Dom Metzger, an IT contractor based in Crafton, used time saved working from home during the coronavirus lockdown to set up a gaming store in Coraopolis.-BUSINESS PROFILE-
By Lisa Mullen
Fabricator’s Forge offers a one stop shop for gamers. In part, it is a retail store that sells role-playing games, board games and miniatures as well as hobby supplies including model paint. Gamers can also gather on-site to play games with friends or attend tournaments hosted by the new edition to 425 Mill St., Coraopolis.
Fabricator’s Forge is owned by Dominic Metzger. Originally from the Washington D.C. area, Metzger now resides in Crafton where he works in IT as a military contractor. Boredom set in as he worked from home, so he decided to open the gaming location in Coraopolis last February.
“I didn’t know what to expect when I opened this up. I had never done retail before. Never really done this kind of business at all,” said Metzger. But Fabricator’s Forge now boasts 100 paying members who gather to play games such as Warhammer, Magic: The Gathering, and Game of Thrones.
“I’m trying to get more local Coraopolis people,” said Metzger. He is looking for people who want to run their own gaming nights out of Fabricator’s Forge instead of in their own homes. Metzger sets up a gaming table for groups beforehand, so all members have to do is show up with their friends and they can immediately start playing whatever game they have chosen.
Tabletop games are played on a table or other flat surface and include miniatures, role-playing and board games. Miniatures games such as Warhammer are usually fought on a 3D battleground and are strategy focused. Role-playing games such as Dungeons & Dragons involve using imagination and creativity to complete quests or missions. Board games can include an actual board or deck of cards or dice.
Fabricator’s Forge also hosts various larger events, including tournaments for gamers to come and compete against each other.
Visitors can bring their own snacks and alcohol, and guests may accompany members. No unaccompanied minors are allowed, but Metzger says they are welcome to come with their parents. All are asked to respect the space and to clean up after themselves before leaving.
A membership to Fabricator’s Forge costs about $20 per month and entitles them to 24/7 access to the store with the use of a key fob whenever they want to play a game. A 10% discount on merchandise also comes with membership.
For more information on membership levels as well as a calendar of events, check fabricatorsforge.com. The store is open to visitors on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Fridays from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.