SO, WE WERE
IN THE MIDDLE OF THE OCEAN…
It sounds like a joke, but seriously… In 2023, Billy and Jesse found themselves on a ship in the middle of the ocean. All they did was play board games. This may have been Jesse's fault since he packed a giant suitcase full of games and a small backpack for his clothes. They didn't even go anywhere when the ship docked on a Caribbean island promising adventurous excursions… they simply played more games.
At one point Billy mused, "We should just open a board game shop."
Jesse didn't hesitate when he replied "Sure."
They enjoyed the rest of their cruise planning how to bring a truly great board game shop and special game-centric events to the SOMA community, and well, here we are!!
Jesse Mack Johnson
Jesse grew up in California and spent much of his youth skateboarding. As a teen he started playing in bands and eventually became the keyboard player for Motion City Soundtrack. In 2017 he moved to Maplewood, NJ with his wife and kid after stints in Brooklyn and Los Angeles. He loves teaching his daughter how to play boardgames.
Favorite Games:
Power Grid
Dice Throne
7 Wonders Duel
Parks
Billy Koester
Billy grew up in New Jersey and pursued a career in music in NYC in his 20s. He fell into bartending, which led him to a career in hospitality for over 15 years in NYC and NJ. He brings his hospitality expertise to The Player Agency, and looks forward to connecting with enthusiasts and the curious alike. He and his wife moved to Orange, NJ in 2018.
Favorite Games:
Magic: The Gathering
Now or Never
Wingspan
Unmatched
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We now have two locations in South Orange and Montclair, NJ.
5 Mead Street in South Orange, NJ on the second floor of The Baird Center has a cafe with full kitchen along with Paper Plane Coffee program.
1 Lackawanna Plaza in Montclair, NJ in Lackawanna Station has a retail board game shop along with a huge game rental library.
Please follow our Instagram and check the website for upcoming events. Thanks!!
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South Orange Cafe - (973) 821-5867
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Yes!! Send us an email at: hello@theplayeragency.com
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Yes!! The Player Agency has a game library with over 100 games to play. We will be there to suggest and teach any games you have questions about.
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They were created by our good friend Will Johnston. Check out his Instagram!!
