How two Upper Valley residents turned their love of games into businesses
By Patrick O'Grady | October 4, 2026 | Business
With their love of games — from board games to trading card games and others — Mike Butkus and Tony Vandenberg did what many people dream about: They made their hobby their business.
“I didn’t know it would be that good. I get to do the thing I love to do,” said Butkus, owner of Triple Play on Opera House Square in Claremont. “I don’t go to work. I go to my shop.”
Butkus, 59, bought the store 4½ years ago.
“I ran retail stores for 20 years and I recognized if I did a better job, I could make money,” Butkus said of the shop, which was located on Glen Road in West Lebanon years ago.
Tony Vandenberg, co-owner of The Game Den in Newbury, has seen a similar transformation in his business. He and his partner, Jeremy Hunter, opened the store in 2019, turning their shared passion for gaming into a successful enterprise.
“We’re both really passionate about games, and we saw a need in the area for a place to gather and play,” Vandenberg said.
At Triple Play, Butkus offers hundreds of hobbyist board games at varying levels of complexity. From classics like Monopoly and Scrabble to modern favorites like Pandemic and Ticket to Ride, the store caters to all types of gamers.
Similarly, The Game Den specializes in a wide range of games, including Magic: The Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh!, and Pokémon trading card games, as well as role-playing games and more.
Vandenberg emphasizes the community aspect of their businesses.
“We host game nights, tournaments, and events to bring people together and foster a sense of community among gamers of all ages,” he said.
Both stores have become popular destinations for local gamers, providing a space to socialize, learn new games, and discover new favorites.
Butkus and Vandenberg have witnessed a growing interest in board games and gaming in general, with new releases and expansions constantly adding to the hobby.
“It’s a great way to bond with family and friends, and it’s a lot of fun,” Butkus said.
In a world where digital entertainment is prevalent, these physical gaming stores offer a unique and engaging experience, reminding us that sometimes, the best hobbies can also become successful businesses.