The town of Sweet Home recently saw the addition of another new business, True Tato Gaming, located right next door to Into the Brew, at 1262 Main St.
The business owner, Josh True, came up with the business idea 15-20 years ago prior to him moving to Sweet Home in 2015. According to True, he’s been playing games since 1991. These games aren’t online games, or even board games. These games are considered to be trading card games and tabletop role-playing games.
True spent time last year selling cards online before he had the drive to open a business. Before buying, he first spent time fishing online to see what kind of need there was for a game store. According to him, a lot of people were interested. True acknowledged the need for things that younger people can do. After speaking with local teens, he realized that one of the only things for them to do was the skate park.
“I wanted to step away from the digital and the online aspect of gaming and gear more towards [the idea of] let’s sit down at a table and play face to face,” True said.
True’s location offers board games, strategic mini games, things to paint, Magic: the Gathering, Dungeons and Dragons, as well as Pokemon. The location also has 3D printing services and allows local crafters to sell crafts.
According to True, the community has been receptive to Tato Gaming. A few people have been let down due to there being no video games, though. This hasn’t stopped regulars from coming back to enjoy their games.
“You don’t have to pay anything; you just bring your own games in and you can sit down in one of my playing areas and play your board games, card games [and] role playing games,” True said. “I’m here to be able to fulfill the needs of the community for that.”
Although these games may be complicated, True explained his love for teaching people new things.
“Even people who are unsure about [it], I’m always welcoming of people who want to come in and learn something new,” he stated.
The name of his business sprung for many different reasons. According to True, he went by the Tato nickname in a lot of his games and online discourse. Another reason was playing off his last name and size.
“My last name’s True, I’m round like a potato, let’s play some games,” he said. “Everyone has their one thing they enjoy doing. Mine is gaming.”
True highlighted how his business caters to everyone.
“It’s for everybody. You don’t necessarily have to be a gamer to see what I have to offer,” True explained. “You can just come in and say hi.”
While he spends his evenings at the location, he spends his mornings continuing with his full time job. True has been working at Walmart for the last 17 years. According to True, he is hoping to step away from Walmart within three to five years.
