About Us
What is Mayhem's
Mayhem's is a Bookstore and Board Game Cafe. Our 2,430 square-foot storefront on the corner of King and Prince Street in Lancaster City, Pennsylvania, is open daily for people to gather with friends and family for a coffee, a board game, or a book!
We have over 1,500 books for sale, across hundreds of series - the majority of our collection being Comics, Manga, and Graphic Novels, (but we do also carry some of our favorite prose novels). About a third of our inventory is discounted at all times.
We have a wall of about 300 board games for play in our space, with new games being added monthly. To play, one must do one of the following:
- Purchase a $5 board game pass for 2-Hours of game-play in our store.
- Purchase a $10 day pass for unlimited play until closing time that same day.
- You will receive one free day pass with the purchase of any book, with no expiration date.
- Become a subscriber for $20/month, and gain access to unlimited monthly board game play, unlimited drip coffee, table reservation ability, and daily book discounts!
We also have a cafe, serving coffee, tea, hot cocoa, baked goods, breakfast burritos, and deli sandwiches, with other items being added periodically.
A Family Business
Launched in 2024, Mayhem's Bookstore and Board Game Café is the fruition of a dream shared by the sibling duo, Peter and James, and their cousin Matt.
James infuses the space with a lifelong passion for comics, enriched by his experience in the hobby-shop industry. His expertise shapes the curated collection of graphic novels and board games, ensuring a diverse and engaging selection.
Matt just really likes cardboard, which was his original gateway to board games. Since getting hooked, the passion for board games has persisted, leading to a lifelong passion. If you are interested in talking games, Matt is your man!
PJ is a former military officer with degrees in strategic management and hotel, restaurant, and tourism management. With over 20 years in leadership roles, PJ guides Mayhem's Cafe's strategic voyage.
Who is Mayhem?
The name 'Mayhem' comes from James' Dungeons and Dragons character. To James, this character not only led to the forging of lifelong friendships but also showcased the powerful connections and unforgettable adventures that tabletop gaming can foster. In honor of those bonds and the spirit of adventure, we named our café after Mayhem.
Beyond the name, Mayhem will be the inspiration behind our mascot, who embodies the joy, community, and a touch of chaos that Mayhem's Bookstore and Board Game Café stands for, inviting everyone into a world where stories and strategies come alive.
Our Goal
At Mayhem's Bookstore & Board Game Café, we're more than just a place to grab a book or play a game. We strive to be a sanctuary where stories come alive, strategies are honed, and laughter never ends. Our passion for bringing people together shines through our carefully curated selection of board games, from timeless classics to the latest obsessions, and our expansive library of manga and graphic novels, each promising an adventure.
But Mayhem's is not just about what we offer; it's about the experiences we create. With every cup of coffee served and every page turned, we're building a community of enthusiasts, dreamers, and friends. Whether you're a seasoned gamer looking for your next challenge, a manga aficionado on the hunt for critically acclaimed tales, or simply in search of a cozy nook to unwind, Mayhem's is your haven.
Join us, and be part of a story that's just beginning!