A new Rock Hill spot will merge food and fantasy ‘like they’ve entered a different world’
Don’t play with your food? Sorry mom and dad. A new Rock Hill restaurant could change all the rules when it opens early next year.
Husband and wife team Zachary and Carrie Schwehr are lining up potion bottles and game master roles for Adventurer’s Table. The Renaissance fantasy tavern theme will combine a full restaurant menu with immersive tabletop game play.
“We want people to walk in and just feel like they’ve entered a different world,” Zachary said.
The menu is still in development, but likely will have smashburgers, chicken sandwiches, salads, shareable and snacking options. Apps will have finger foods from around the world. There will be vegan choices and a kids menu, plus alcoholic and non-alcoholic mixed drinks.
”Things that are easy to eat, that aren’t too messy,” Carrie said.
That’s because the 40 or 50 tables will have raised tabletop levels where role player games from fantasy to futuristic, war and strategy can be played. Adventurer’s Table will have 300 or more board games, with new ones quarterly. Guests without gaming experience are welcome, as are large Dungeons & Dragons groups looking for extended play.
“We will have some of those early, beginner level games,” Carrie said. “You could have never played a board game in your life, and we’d still love to have you. And love to teach you how to play.”
Staff at Adventurer’s Table will be game experts who can sit in on a game or explain rules. There will be learn-to-play sessions and a large area for people looking to create or join a large game. The restaurant will run weekly events with a variety of games.
Colored cards will let staff know when guests want to order food, they need help with a game or don’t want to be disturbed during play. Adventurer’s Table won’t be like most restaurants, which look to feed guests and then turn tables over quickly for the next ones.
“We’re very much the opposite,” Zachary said. “We’re very much about how do we get people in and how do we keep them in?”
The Schwehrs are long-time game fans. She’s a York County local, and he’s been here 16 years. As parents, they want to create something this region doesn’t have. The closest full restaurants with game play similar to what the Schwehrs envision are on the West Coast.
“We really want families to feel like they can come and hang out,” Carrie said. “Something where they can really stay and just enjoy that time with one another.”
The Schwehrs have their eyes on the former Mellow Mushroom and Wild Wing Cafe site in front of the Regal Manchester movie theater. Diners will be able to visit like they would any other restaurant, or they can purchase monthly memberships with extra benefits. Pre-opening memberships are on sale now at adventurerstable.com.
This story was originally published October 21, 2024 at 6:00 AM.
