INDIANAPOLIS – Thousands of gamers will flock to the Indiana Convention Center this week for Gen Con, and everyone is getting prepared – especially businesses.
The longest-running gaming convention has caused business owners in downtown Indy to prepare months (sometimes even a year) in advance.
Bee Coffee Roasters sits right across from this year’s convention and owners said they’re preparing to have thousands of customers.
“That first year, Sean kept saying 'were right across the street, gamers like coffee, we need to be ready’ and we were like yeah whatever. We had no idea,” said owner BJ Davis.
Since their big rush, the staff has learned their lesson and begins roasting coffee beans a month in advance.
“We actually have freezers that we don't use any other time of the year and they are filled right now with muffins and cookies. I order extra product from Circle City sweets. They see me coming and they're like 'oh it's Gen Con week,'” said Davis.
Some of the staff even dress up for the event and wear custom t-shirts made just for convention week.
While customers wait for their coffee, Bee Coffee Roasters has games set out to play with a chance to win specially-designed poker chips and dice.
"I come here a couple times a week for coffee because it's my favorite place in town and Gen Con is probably my favorite week of the year here,” said Andrew Poland.
More than 60,000 people are expected to attend Gen Con.
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