East Africa's first board game cafe, and why most Kenyans don't know how to play, with Bao Box

The East Africa Business Podcast: African Start ups | Investing | Entrepreneurship | Interviews

There are certain business models or concepts which seem to be universally popular.
One big one recently has been creating a public space where friends can meet up for some food and drinks and play board games.
In this episode I speak with Sumit Dodhia who a few years ago had the realisation that Kenya was missing such an institution, and so, along with 5 friends, decided he would start one.
Two years later and Bao Box is a great success.
There are over 100 board games on offer, and the business can attract custom throughout the day, compared to other places which are concentrated solely on after work and evenings.
We talk about the costs and practicalities of getting the cafe set up, how they source their games from "board game dealers" operating in Kenya, and how his staff are paid to play board games in their downtime, as many never grew up playing them.
It's a really interesting episode that, to me at least, highlights how different types of businesses can survive and thrive in this part of the world.
READ MORE AT: https://theeastafricabusinesspodcast.com/2019/08/29/east-africas-first-board-game-cafe-and-why-most-kenyans-dont-know-how-to-play-with-sumit-dodhia-from-bao-box/