At Frontline Gaming, we believe local game stores are the backbone of the tabletop hobby. They’re more than retail spaces — they’re gathering places, creative hubs, and third homes for players of all kinds.
Today, we’re excited to spotlight Crown City Games in Pasadena, California — a new but fast-growing hub built around community, accessibility, and a welcoming place to connect over games.
Champions of Tabletop: Crown City Games (Pasadena, CA)
Store Name: Crown City Games
Location:
42 E Colorado Blvd
Pasadena, CA 91105
Website: crown-city-games.com
Email: Crowncitygamespasadena@gmail.com
Social Media: @crowncitygamespasadena
Years in Business: Less than one year
Meet the Team
Visitors to Crown City Games will likely meet Nick Lozano, one of the driving forces behind the store. The idea of opening a friendly local game store had been in the back of his mind for years, and Old Town Pasadena ultimately became the perfect place to bring it to life.
“The idea always lingered in my mind to open a FLGS and Old Town Pasadena seemed like the greatest place to start. So, I roped several owners and investors together mainly from our D&D groups formed from coworkers at the hospital, and then we began our journey.”
Games & Communities
Crown City Games supports a wide range of hobby communities and aims to make the space welcoming to both experienced players and newcomers alike.
- Games Workshop Games
- Magic: The Gathering and other TCGs
- RPGs including D&D, Pathfinder, and more
- Board Games
- Hobby Nights for painting and modeling
- AMG Games including Marvel Crisis Protocol, Star Wars, X-Wing, and related systems
They also support growing communities around games like Barons War, Pillage, and BLKOUT.
What Makes Crown City Games Unique?
Crown City Games offers a unique layout for players in the area.
“Firstly, we are underground with an open gaming layout that maximizes community cohesiveness. We are a big store with an independent vibe.”
The underground location and open play areas help players feel connected and keep the focus squarely on the gaming experience.
What Tabletop Gaming Means Here
“Tabletop gaming at its core in our store means connecting. Connecting with newer players, new and old friends, and coming together to just roll some dice.”
Events & Organized Play
Crown City Games regularly hosts leagues and events, especially aimed at helping new players enter the hobby and giving regular players consistent opportunities to play.
Beginner leagues and structured events help ease players into games while supporting long-term community growth.
The Most Rewarding Part
“The most rewarding part is when regular customers become friends.”
Challenges Along the Way
Opening a store presents challenges at every step, especially in the early stages.
“Every day presents new challenges, but the biggest one is just getting started. There are a million reasons and challenges just getting started. It’s honestly all about just doing it.”
The Most Unique Characteristic
The store’s décor and atmosphere aim to create a strong sense of belonging for players — and one standout feature draws plenty of attention.
A giant wearable Knight armor display helps give the space its own identity and memorable vibe.
If the Store Were a Character…
Samwise Gamgee.
“Because potatoes and we’ll never leave your side.”
Advice for Aspiring Store Owners
“Just do it.”
Crown City Games & Frontline Gaming
Crown City Games carries a wide range of FLG products, including:
- FLG Mats
- FLG Terrain
- FLG Accessories such as cutting mats, tape measures, laser lines, and wet palettes
“Yeah, FLG is our go to for gaming maps and gaming accessories. You guys help us by getting our tables nice and epic to play on.”
With leagues, events, and growing communities, Crown City Games is quickly becoming a staple gaming destination in Pasadena.
Visit Crown City Games
Address: 42 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105
Website: crown-city-games.com
Email: Crowncitygamespasadena@gmail.com
Instagram: @crowncitygamespasadena
Want your store (or your favorite local store) featured in an upcoming Champions of Tabletop spotlight? Reach out to us and let’s tell your story.
