CORNER BROOK, N.L. — Diana Parsons and sisters Joanne Jones and Denise Rogers had separate dreams for their very own businesses.
Parsons had constructed a business plan over the course of two years after being inspired by a visit to a board game café in Halifax with her son. She had always wanted her own business and now she had a vision for one.
Meanwhile, Jones and Rogers both loved to bake, and they always wanted to run a café.
The three women discussed their respective ideas and in the past year, their visions united with Sugar and Dice.
It's Corner Brook’s very first board game café, which opened on Nov. 26, 2020.
It provides customers a lighthearted and fun environment where they can enjoy a board game along with some tasty baked goods.
The bakery provides breakfast options, daily lunch specials, regular menu items and many gourmet sweet treats. Menu favourites include scones, black bottom muffins, whoopie pies, meringue pies, cheesecakes and carrot cake.
Meanwhile, there are 250 to 300 games for patrons of all ages to enjoy. Favourites include classics like Monopoly, Connect Four, and Trouble, and modern games, such as the family version of Cards Against Humanity.
Parsons handles the board game aspect of the café, while Jones and Rogers take on the baking side of things. Jones and Rogers run the place during the day, while Parsons, who still has another full-time job, takes over in the evening. They do weekends together.
Opening during the pandemic
The opening of Sugar and Dice was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Parsons had introduced her business plan to Jones and Rogers just before the March 2020 lockdown.
“It was a very exciting time for us back in February,” said Parsons. “And then the pandemic hit.”
At that point, they had a choice to make on whether to keep going.
“It was a conversation, ‘should we try something now or should we wait and see what happens?’” said Jones.
They put the idea on Facebook around the end of April to see what kind of interest there was.
Jones said orders “went through the roof.”
“It took off extraordinarily,” added Parsons.
They went to work, seeking funding, finding a building to lease, getting materials and conducting renovations. There were obstacles because of the pandemic, especially in terms of getting materials.
But the three women persevered. Parsons felt they were fortunate to secure a period of time where they could renovate the establishment.
“We renovated completely,” she said.
Surpassing the dream
Since opening, business has been booming for Sugar and Dice.
“We got exactly what we prayed for, only even more,” Rogers said. “The response has been through the roof. People are so positive; they’re usually waiting for us to open the doors. It’s unreal to us and we’re so grateful.”
Parsons said it’s a lot of work for three people facing a large demand.
“It’s been a thrilling ride so far,” she said. “We don’t expect to slow down at all. If anything, we expect to continue to offer more products. We have lots of ideas. We know what works and what we’re unsure of.”
Parsons feels they have been able to cultivate an environment where people feel they can escape from life, especially the hardships being experienced in the midst of the pandemic.
IF YOU GO
Business hours for Sugar and Dice café, located at 297 O'Connell Drive in Corner Brook:
- Monday to Wednesday – 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Thursday – 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Friday – 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Saturday – 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Sunday - Closed
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