By DAVE DOMESCIK | Staff Writer

PELHAM – Valhalla Board Game Café marked its one-year anniversary in true tabletop fashion with a day-long celebration on Saturday, May 31, drawing crowds of gamers, creators and curious first-time visitors to the Norse-themed café nestled inside Campus 124 in Pelham.

The event featured everything from judged cosplay contests and 3D printed miniatures to locally made games and hourly giveaways. Valhalla’s partner vendors and local artisans set up throughout the space, while gaming tables inside and on the patio remained full from open to close.

“Opening a small business is a bit of a whirlwind, but we were fortunate to have such a strong and supportive community that allowed us to make it this far,” said Keith Swofford, the café’s marketing manager.

The celebration was more than just a party—it was a thank-you to the local community that helped turn an ambitious idea into a thriving hub for board game lovers of all ages.

Valhalla Board Game Café was founded by friends Nick Hammett and Adam Valentine, who were inspired by their love of board games and a desire to build a space where that passion could thrive.

“There are plenty of places that offer board games ‘on the side,’ but we wanted to create a store where board games are central,” Swofford said. “We wanted a place where people can hang out for hours and just play.”

Since its opening, Valhalla has carved out a unique identity—both visually and experientially. Its Norse tavern aesthetic gives it an immersive, otherworldly feel. But for all the fantasy, its success is firmly grounded in practical community support.

“Many visitors just want to see the space—and we don’t blame them,” Swofford said. “A lot of people have never heard of a board game café before.”

In just one year, the café has evolved in both offerings and atmosphere. Seasonal hours were added to better serve summer crowds, the menu was expanded to accommodate more tastes and a Dungeons and Dragons-inspired cocktail menu was launched, with each drink named after a classic in-game action.

Upgrades to the patio have made outdoor gaming more inviting, while rentable rooms now feature TVs for a more immersive game night. Members can now bring a guest free of charge with every visit, making the membership program even more appealing.

“We’ve made changes where needed, always with our customers in mind,” Swofford said.

The anniversary event offered a glimpse of how deeply Valhalla has embedded itself into the local gaming culture. Alabama-based game designers showcased their creations, and sessions of the social deduction game Blood on the Clocktower ran throughout the day, inviting anyone to jump in.

Those who signed up for membership during the event received a free month, while current members enjoyed bonus perks like extra giveaway tickets. And even for those who didn’t roll any dice or draw any cards, Valhalla remained a welcoming space.

“You don’t need to be a D&D expert to enjoy Valhalla,” Swofford said. “We have something for everyone. Even if you’re not into board games, you’re welcome to use our Wi-Fi, relax and enjoy some great coffee and hearty food.”

Swofford attributes the café’s success in part to a larger cultural shift—one where tabletop gaming is embraced, not marginalized.

“There’s been a real resurgence,” he said. “People want to unplug and connect face-to-face. Board games let us do that.”

Popular titles at the café include Ticket to Ride, Hues and Cues, Jamaica and timeless picks like Uno and Cards Against Humanity. And while not a traditional board game, Dungeons & Dragons continues to be a mainstay, along with trading card games like Magic: The Gathering.

As Valhalla enters its second year, the team is keeping some of its bigger plans under wraps—but continued improvements are guaranteed.

“We’re always looking for ways to improve—whether that’s new events, more games or additions to our food menu,” Swofford said. “We’re just getting started.”

For more information on Valhalla, visit Valhallaboardgames.com.