Celebrating Community, Games & Growth: Iowa LGBTQ Chamber’s Ribbon Cutting at Rook Room

On Wednesday, July 23,2025, the Iowa LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce hosted its first-ever ribbon cutting event—an official celebration of the new brick-and-mortar home of the Rook Room Game Lounge & Café, located at 300 S.W. Fifth Street in downtown Des Moines. Held in conjunction with the Chamber’s July Business Mixer, the evening marked not only a milestone for the Chamber, but also for local LGBTQ+ entrepreneurship, spotlighting the Rook Room’s recent certification as Iowa’s 12th LGBT Business Enterprise through the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce.
A New Chapter for a Local Favorite
After years as a mobile pop-up—hosting board game nights, scavenger hunts, puzzle events, and tabletop experiences across Des Moines—the Rook Room opened its permanent home in late May 2025 in the former St. Kilda Café & Bakery space. Co-owners Annelise Tarnowski and Tony Tandeski transformed the historic location into a welcoming “third place”: part café, part lounge, part restaurant, and part game hub. With over 700 games and puzzles, themed cocktails, elevated comfort food, and cozy seating, the space is designed to encourage connection.
The July 23 ribbon cutting marked the Rook Room’s evolution from a roving presence to a full-time community destination. Their recent LGBTBE certification affirms their place in a national network of LGBTQ-owned businesses, offering increased visibility, support, and access to economic opportunities.

A Mixer Rooted in Connection
From 5 to 7 PM, attendees gathered for the Chamber’s July Business Mixer, which blended classic networking with casual, game-infused fun. The Rook Room’s energy buzzed in every corner: guests explored the game wall, sampled signature drinks, and connected with LGBTQ+ and allied professionals—all in a relaxed, inclusive environment.
The highlight of the night was the ribbon cutting itself, complete with ceremonial scissors and remarks from Chamber leadership and the Rook Room co-owners. That moment symbolized more than the opening of a physical space—it marked a commitment to inclusive economic development and community-centered growth.
Games, Food & Flair: The Rook Room Experience
Stepping into the Rook Room feels like entering a playful living room, where every detail reflects a deep love for games and thoughtful hospitality:
- Game Wall: Over 700 board games, puzzles, and RPGs, thoughtfully organized by complexity and group size, with guidance from knowledgeable “gametenders.”
- Creative Cuisine: Developed with help from restaurateur Cory Wendel, the menu features pizza-stuffed sandos, achiote lime chicken paninis, cocktail kielbasa, spicy pineapple skewers, and treats like Fruity Pebbles “rainbow crispy” bars. Scenic Route Bakery and Pie Mates add to the local flavor.
- Interactive Beverages: From game-themed cocktails and local brews to “roll-for-a-drink” dice selections and nonalcoholic pop-tails, the drink experience is as fun as it is flavorful.
- Inclusive Space: Designed for solo guests, date nights, or groups, each table includes signage to indicate openness to meet others—or just enjoy a quiet solo game.Spotlight on LGBTBE Certification
The Rook Room’s recent certification as an LGBT Business Enterprise (LGBTBE) by the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce is a major milestone—not only for the business but also for Iowa’s broader LGBTQ+ business community. As the 12th business in the state to achieve this designation, the Rook Room joins a national ecosystem of LGBTQ-owned companies eligible for diverse supplier contracts, grant opportunities, and strategic partnerships.
The Chamber’s recognition of this certification during the ribbon cutting highlighted the importance of visibility, advocacy, and economic inclusion—values at the heart of both the Rook Room and the Chamber’s mission.
Community Impact
The ribbon cutting at the Rook Room reflects the Iowa LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce's broader mission to build opportunity, representation, and inclusive growth for LGBTQ+ business owners across the state. These types of Chamber events underscore the importance of visibility for queer-owned spaces that foster creativity, entrepreneurship, and belonging. The evening’s significance extends well beyond just a ribbon cutting though. It represens:
- Economic Empowerment: LGBTBE certification connects LGBTQ+ businesses with national corporate partners and public procurement pipelines.
- Community Visibility: As a visible downtown LGBTQ-owned business, the Rook Room draws attention, customers, and press to Iowa’s LGBTQ+ business ecosystem.
- Inclusive Growth: Events like this signal to civic leaders and business districts that LGBTQ+ enterprises are a vital part of our economic and cultural landscape.
- Networking Ecosystem: Monthly mixers like this one foster lasting relationships among LGBTQ+ professionals, allied businesses, and community organizations.
Planning Your Visit
Rook Room Game Lounge & Café is open Thursday through Monday, 8 AM to 10 PM, with extended hours until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. The space transitions from coffee and pastries in the morning to snacks, cocktails, and dim-light gaming in the evening.
Game access is free during off-peak hours, with a small play fee during peak times (after 4 PM). Visitors can also purchase annual memberships that include exclusive perks, discounts, and access to tournaments and events.
Whether you're a tabletop gaming enthusiast or simply looking for a welcoming, inclusive alternative to bars or traditional cafes, the Rook Room offers something unique. It's a space for everyone—designed for accessibility, creativity, and connection.
Final Thoughts
Thank you to the Rook Room team, Chamber leadership, event sponsors, and every guest who helped celebrate this major step forward for Iowa’s LGBTQ+ business community. From games to growth to grassroots support, the evening was a meaningful milestone.
If you’re a 51%+ LGBTQ-owned business and are interested in becoming a certified LGBT Business Enterprise and Diverse Supplier through the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, the Iowa LGBTQ Chamber can help. Your Chamber membership waives the $899 certification fee and provides support throughout the application process.
Certification connects your business to more than 400 national corporate partners, new supplier opportunities, and access to grants, scholarships, mentorship, and education. Interested? Contact Chad Johnston at programming@iowalgbtqchamber.org to get started.