The Mind Cafe — Building Relationships Amidst a Tech-driven World
By: Jo Kho
Tags: Singapore, Singapore Cafe, Cafe, Food Business, Board Games

Let’s Start with the Human Species

We, humans, are social creatures by nature. We crave interaction with each other, for the social connections that we build and participate in. The playful banter; the pat on the back; a high five; the spontaneous casual conversations; the food shared during a meal, a group birthday celebration.

These are just some examples of the things we do naturally for social interaction without a second thought. It is innate in us, and for now, cannot be replaced by any digital platform.

The Mind Cafe at Prinsep Street

I had fond memories of a fun night years ago at a board game cafe, The Mind Cafe, at the pre-renovated Funan Digital Life Mall. We had an absolutely fantastic time of reunion with ex-colleagues that was full of play and celebration, it was a blast!

In the cafe, you can enjoy a fun gaming session with food and drinks. Although the food is not the main focus, it complements the gaming session well! We had the opportunity to try out a couple of their dishes, and we really like the meatball pasta. It is cooked just right, the perfect texture is enhanced by the delicious tasting sauce.

For a place so focused on delivering the best gaming experience, I would say their kitchen actually dishes out pretty tasty food.

Aside from the main dishes, they have a wide selection of tidbits as well to choose from. Feeling hungry? Or craving for some munchies? Just order something and continue your game — — A really wholesome experience for hours of group gaming, gathering and team building.

Longevity of Fun through the Generations

Among many of the fundamental concepts of The Mind Cafe is the longevity of fun through the generations.

Many of their customers first visited the cafe during their secondary school days. They then grew to play more complex games with their university buddies, and soon, their work friends as well. At almost the same time, many started to bring their dates to spend quality time together, to have fun, and build their relationship. Eventually, as many of them settle down and have a family, their kids are introduced to the place, and it becomes part of their family outings.

“We have seen customers, while they were student, 15 years ago… Coming back with their children now. We grew together with our customers at different stages of their life. I’m very happy with that, because this is what we have done.” — Alvin Tan, the founder of Mind Cafe.

Game session in The Mind Cafe

Since we were already here, I thought it would be an excellent opportunity to explore some of the games that I usually wouldn’t have a chance to play with. Feeling a little overwhelmed by the vast selection, I was fortunate to have their friendly game master there to help me.

“You know all the games here?” I asked.

“Yeah, mostly.” She laughed as she shared that she has taught herself how to play many of the games over time.

Patiently, and methodically, she ventured to understand more about my interests, games I’ve played with, and learned more about what games I enjoy playing. In the end, from what she’s gathered, she recommended a morbidly named, but cute game, “Exploding Kittens“.

It’s a fast pace game where you take turns drawing cards, doing whatever you can to not get “killed” by “exploding kittens”. We had lots of fun and laughs with this quick and exciting game! 🤣

Concept of The Mind Cafe

Back in 2005, board game cafes was still a very new concept.

Alvin Tan, the founder of The Mind Cafe, shared with us that this idea came about when he lost in a board game competition he participated. He thought he knew the rules well and would win easily, instead, he lost.

Being competitive by nature, the loss kept him up, and he went to get a set of Monopoly at night. The following day, he got his family to sit down with him to play the game. What transpired was a perfect, fun time spent with family, playing a game of Monopoly. He realised that he managed to, for the first time, get his parents to sit down and play a game together with the rest of the family.

“This is so nice! Can I get more people to have this style of family bonding time?” He thought to himself.

And this is how the concept of The Mind Cafe was born.

“We give customers an extraordinary experience where they can spend quality time with their family and friends without the distractions of their mobile phones. It’s a safe place where parents like to bring their kids, where friends like to gather and bond.”

Headquartered in Prinsep Street

When they first started, the concept was novel struck a good note with many, and demand was high and accelerating. To meet with the needs, they expanded quickly, four outlets in four years.

However, due to the challenges of high and increasing operating costs, as well as new competitors diluting the market, in 2016, Alvin decided to shift his strategy. They chose to focus on a mega outlet concept. Aside from the business benefits of doing so, they can stay focus on their goal of providing a good time for fun bonding with friends and family. The atmosphere would be electrifying, charged full of positive energy and fun vibes!

The only other outlet remaining is where they began, their first outlet in Prinsep Street, which will also serve as their headquarters.

Are board games dying out?

“We just got a new place, just one block away!” Alvin shared joyfully with us the good news that will realise their mega outlet concept.

Aside from his current base of gamers from families, schools, and corporate organisations, there are plans to introduce board games to senior citizens. Interest in board games has also surged after the circuit breaker in Singapore. With broad travel restrictions in place, many are unable to travel. They will be looking for activities to interact and bond with friends and family. The availability of a place to realise their mega outlet concept seemed to have arrived just in time.

However, despite the fun we had, and the liking we took to this whole idea.

I couldn’t help but wonder. With the advent of more advanced technology, more people will be playing electronic games on different electronic and digital platforms. If that happens, will board games eventually die out?

“It will be very difficult to replace this activity… as more people play games on their phones. They will feel detached. They will want to find ways to meet up with people.” — Alvin Tan, Founder of Mind Cafe.

Alvin’s statement echoed my own belief that environmental interaction is still the preferred mode of socialisation amongst many of us, at least for now.

Current digital platforms and technology can only serve to facilitate. They will not be able to replace the positive benefits of tangible interaction and socialisation.

Therefore, in the foreseeable future, I will continue to come back for more “exploding kittens”. 💣 💥 🐈 🤣

Outlet Information:

📍 The Mind Cafe, 60A Prinsep St, Singapore 188664

https://www.facebook.com/themindcafe/