ELMIRA HEIGHTS, N.Y. (WENY) -- A new and unique gaming experience has come to Elmira Heights. Hobby Game Hangout is a new board game cafe with a library of nearly 1,000 games and, it's still growing.

The store opened at the beginning of March which owners say was ahead of schedule. They say they did so due to high demand from tabletop gaming lovers in the community.

"We have games from like, Monopoly, which you know from -- everybody knows how to play Monopoly -- to like, these games that take 12 hours to play and there's bridges all the way through for everybody," said Jesse Gardner, one of the co-owners of Hobby Game Hangout. "So it's not just like a niche game store. We're actually more open to more people and we're willing to help everybody get into the hobby because it's such a great hobby."

Gardner has been in the board game industry for years and says he had the idea beginning 14 years ago to bring that fun to others in a safe and affordable space.

He and one of three other co-owners, Cori LaRue, share that when people come into the store, they can expect a comfy, welcoming environment.

People can buy snacks and drinks, make themselves feel at home near their couches and fireplace, and even make suggestions on the store's comment cards for what they'd like to see.

"We make adjustments based off of their feedback," said LaRue. "So, really, we're building this for them and they've helped us build it. So, as we get suggestions or feedback of what they're looking for, what they're interested in not just with the games, but we have drinks and snacks available, our hours, our days open we will adjust and make accommodations for them."

Gamers of all ages can play. A daily entry pass costs $7 for those 14 and up, $5 for kids ages 7 to 13, and it's free for kids under 7. Options for monthly, quarterly, and yearly memberships are also available.

"It really is kind of like hanging out at your friend's mom's house and getting to play board games and just enjoying your time with family and friends," said LaRue.

Gardner continued, "Yeah, and on that we want it to feel safe for people and we welcome everybody we want everybody to come in. Even if you've never played a board game, come in, check us out and hang out. We'll welcome you. This we just want everybody to come be together as a community and get back to face to face, enjoying being with other people."

Gardner and LaRue share that the store will eventually have a kitchenette for people to enjoy drinks and snacks. Plus, a retail area will also make its way to Hobby Game Hangout for gamers to take home a game they find interesting.

People will also be able to rent the space for their own gaming sessions as well.

Hobby Game Hangout is now open Wednesday through Friday from 12:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M., Saturday from 10:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M., and Sunday from 12:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.

However, the store's official grand opening is set for April 16 with a week of events scheduled to help celebrate.

More information on opening week and future events can be found on the Hobby Game Hangout Facebook page.

Hobby Game Hangout is located at 2088 College Ave in Elmira Heights.