Inclusive Tabletop Gaming for Charlotte, NC and Beyond

Cloak & Stagger Gaming Tavern is a tabletop-focused game store rooted in inclusivity, creativity, and community. Based in Charlotte, NC, our mission is to create a welcoming space where gamers of all backgrounds can connect, learn, and play. Though we are currently online-only, our vision includes opening a local tavern-style store that brings players together face-to-face. We believe games should build bridges, and we are committed to making tabletop gaming accessible to everyone.

The Market

Our Mission and Values

It is our mission to become a premier tabletop gaming destination by providing a safe, welcoming, knowledgeable and inclusive environment for all tabletop gamers. To grow the hobby and the community through regular events, partnerships with other local businesses and community outreach projects. To provide space for the community to gather, socialize and, most importantly, play games.

Cloak & Stagger Gaming Tavern was created from a love of games that bring people together. We saw the need for a gaming environment that celebrates diversity, encourages collaboration, and supports players at every experience level. Our commitment to community and inclusivity is at the core of everything we do. Whether online or in person, we are here to make sure every player has a seat at the table and feels welcome when they take it.

Charlotte Roots with a Global Reach

Our home is in Charlotte NC, but our online store, The Market, serves tabletop fans around the world. We offer a thoughtfully curated selection of games, miniatures, accessories, and more. Every item is chosen with our growing community in mind. Supporting Cloak & Stagger Gaming Tavern means helping us move one step closer to launching our physical game tavern, where local players can gather, play, and create something memorable together.

Checkerboard with wooden pieces

Meet the Owners

Cloak & Stagger Gaming Tavern is led by husband and wife team, Ian Garner and Becky Judd. The two met at a board game night in Charlotte, their story is below. With a background in customer service and building inclusive spaces for players, Ian and Becky bring both heart and experience to the business. Their goal is to create a shop and community hub where everyone feels welcome, supported, and excited to explore the world of tabletop gaming.

Becky grew up playing board games including copies of her parents’ childhood games that most people had forgotten like Split Level Aggravation and Racko. In the 3rd grade, Becky even designed an educational board game as an extra project. Her teacher liked it so much that she kept it to teach future students.

Ian has always been into gaming, though didn’t get into board games seriously until he was already an adult, to reconnect with his sibling after they returned from college. Since then, Ian has been a part of the board gaming community of Charlotte for over 15 years. Gaming has become such a major part of Ian’s life that he included a meeple and polyhedral dice into his arm sleeve tattoo.

Then in 2014, those two worlds collided at a board game meetup in Charlotte. Becky walked into a sea of board games she had never seen before. With a deer in headlights look, she was quickly grabbed by one of Ian’s friends. This friend pulled Becky into their game group for the night. After being introduced to the world of hobby board games by Ian and his friends, a connection was made between them. After a few days of texting back and forth, they had their first date and continue on with their adventures hand in hand.

A vibrant board game scene featuring dice and a colorful map layout.

Join our inclusive tabletop community and explore The Market for games, dice, and more today.

The Market

© 2025 Cloak & Stagger Gaming Tavern