25 May Giants Outfielder Hunter Pence Announces Partnership to Open Coral Sword: Coffee, Comics & Games in Houston
Coral Sword: Coffee, Comics, & Games is the result of a friendship between a professional athlete, a comic book man and a couple of baristas.
Giants outfielder, Hunter Pence and his wife Alexis, announced their partnership with Ming Chen, star of Comic Book Men, David Buehrer of Greenway Coffee Company, and Sanford Bledsoe III, barista/gamer extraordinaire, to open Coral Sword: Coffee, Comics & Games in Houston, Texas.
Coral Sword: CCG will redefine expectations for inclusivity in gaming. Combining indie board games, a curated comic selection, and specialty coffee and tea, Coral Sword: CCG desires to become a special hub for these worlds to collide.
“Coffee and gaming are two of my favorite off the field activities,” said Pence. “I’m most excited about creating a space that combines the two. Incorporating new media into the coffee shop is an exciting way for me to bring a piece of San Francisco to Houston that keeps me feeling connected.”
Guests will have access to newly released games at a special gaming bar where industry leaders and game developers will teach their newest creations. Guests interested in streaming or podcasting can get hands-on experience in a special podcast booth fully equipped to connect to an audience abroad. Hunter and company have also included a membership driven co-gaming space for more in depth gaming that can be rented out for events, workshops, and tournaments.
Coral Sword: CCG plans to open its doors in September 2017, within two miles of the University of Houston and just minutes away from downtown. It will be located in a beautiful mid-century building with plenty of seating and a modern interior design, conveniently connected to an amazing barber and record shop.
Hunter, Ming, David, and Sanford see this as an opportunity to introduce specialty coffee fans to the indie game and comic trades they have become such fans of and hope to connect these gamers to their love of great coffee, tea and food as well. Guests should expect special goodies from Morningstar and a few savory treats as well.
Follow Coral Sword: CCG on Instagram and Twitter @CoralSword. For more information on Coral Sword: CCG, please contact David Buehrer at [email protected].
ABOUT THE OWNERS
Hunter Pence is a two-time All-Star outfielder and two-time World Series Champion on the San Francisco Giants. Pence and his wife, Alexis, a popular YouTube personality, are self-proclaimed professional gamers and coffee enthusiasts. Pence is originally from the greater Fort Worth area and resides in Houston, Texas during his off season. He made his debut with the Houston Astros in 2007, where he spent his first five Major League seasons.
Ming Chen is the star of AMC’s original series Comic Book Men. Chen has loved comics, pop-culture, and gaming his whole life and has turned it into a successful career at Jay & Silent Bob’s Secret Stash in New Jersey.
David Buehrer and Ecky Prabanto created Greenway Coffee Company in Houston, Texas in 2008. Greenway Coffee Company is focused on sourcing quality coffee and facilitating valuable relationships throughout the supply chain, from Producer to Barista.
Sanford Bledsoe III formerly owned The Espresso Bar in Ann Arbor, Michigan and worked at Vault of Midnight Comics prior to moving to Houston, Texas to establish Coral Sword: CCG.