Toronto game cafe closes abruptly and is asking the neighbourhood for help

One of Toronto's best board game cafes has unexpectedly found itself out of business, and it's asking customers for help.

Board game cafes in Toronto have been go-to destinations in the city for date nights, get-togethers and events for more than the past decade, but, as one local business recently experienced, that doesn't mean they're immune to difficulties.

"Last week, we unexpectedly lost access to our space," Etobicoke's Funny Bones Games Lounge writes in a Facebook post made on Dec. 12.

"While we had been working through financial challenges and actively exploring solutions, circumstances moved very quickly and we were unable to complete those discussions."

Seemingly, the board game lounge was displaced by its landlord as a result of the aforementioned "financial challenges," though the business's owners do not go into detail about what, exactly, those challenges or the proposed solutions were.

For the better part of the past decade, the cafe was a Lake Shore West hub for board game aficionados across the west end of the city, allowing patrons to play in-house, purchase games or even rent them.

During its time in business, the cafe built a strong community around it, hosting regular Dungeons and Dragons groups, paint nights and special P.A. day programming for kids.

"For more than 8 years, this space was built with heart, resilience, and a deep belief in the Power of Play. Together, we created a place where friendships formed, kids grew in confidence, teams bonded, families laughed, and neighbours became friends," the Facebook post reads.

Now, in the wake of the unexpected closure, it's asking that very community for help.

"We've been informed that we will be given three days next week to remove all of our belongings from the space, including furniture, games, equipment, shelving, and dishware," the Funny Bones team writes.

"Due to the short timeline, we're facing challenges securing storage, arranging transportation, and coordinating help. Any items not removed within that window may be disposed of."

If the Funny Bones community can rally around the business, they contend, it could mean the difference between the business living on in the future and disappearing completely.

The team asks that any able volunteers swing by the cafe between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Dec. 17, 18 and 19 with bins and boxes to retrieve the merchandise, decor and furniture that had been left locked inside the space.

"If Funny Bones ever brought joy to your family, supported your child, hosted your team, or gave you a place to connect — please know how deeply thankful we are," the business writes.

"Your support over the years has meant everything to us, and we wouldn't be here without you."

At the time of publication, Funny Bones has not responded to blogTO's request for further comment on the situation. The cafe is currently closed until further notice.

Funny Bones is located at 3029 Lake Shore Blvd. W.

A full transcript of Funny Bones' Dec. 12 Facebook post can be found below:

 

A Message to Our Funny Bones Community

Dear neighbours, friends, and extended Funny Bones family,

Last week, we unexpectedly lost access to our space. While we had been working through financial challenges and actively exploring solutions, circumstances moved very quickly and we were unable to complete those discussions.

What matters most to us is that our community knows this:

Funny Bones never gave up.

For more than 8 years, this space was built with heart, resilience, and a deep belief in the Power of Play. Together, we created a place where friendships formed, kids grew in confidence, teams bonded, families laughed, and neighbours became friends.

We are endlessly grateful for every game played, every birthday celebrated, every camp, event, and moment of connection that happened within those walls. This community made Funny Bones what it was — and that will never be taken away.

What's happening now

We've been informed that we will be given three days next week to remove all of our belongings from the space, including furniture, games, equipment, shelving, and dishware. Due to the short timeline, we're facing challenges securing storage, arranging transportation, and coordinating help. Any items not removed within that window may be disposed of.

Timing challenges

The currently proposed access times are:

Monday–Wednesday, 9am–5pm

We are requesting an alternative:

Thursday–Saturday, 12pm–8pm

The additional flexibility would make it possible for volunteers, families, and community members — many of whom work or attend school during the day — to lend a hand. Without that support, this task may be impossible for us to complete.

How you can help

Over the coming days, we'll update this post with:

A list of items

Photos where possible

Specific ways to help (volunteer support, short-term storage leads, vehicles, or item pickups)

If Funny Bones ever brought joy to your family, supported your child, hosted your team, or gave you a place to connect — please know how deeply thankful we are. Your support over the years has meant everything to us, and we wouldn't be here without you.

Thank you for believing in us, for showing up, and for being part of something truly special.

The Power of Play lives on because of you

With heartfelt gratitude,

Laurie and John the Funny Bones Team