Mystery Box Games marks new ownership with ribbon cutting in Easton’s West Ward

EASTON, Pa. — Mystery Box Games, located in Easton’s West Ward, hosted its grand “re-re-re-opening” and ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday to celebrate its new ownership.

Following the ceremony, the first 15 guests could enjoy two hours of free gameplay. Later that evening, the café hosted its Magic: The Gathering Commander and Cube event, with a $5 buy-in that gave customers $5 off café food items.

The community game space was established in 2021 after co-owners Babs Vasconez and Mik Matiss were inspired by their shared enjoyment of a night of Mario Party. The café boasts a collection of more than 500 board games and provides ample table space for customers to explore them.

Stephanie Rodriguez-Solis had been a regular customer for years, making the drive from East Stroudsburg. When Vasconez and Matiss recently decided to step away from the establishment, she couldn’t bear to see it go — soon, the keys fell into her hands.

Councilwoman and Easton Business Association Board Member Crystal Rose opened the ceremony, followed by remarks from state Rep. Robert L. Freeman.

Freeman spoke about the importance of third places and applauded Mystery Box Games for serving as one.

“I think more and more people are recognizing the importance of third places,” Freeman said. “As we see more people working remotely from home, they only have one place, and they’re losing that kind of physical connection with other human beings on a face-to-face basis, which is so critical to mental health, physical health and a strong sense of community.”

“Third places are the building blocks of community, so thank you for your one building block here today,” Freeman said to Rodriguez-Solis before awarding her a certificate of recognition from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

“I, myself, am first generation,” Rodriguez-Solis told the audience. “I’m so happy and excited to make this something that I can carry forward for years to come, and make a legacy out of, and to build on what my parents did by immigrating here. I’m so grateful and so honored to be a first-generation child making it happen here in Easton.”

“Yes, we have board games and pinball, but please also come for the community,” she continued. “Please come together. Please come just to say hi, just if you want to stop in. I would be so honored. It makes me so happy to see so many people interested in and loving this space already.”

Rodriguez-Solis was then joined by her mother, sister and best friend to cut the ceremonial red ribbon, marking the re-opening and new ownership of Mystery Box Games.

Drawn largely to the café because of its unique events such as New Year’s Eve parties, Friendsgiving and a follow-up “Leftover Fest,” Rodriguez-Solis hopes to continue the venue’s special programming. She also plans to introduce more Mexican cuisine to the menu, including the Mexican hot chocolate served at the ceremony.

Customers pay $7 for their first two hours of gameplay and $5 for each additional hour. The café’s five pinball machines operate as usual, requiring quarters.

Mystery Box Games is open from noon to 10 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, closes at 8 p.m. on Sunday and Tuesday, and is closed on Mondays.