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 Streets 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 the essentials - coffee, tea, hot cocoa, baked goods, deli sandwiches - with other items being added periodically.
A Family Business
Mayhem's Bookstore and Board Game Café is the fruition of a dream shared by the sibling duo, Peter and James, and with the assistance of cousins Matt and Rabeya, Mayhem's was able to become a reality and opened doors in late 2024.
James infuses the space with a lifelong passion for comics and graphic novels, enriched by his experience in the hobby-shop industry. His expertise shapes the curated collection of books and board games, ensuring a diverse and engaging selection.
Matt is the family’s resident board‑game guru — the guy who’s always teaching a new game, recommending hidden gems, and making sure our game wall stays packed with titles people actually want to play.
Rabeya is a baker and catering manager who helped set up the café and shape the warm, inviting atmosphere our guests love.
Peter, a former military officer with a background in strategic management and hospitality management, provides strategic direction for Mayhem’s, ensuring the café runs smoothly and everyone has what they need to succeed.
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 for you.
Join us, and be part of our story!