By Dathan Kazsuk
Coffee shops are often places to work, meet a friend, or settle into a corner with a book. The Perch, a new specialty coffee and tabletop gaming lounge in Holly Springs, adds another option: pulling a game off the shelf and staying for a few rounds.
Located at 1125 McChesney Hill Loop, The Perch combines a full coffee bar, café menu, and an extensive collection of card and board games. The concept comes from founder Jacob Williams and his team, who designed the space around what they call “intentional presence”—creating a comfortable setting where people can put away some of the usual distractions and spend time together.
The brew bar serves coffee from the California-based roaster Cat & Cloud, with traditional coffee and espresso drinks, along with selections from the cold case. Guests can also order bakery items, toast, salads, sandwiches, and snacks.
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The main attraction beyond the coffee bar is The Stack, The Perch’s pull-to-play game library. For a $5 venue fee, visitors can choose from more than 100 card and board games and play throughout their visit. The collection includes approachable party games and familiar favorites as well as longer, more involved tabletop adventures.
For groups planning something that requires more time—and possibly a dungeon master—The Perch also offers a private gaming room known as The Dungeon. The room can be reserved for approximately $60 for four hours, providing a dedicated space for role-playing campaigns and other extended games. The setup gives players room for character sheets, dice, miniatures, and the ever-important screen that keeps the game master’s plans and statistics hidden from the rest of the table.
The Perch is also expected to host community activities, tournaments and special events, including puzzle competitions and organized gaming sessions. Membership options are available for frequent players, with benefits including unlimited play, guest passes, discounts, and access to additional gaming perks.
It is an interesting combination: part neighborhood coffee shop, part game café and part gathering space. Guests can stop in for a latte and a sandwich, but The Perch has clearly been created for those who would rather sip, play, and stay a while.
