Business Lift Up: Geeky Teas and Games
The sight of a royal blue, life-size TARDIS replica greets customers, old and new, at the storefront of Geeky Teas and Games on Magnolia Blvd. in Burbank. Whether you are a Dr. Who fan or casual admirer, a photo op at Tardis alone makes your visit absolutely worth it! Interesting fact about this particular TARDIS: the schematics was created by Grant Imahara of MythBusters and was based on the 10th Dr. Who played by David Tenant. The building was, of course done by the owner along with her family and friends.
And this is a just the tip of the iceberg. Walk through the doors of Geeky Teas and Games and you’re transported into another world of board games, teas, comic books, D&D tournaments, British snacks, and cats. Wander around a bit and you’ll step into a replica of Sherlock Holmes’ living room, or a Stranger Things themed space. You can find anything to satisfy anglophiles, gaming enthusiasts, tea connoisseurs, comic book nerds, and the cat lovers in this amazing space.
Photo by Geeky Teas & Games
Geeky Teas and Games was established by Donna Ricci, the former owner of Clockwork Couture, a steampunk clothier, as well as home of secret gaming meetups in Burbank. The original location opened in 2015 but moved just a couple blocks down to their current location in 2018. As a self-proclaimed anglophile, she was already creating unique in-house tea blends like “Earl Grey, Hot”, Slayer Blood Orange. The concept of a classier game store with British snacks and gaming only made sense. Creating BBC’s Sherlock Holmes’ living room, building the TARDIS, and having a Dalek in the store tied everything in nicely. Then the concept expanded into her favorite fandom–Dr. Who, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Sherlock, Firefly, StarWars, Monty Python, Big Bang Theory, The Young Ones, and Back to The Future.
Photo by Geeky Teas & Games
Photo by Geeky Teas & Games
In an interview with No Man’s Land, a blog by Lavender Vroman, Donna was asked about the origins of her interests: “I don’t know that I have an origin story. My brothers were geeks, and it was very much a single religion household (Star Wars), but in my effort to be closer to my brother Shawn, I snuck into his room to read his D&D books, play Talisman, and look at his collection of toys. I didn’t think I was being geeky when I latched onto media like Buffy, Star Trek, Harry Potter, and comic books because I was surrounded by others who were into it, so it seemed quite normal.”
Geeky Teas and Games is more than just a gaming store, it is also an events center, craft faire space, and cat rescue. Yes, cat rescue. They have a separate room for Geekitties Cat Rescue, a non-profit organization committed to animal welfare under the umbrella of the store. Because Donna is a firm believer in giving back to the community, the store hosts anything from craft fairs for local artists and vendors, movie nights, storytelling nights, and even stand-up comedy. She also organizes donations efforts for local charities and causes.
“Our events bring us together with locals and out-of-towners who come by for the TARDIS, but stay for the fun. We have made so many friends through our Doctor Whosdays, viewing nights, gaming evenings, art classes, writing workshops, and bad 80’s movie nights. I take particular delight in making people dress up for Desperately Seeking Susan night,” shares Donna.
Photo by Geeky Teas & Games
For more information on the store, visit their website. Or better yet, come and visit the store, take a photo with the TARDIS, enjoy a cup of their in-house teas, buy a new comic or discover a new board game.
