Daniel Vanoteghem, affectionately known as “Danno” among fellow gamers, proudly announces the grand opening of The Nerd Store in Albany. Born from a lifelong dream and a deep passion for gaming, The Nerd Store aims to become the premier destination for nerds and gamers alike in the local community.

Having spent most of his life in Albany and Leesburg, Vanoteghem is a dedicated family man. He and Annie married in 2017 and are the proud parents of two daughters, Winnie and Ceci. Vanoteghem, who graduated from Georgia Southwestern State University with an M.B.A., is looking forward to this opportunity to combine his educational training with his passion. With strong ties to the community, Vanoteghem envisions The Nerd Store not as just a business venture, but a welcoming and inclusive space for people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds.

"After searching for the perfect spot to play Magic the Gathering or Dungeons & Dragons with my friends, we often struggled to find a place that met all our needs, from table size to scheduling,” Vanoteghem said. “So, I decided to take a leap of faith and revive my decade-old business plan.

“I'm excited to bring the Southwest Georgia gaming community together in a clean, family-friendly environment, offering a safe and inclusive gaming experience for new and experienced gamers. I am thrilled to welcome budding nerds to help them learn a game, provide beginners groups, and guide them through purchases that best fit their needs.”

The Nerd Store, located at 2610 Dawson Rd. Suite 14, in Albany, GA, will officially open on Friday, August 9th, at 3 PM. The grand opening will feature the inaugural Magic the Gathering Commander Tournament at 7 PM, marking the beginning of many exciting gaming events that will follow.

The Nerd Store promises a wide range of offerings, including trading card games, tabletop and board games, collectibles, special events such as painting nights, comics, RPG groups such as Dungeons & Dragons, and a community board for those seeking gaming groups.

"We're committed to creating a hub where everyone can come together to enjoy games, events, and endless nerdy adventures among good friends and even better vibes," Vanoteghem said. The store's operating hours will be 2-6 PM Wednesdays and Thursdays, 3 PM-midnight Fridays and Saturdays, and 10 AM – 3 PM Sundays.

For more information about The Nerd Store and its upcoming events, follow it on social media: The Nerd Store.