TWO Castle lads who say they have always dreamt of opening their own game store will see this dream come to fruition next month.

Businessmen Callum Franchetti, 27, and Kyle Preece, 29, have confirmed that they plan to open their Geek Retreat franchise in Barons Quay in August.

Located opposite Wildwood and next to Puddle Ducks swim school, the concept will offer entertainment, retail, event and dining space when it opens following delays caused by the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown.

Both Callum and Kyle became friends after meeting at work and found that they shared a passion for pastimes such as video games, comics and trading cards.

They now plan to combine their love of all things ‘geeky’ with their extensive retail knowledge to open what will be Geek retreat’s 11th store in the country.

It promises to bring something completely new and quirky to the town, providing a place where people can ‘stop in and geek out’.

Shoppers can expect to find the latest comics, trading card games such as Magic: The Gathering, Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh, board games, video games, toys and American sweets.

The cafe will serve an American diner inspired menu, including burgers, fries, paninis and hot dogs, as well as the famous Geek Retreat create your own milkshakes.

Northwich Guardian:

Once restrictions are lifted, Callum and Kyle will also be looking to hold regular events at the Barons Quay store.

“It has been a tough few months for everyone, but right now we are feeling positive about the future and I’m confident that Geek Retreat will be well received by the people of Northwich,” Kyle said.

“Being local lads, it’s amazing to be launching our business in our hometown and we look forward to being part of Northwich’s recovery and future growth.”

Equally as enthusiastic, Callum said: “The space we have at Barons Quay will allow us to explore new and exciting concepts for the store and will mean that we can easily accommodate social distancing measures, allowing people to shop and visit the cafe with confidence.

“We have some fun things planned for the launch, but we’re keeping those to ourselves for now.”

Lina Higuita, centre manager at Barons Quay added: “We are delighted to welcome Geek Retreat to Barons Quay.

“They are bringing something completely new to the centre and Northwich that will be popular with everyone, not just the ‘geek’ community.

“Their passion and knowledge of the industry will stand them in good stead and ensure that they deliver excellent customer service.”

The pair are aiming to be open by the end of August, but if you can’t wait until then, orders can be made on their website at northwich.geek-retreat.com