER A.”

The old 110m hardware store² account 18 seats. Johan Scemama has completely redesigned it to bring a warm and friendly touch. “I redid everything except the floor. »

“Board games have grown enormously, with increasing demand. There are between 1,000 and 1,500 new games released per year. It’s impossible to have everything, but the goal is to discover as much as possible. »

For customers who come with a specific idea and which is not yet in store, orders can be passed.

For all tastes

Party games, strategy games, board games, investigation games, brain games, card games, puzzles, children’s games, quizzes… ranging from 10 minutes to 2 hours, from 2 to 12 players, more than 100 games are freely available, not counting those in store. “It will increase, as my activity and my new orders progress,” assures the thirty-year-old.

The formula is as follows: participation at €3 + compulsory consumption of €3 minimum. Each overtimea renewal of €3 is requested.

“We find people who want a nice place to play, away from home. They want a little entertainment and discover new games. Social bonds are also created. »

To develop this, Johan Scemama plans in the future to organize open evenings where each person, alone or in a group, can come and play and mix with others.

A reconversion and a passion

Formerly in real estate, within the family business, he is fully experiencing his reconversion. “Last February, there was a personal event that made me question myself. I said to myself: “But what do you want to do with your life? “I have always been attracted to board games. It’s been 10 years now since I got into it more and more. I’ve been with my girlfriend for 7 years, we love it and we play regularly with friends. We must now have almost 140 games at home. And I started,” explains the man who grew up in Maisons-Laffitte.

After more than two months of opening, the activity works well. “It started very strong, but we are also in a period where we are giving gifts, so I hope that it will continue after the holidays,” concludes Johan Scemama.

At 12, rue des Plantes in Maisons-Laffitte.
Open Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Thursday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Contact : 09 81 50 08 76.

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