After spending several years in Toronto, Zack Amiri returned to Halifax to open up a board game cafe. As of June 12, Roll the Dice Board Game Cafe and Restaurant is making its home at Mezza’s former Quinpool location (6386 Quinpool Road).
“It’s one of the main streets in Halifax,” says Amiri, “and I think it’s not getting what’s deserved.”
He saw the growing variety and popularity of board games over the last few years. Five bucks (taxes in) will get you unlimited time to sit and play. Amiri says the cafe’s selection of games has room to grow, and he’s open to suggestions on what to add to the collection. If multiple people request a particular game, he’s happy to bring it in.
Amiri says there’s a variety of options for both intense gamers and folks how prefer something a little lighter. Some games might go for two or three hours while others take around 15 minutes to play.
Roll The Dice’s menu is a combination of Mexican and Mediterranean foods, along with other eats such as burgers and desserts. All in all, Amiri calls it “easy and handy food.”
“People eating with a spoon and playing board game—it doesn’t fit.”
The cafe had a soft, quiet opening earlier this month and Amiri is hoping it will become a valuable addition to the area: A place to socialize that’s not just about drinking.
“There’s a lot of students and there’s a lot of business going on, but not much entertainment going on here.”