What We’re Thankful For in 2020

Here at The Rook Room, we’re thankful for a lot this Thanksgiving. We can all agree that 2020 has been a crazy, unexpected year. A crazy year that just keeps on giving, really. But that doesn’t mean it wasn’t full of some wonderful things as well.

First and foremost, The Rook Room is thankful for all of you. Yeah, it might be a bit cliche to say, but we certainly wouldn’t be here without your continued support. This community of board gamers, puzzlers, RPG enthusiasts, trivia nerds, artist supporters, local beer lovers, and more, have blown us away at every step of this small business adventure.

We could truly go on forever, but we wanted to save some space for our dynamic duo co-founders, Annelise and Tony, to share what they’re thankful for on this holiday.


This year, I am thankful for time. The extra time to spend with the people I love over video calls. The time to spend cooking and playing new board games. Time to dream up ideas for The Rook Room, and plan for safer days. Time to be bored and rewatch TV shows and time to learn new things about myself and about my community.

I’m lucky to be someone that’s gotten extra time this year, and I recognize that. And I hope that I continue to use that time well. To continue to work alongside Tony (my outstanding business partner and friend–who I am so lucky to know), alongside our current partners and our upcoming partners to keep building a geeky, inclusive, and fun space in Des Moines. Can’t wait ’til we can see you again in person. Stay safe, folks!

– Annelise, The Rook Room Co-Founder


This year I’m thankful for wonderful friends and family who have helped get me through this crazy year with their awesome support. I can’t imagine where I’d be without them and I’m thankful that technology has helped me continue to connect with them for chats, drinks, games, or whatever else, while socially distancing.

I’m also thankful for this wonderful community that isn’t afraid to step in and step up when someone needs help or something needs to change. Whether that’s supporting a non-profit, donating to those facing food or housing insecurity, pushing against injustices, or just reaching out to a friend or neighbor, the people in the Des Moines area never fail to amaze me.

Finally, I’m thankful for my friend and co-founder Annelise and the people in central Iowa we’ve been able to connect with through The Rook Room – our patrons, partners, and collaborators – many of who have become our friends. Thank you for your continued support of The Rook Room and for helping the small business community in Iowa thrive. Stay safe and stay healthy.”

– Tony, The Rook Room Co-Founder


Once again, thank you for your support this past year and we can’t wait to see what this next year brings. Hopefully, by this time next year, we’ll be able to hang out and play games with all of you in person.

Until then, stay safe, stay healthy, and keep playing!