Melisa and Robert Roden, co-owners of the Galaxy Game Café in Citrus Heights, have trusted in the “force” to see their business through a challenging first year of business. Photo by Thomas J. Sullivan

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - Leading off this May, the wise Yoda says, “May the ‘Fourth’ Be with You.”

The Galaxy Game Café, a unique family-owned play space and display gallery at 7700 Sunrise Blvd., Suite 1900 in Citrus Heights, continues to celebrate its recent first anniversary by hosting a special Star Wars-themed celebration weekend on Saturday, May 3 and Sunday, May 4.

“We wanted to acknowledge and thank everyone in the Citrus Heights community who has been so supportive of us during this past year and of course, recognize our regular gamers who have come to make the Galaxy Game Café their favorite destination for play and relaxation,” said co-owners Melisa Roden and her husband, Robert.

And you won’t need to travel to a “galaxy far, far away” to join in the fun. Life-sized droids will be on hand May 3 at 4 p.m. to mingle with gamers. Gamers can also test their knowledge of the galaxy’s greatest characters, stories and obscure facts in an evening trivia contest.

A special cosplay contest, certain to bring out a Wookie or two from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. May 4 will be an opportunity to strut your stuff in front of fellow Star Wars fans and judges and to win prizes.

The Rodens have trusted in the “force” to see their business through a challenging first year.

The Galaxy Game Café, which the owners describes as a social “gym for the brain” is in a 4,800-square-foot space. Photo by Thomas J. Sullivan

The Galaxy Game Café, which the couple describes as a social “gym for the brain” is situated in a 4,800-square-foot space and is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. Adjacent business neighbors in the shopping plaza include an In Shape fitness center and Leatherby’s Ice Cream.

On any weekend, you’ll hear the varied sounds of enthusiastic gamers sharing time together, discussing the specific rules of the game with one another, and celebrating a successful tactical move.

“And that’s the sound I truly enjoy most,” Melisa Roden said.

The number of different board games which customers can play at the Galaxy Game Café is up to 1,100, roughly double what they started with, she said. The game inventory is also accessible through a searchable computer database.

A substantial number of regular game players who have bought individual or family memberships has also continued to increase, Roden said. Customers can rent a table for game play on an hourly basis or pay a membership fee for a substantial discount on table time and merchandise.

Social media has been especially helpful to encourage gamers to learn more about what the café offers and continues to connect gamers who shared interests, she said.

“We continue to listen to our customers and their feedback,” Roden said. “It helps us to try new ideas and offer new events which will engage them.” 

On any weekend, you’ll hear the varied sounds of enthusiastic gamers sharing time together, discussing the specific rules of the game with one another, and celebrating a successful tactical move. Photo courtesy of Galaxy Game Cafe

Popular Dungeons and Dragons game nights on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday nights at the café often provide the perfect setting to launch a battle campaign. A popular social game night is set aside on Friday nights from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and a chess club meets Saturdays from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Every Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. is “Family Funday.”

Customers can purchase snacks at the café or bring in their own food and beverages from nearby restaurants into the café, Roden said. Everyone is welcome to pick up or download individual fliers listing a full calendar of varied events which take place at the Café each month.

Almost everywhere you look, you’ll see a new Star Wars model jet fighter now on display in the cafe. 

Robert Roden, an English professor at Sierra College in Rocklin, is a “Star Wars” enthusiast, and has built an extensive collection of figures and memorabilia since the movie’s premiere in 1977.

His curated collection, which features figures, creatures, ships and playsets, are displayed in a diorama fashion in multiple museum-style glass display cases throughout the café. And that includes Yoda.

“We had our moments where we weren’t sure we were going to succeed but it’s time to celebrate,” said Melisa Roden.

A designated “Kids’ Play Space” offers a separate area for families with young children to select from age-appropriate games, books and bins of various activities to build, create and use their imagination.

“The Galaxy Game Café is also the perfect place for middle and high school students to hang out with their friends after school or go on a date,” Roden said. Discounted student memberships are available.

“Galaxy Game Café has seating capacity for up to 120 guests and offers Game Play Day Fundraisers for schools, sports leagues, Scouts, nonprofits, clubs and any organization looking for a unique, fun, low-effort way to raise money,” Roden said.

The number of different board games which customers can play at the Galaxy Game Café is up to 1,100. The game inventory is also accessible through a searchable computer database. Popular games and game supplies are also available for purchase. Photo by Thomas J. Sullivan

The Galaxy Game Café and Single Mom Strong are also sponsoring a board game charity drive through May 4. 

Customers are encouraged to donate a new, unopened board game to help bring joy and connection to local families as they support the work of Citrus Heights based nonprofit, Single Mom Strong, Roden said.

For more information about the upcoming special Star Wars-themed celebration or membership, call the Galaxy Game Café at 279-529-2534 or email [email protected]