The dice clatter across the table, a burst of laughter follows, and a group of strangers—at least a few hours ago—lean in over a shared map. At the Tabletop Gaming Center in Newington, moments like these are routine, not remarkable. What keeps people coming back isn’t just the games—it’s the connections formed around them.
Now in its 15th year, Tabletop Gaming is a thriving, independently owned gaming hub for players of all ages. On any given day, the space hums with activity, from after-school groups to late-night strategy sessions, all tied together by a shared sense of belonging.
Manager Robert Connell sees that connection play out in real time, and in his own life. Outside of running the store, he regularly sits down for games with his son, a ritual he says mirrors what he hopes other families experience when they walk through the door.
“It’s some of the best times we get together. You’re focused on the same thing, working through challenges, laughing. It gives you a chance to really connect.”
Newcomers might walk in unsure of shelves packed with board games, trading cards and role-playing guides. But that hesitation rarely lasts.
“People think, ‘I don’t know how to play any of this,' but within 10 minutes, they’re laughing, talking and part of a group,” Robert says.
Staff members guide players through rules, recommend games and even pull up a chair when needed, helping remove the barriers that can keep people from trying something new. The result is a space where phones are put away and conversations unfold face-to-face.
For Jim Bonaldo, that business culture is personal. He first came to the center looking for something to do with his son, Ray. What began as a one-time visit has turned into a weekly ritual.
“It’s our thing now. We come here, pick a game, and just spend a few hours together. No distractions, just time together.”
Jim, part of a generation raised on digital entertainment, says tabletop gaming offers something screens can’t.
“You’re actually talking to people, making decisions together. It feels more real.”
That sense of connection — between parent and child, friends and even grandparents — is what Robert believes gives tabletop gaming its staying power.
“There’s a real community here. People start recognizing each other, then planning games together. It grows from there.”
Dedicated kids’ tables, often led by staff with backgrounds in social work, introduce younger players to teamwork, communication and problem-solving through games like Dungeons & Dragons.
“We’ve seen kids who are shy or anxious really come out of their shells,” says Heather Napier, Tabletop Gaming Center’s publicist and digital programs coordinator. “Parents tell us this is where their kids feel comfortable.”
The center’s programming reflects that broad appeal. Weekly board game nights, Pokémon leagues, and Magic: The Gathering tournaments fill the calendar, alongside open play sessions that invite drop-ins. A vast inventory — known as “The Vault” — ensures there’s always something new to try.
Even as the business embraces digital tools, streaming tutorials and live sessions online, the focus remains firmly on in-person interaction.
“In a world where so much happens on screens, this gives people a chance to be present,” Robert says. “To sit across from someone and share an experience.”
For families like the Bonaldos — and for Robert and his own son — that shared experience has become something lasting.
“It’s simple,” Ray says. “We’re just spending time together—but it feels special every time.”
Tabletop Gaming Center
741 New Britain Ave., Newington
Phone: 860-436-2213
Online: tabletopgamingcenter.com
“It’s our thing now. We come here, pick a game, and just spend a few hours together. No distractions, just time together.” Ray Bonaldo
“In a world where so much happens on screens, this gives people a chance to be present. To sit across from someone and share an experience.” Robert Connell