New comic book and gaming store opens in Waynesburg
WAYNESBURG – Eric Moore is turning his passion for comics and card games into a new business on High Street.
The Waynesburg man who has operated the traveling Moore’s Hot Dogs stand is trying a new business venture with the Four Horsemen comic book and gaming store that opened Dec. 1 across from Greene County Courthouse.
While serving hot dogs around town for the past six years, Moore said he spoke to a number of Waynesburg University students who said they love popular card games, such as Magic: The Gathering, but don’t have a spot to play.
“Talking to kids, there’s nothing like this around here and I wanted to give this to them,” Moore said of catering to college and high school kids. “And it’s something I know a little bit about.”
Moore, 43, has been interested in card games and comics his entire life. His business partner, Ron Davis, has operated a similar comic book and game store for the past five years inside Morgantown Mall near Westover, W.Va.
“It’s a hobby that turned into a business,” Moore said.
So it was a natural fit for Moore, who was looking for another business opportunity when his hot dog shop goes into hibernation, to manage the new Waynesburg location.
“That’s why we chose to do this. I have time in the winter and am always looking to do something for the college students, and high school kids for that matter,” Moore said.
Moore stressed that the store has “nothing to do with video games” and is selling collectible card games, comics and family-style table games to bring people together. He said the most popular card games right now are Magic, Star Wars X-Wing Miniature and Dungeons & Dragons.
The front half of the shop is a typical retail store with stacks of comic books, cards, action figures and board games. But the other side of the layout is an “arena” filled with tables and chairs for people to play games or eventually challenge each other in tournaments.
They recently began holding “Friday Night Magic” games each Friday at 6 p.m. and want to expand that to other game nights or demonstrations. There’s no cost to play, although outside food and beverages are not permitted.
Moore, who once traveled as far as Indianapolis for competitions, said they also hope to eventually hold game tournaments that attracts people from across the area.
“It will be a draw for Greene County,” Moore said.
He expects business to pick up now that the university students have returned for the spring semester.
The shop is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. Even with the hours, Moore keeps the lights on a few minutes late if people are finishing up a match.
“I’ll never cut a game short,” he said with a smile.