The Great Rook Hunt

Join us for The Great Rook Hunt, your ticket to being one of the very first people in the world to learn where our brick-and-mortar concept, the Rook Room Lounge & Cafe, will be located along with a bunch of other tantalizing details.

Starting January 8th, 200 rook chess pieces will be scattered at restaurants, stores, parks, and other locations across the Des Moines metro. If you can get your hands on one, you’ll be one step closer to learning all about our new, first-of-its-kind space.

Here’s an example of what to look for:

They come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, so keep an eye out. And if you need a hint for where to look, you might try your decoding skills out on our recent social media posts.

Once you find one, flip it over. Each rook has a QR code on the bottom that will take you to a secret, web-based puzzle. Beat the puzzle and you’ll unlock all the details we currently have on the Rook Room Game Lounge & Cafe!

Oh! And don’t lose that rook because you can bring it back in once we open and your first drink is on us!

One last thing – what’s a game without rules? So here’s some important info you need to know.

The Great Rook Hunt Important Information & Rules

• All 200 rooks are located in the Des Moines metro area.
• You will not need to climb on, climb under, or destroy anything in order to get a rook. They’re all out in the open.
• Please do not destroy the rooks. There is no secret hidden inside.
• We encourage you to take any rook you find. You’ll be able to bring it into the Rook Room once we open and exchange it for a free drink.
• You may leave the rook for others or share it with friends and family if you’d like but know that the drink offer will only be honored if the rook is returned.
• As you search, please be respectful of the spaces you are in. In fact, we encourage you to buy yourself a little treat if you end up at a store or restaurant.
• The Great Rook Hunt officially ends on January 13th though if you find a rook after that point, you’re welcome to keep it and bring it in once we open.
• Have fun. We know there’s some exciting news on the line, but all the information you are able to get from a rook will be made public on Monday, January 13th.