With the closing of the GW LA Battle Bunker, many people seem to be missing a place to play, especially a place with so many tables available.

Within the next few weeks, however, a new independent gaming store is opening in Lakewood. It's currently housing 8 gaming tables with possibly more being implemented before opening. It will also have space for hobbying, and card tables for all the Magic and other card game players.
There's really no limit to what you can play in the store. Games Workshop, Privateer Press, card games, board games, etc. You name it and you can most likely play it with plenty of room to do so. As a general comparison, it's likely equivalent to the size of the old LA Battle Bunker, if not even slightly bigger.

I'll continue to update this as more specifics roll in such as the opening day, and exact location. If you have any questions, feel free to ask, and I'll due my best to answer or get an answer.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBunkerHobbiesAndGames?notif_t=fbpage_fan_invite
Phone #: 562-422-5626
Address: The Bunker Hobbies and Games, 4812 paramount blvd lakewood ca

Cool! Lakewood is a lot closer than Westminster for me, so I will be sure to check it out!

Yo butler! Been missing the bunker a lot. You have any updates on the lakewood store? What is it going to be called? And when *should* it be open?

Hopefully we can battle again soon!

Thanks!

I would like to know more about the store as well. Is there a website for it?

where exactly in Lakewood?

my only current store is san pedro GW would like a change of pace

Glad to see the interest. The store's location is set, by I sadly don't have the address on hand.

However, I can tell you with a fair bit of optimism that we're going to try and finish all the prep work on it this upcoming weekend so that we can possibly get it open within the next few weeks. At the moment we're moving everything in.

As for the name... well... it's quite simply going to be called "The Bunker"

That name is easy to remember!

Please keep us up to to date! You guys should be posting all the setup photos on facebook/twitter and here too!

Just got a little preview picture to post up. It's obviously still in the making, but here's the gaming area as of current.
Also, it appears as though the full name of the store will be "The Bunker Hobbies and Games"

Awesome looks like a great space. gonna need a hurry and get at least one of my armies into play shape

Still no address yet? i wanna know which part of lakewood it is at (hoping closer to west)

Wow! There might be enough space to stack all your forgeworld butler!

i haven't lived in westminster (born and raised there) for almost 7 years now. why did the bunker there close?

I'll be sure to get the exact address this weekend that way everyone knows how accessible it will be!

However, it looks like one of the guys posted a video of the store, so take a look at that!

edit: Alright, well it was uploaded directly to Facebook and I couldn't figure out how to get it to actually show in the post (if anyone knows how to do that, I would greatly appreciate to know how!), but here's the link for the video. It should give you a better idea of size for the store area and the idea of how it's separate from the gaming side.

https://www.facebook.com/video/embed?video_id=533452736714030

 Buttlerthepug wrote:
I'll be sure to get the exact address this weekend that way everyone knows how accessible it will be!

However, it looks like one of the guys posted a video of the store, so take a look at that!

edit: Alright, well it was uploaded directly to Facebook and I couldn't figure out how to get it to actually show in the post (if anyone knows how to do that, I would greatly appreciate to know how!), but here's the link for the video. It should give you a better idea of size for the store area and the idea of how it's separate from the gaming side.

https://www.facebook.com/video/embed?video_id=533452736714030

Well it only kind of closed, they down graded it to a one man shop with only a few tables. I assume it was done because the large space cost a fair amount to rent and staff and wasn't bringing in enough sells to justify keeping it.

Well I finally got more information for everyone.

To start, it looks like the store will be opening in 2 weeks, 3 at the latest.

The store is on Del Amo and Paramount in Lakewood.

And here are a few pictures of the store for your viewing purposes. Disregard the rather messy situation it's in. Also keep in mind that the store area is completely separate from the much larger gaming area in back!

Del Amo and Paramount ehh? That is pretty much the furthest you can be from a freeway in Lakewood. Hopefully the store will be worth the drive...

Thanks for the updates though.

Not sure if you went to the LA Battle Bunker, but if you did, and you enjoyed it, and can only assume you'll find this store to be well worth it. Besides having the large amount of space, the people running the store are very laid back, and I would venture to say pretty well known in the community for being really cool guys.

Just imagine the LA Battle Bunker without all the stingy rules and bothersome staff!

Not bad. Ideas on hours of op? Its relatively close to work, and wouldn't mined being able to play on weekdays

As far as I know, weekends will be open pretty late, and I'm sure weekdays will have a pretty decent closing time as well. I'm heading back down there again tomorrow, so I'll try to get some more specifics on that.

Anything else everyone might want to know?

Buttlerthepug wrote:Anything else everyone might want to know?

This is kinda specific, but do happen to know if there are any kind of plans for either specific gaming nights, i.e. Mondays = 40k, Tuesdays = Fantasy, Wednesday = Warmachine, etc.?

Any future plans on doing campaigns/leagues/tournaments?

I only ask because I'm relatively new to the LA area and am looking for a base of operations if you will. I'm a little far from Lakewood, but if there is a strong community (especially for WHFB and Warmachine) I'm happy to make the drive and patronize the store.

I'm not sure about gaming nights, but I know you'll be able to come in whenever you want, and play whatever you want. Saturday's will most definitely be the busiest day and have the most going on. I assume it would be very easy to set up something with the owners for holding a game night for whatever you might want. They're definitely aiming for a community oriented store.

I can, however, guarantee that we're planning some tournaments and will at some point start some leagues or tournaments. I'm also pretty confident that we'll have a strong community for Warhammer since a lot of the people who previously went to the LA Battle Bunker will be transferring over to this store. I know a lot of people already play Warmachine in our group alone, so I expect there should be plenty of that as well!

Edit: Got a couple more pictures of the store coming along. It's getting there!

kewl im in norwalk so thats real close for me

Excellent to hear a game store is opening up. I happen to live in Lakewood so I'm extremely excited to see a store open up very close to me. Keep us posted on the opening date.

Keep up the pics!

awesome to see this is going well for you guys, i moved to Texas the day the bunker closed, i know these guys and will vouch for them when i say they are laid back. Cant wait to visit CA again and check the place out! good luck guys!

Any more info? When's the grand openning?

From what I've gathered, I'm not sure that there will necessarily be a "grand opening."

It sounds like they're going to try and open the store this upcoming Monday, so next Saturday would be first really big day. I'm heading down there tomorrow to help finish up everything (hopefully) and I'll try to get some more info!

Expect some sort of update tomorrow night or Sunday. At least some more pictures if nothing else.

Cool. They are also on FB, as the Bunker Lakewood.

Ah yes, I completely forgot to even link to that! Thank's for the reminder, and here it is for everyone else!

https://www.facebook.com/aaron.bunker.961?fref=ts


Automatically Appended Next Post:
I sadly wasn't able to make it down today, but they just posted any update on the facebook page, so here it is!

well the wait is almost over!! As of today we are in the works to open the shop for free play at our gaming room on tuesday!!!. no events are planed as of yet but will be in the future. and we have card game tables open as well. if the plans set in motion play out we will be able to sell product that we currently have in stock. starting tuesday as well. now if the plans set out fall through we might not be able to sell product untill. later that day or later that week. but the good news is we invite you to come get your game on.!!!! so again gaming side of store is open on tuesday!!!!! hours will be more permanent but for at least now we will be open from 12-8 for the remainder of this week. new summer hours will be posted asap!! thanks for your patients and understanding. the gw order is in route.

So I stopped by the store today and i gota say im impressed so far.

space, layout, parking, BATHROOMS!, all there and the people are nice. hope to see more players soon.

Any chance for 40k tournaments?

Glad to hear that Desubot! They put up a video of the store in it's final "getting ready" stages on the FB page, so for those who still want a good look at it, there's one way to get it!

There should definitely be some coming up MikeFox. It might not be for a month or so (that's my guess anyways) as they still try to finish up the store and get the community flowing through again, but I can guarantee there will be some in the near-ish future!

Well Ill keep my eye open on Dakka, but count me and my orks in for any events.

Glad to see an Ork player! From what I've read they're far and few between, but I'm actually starting them up this up coming week as I try to get back into 40k!
Good to know I'll see some other people playing them in the store (hopefully?) !

I recently came in first place at the pasadena tournament. My army is also fully award winningly painted and full of very highend conversions. Cant wait to show you in person.

Anybody dropping in this weekend? After a few months of not doing anything with my horribly painted Blood Angels army, I have decided to get back into the hobby! So if you can tolerate my horribly painted army and my noobiness, I am down for a few 40k games.

From what I gather there should be quite a few people on Saturday, so if you drop by I guarantee you'll be able to find a game. I'll definitely be there, but since I don't have a 40k army yet, I don't think I'd be able to help ya out. Give me a couple weeks and I'll definitely be ready to go though!

I'll try to hop by if nothin's goin on down here, hope to check out this place sometime.

I looked in this thread and on the Bunker's facebook page but failed to find an actual store address. Anyone have that handy?

They put up a post on Wednesday on the FB page:

phone info and adress is up 562-422-5626 address is the bunker hobbies and games 4812 paramount blvd lakewood ca

Anyone planning to head down tomorrow? I should be there all day looking to play some Fantasy!

 Buttlerthepug wrote:
They put up a post on Wednesday on the FB page:

phone info and adress is up 562-422-5626 address is the bunker hobbies and games 4812 paramount blvd lakewood ca

Anyone planning to head down tomorrow? I should be there all day looking to play some Fantasy!

You should really add that address and phone number to the original post in this thread (in other words, update the OP in the thread so new people reading the thread can easily find where the store is...you probably want to put a link to their FB page in the original post as well).

Thanks for the advice, I probably should have done that a while ago. It's all in there now.

I completely forgot tomorrow is Father's Day and I haven't even finished assembling/painting my terminators, so I will unfortunately have to pass on this weekend :(

Looks like they started up a new Facebook page. Not sure as to why, but here's the link: https://www.facebook.com/TheBunkerHobbiesAndGames?notif_t=fbpage_fan_invite

Also going to update the OP with this new FB page.

Will check this out probably next weekend. I play 40k, what sized games do people like to play down there?

Honestly I can't say there's even a standard here. Sometimes 2000, sometimes 3500. Hell, next week they're doing like 7k a side.

It shouldn't be too difficult to find a game of pretty much any size!

7k a side? Oh, that sounds like fun. Anyone bringing titans to that game?

 Smurfy wrote:
Will check this out probably next weekend. I play 40k, what sized games do people like to play down there?

Well im trying to stop by weekdays after work for a round or two. can play from anywhere from 1000-2000. so if anyone wants to arrange some games let me know.

Not that I'm aware of Possibly some big FW Ork vehicles and walkers, but that's about it as far as I know.

What really get's insane is the Fantasy battles. In the past I've gone up to 26k vs a friend and that was a lot of fun. Actually, I might be playing a pretty massive Fantasy game this upcoming Saturday. Possibly around 20k if I can contact the guy! And if you want to see big FW stuff (albeit unpainted ), I'm the kind of guy that likes to bring it!

I swung by the shop this Saturday. It was there first day officially open and I was pretty impressed by the size of the game room. I really was expecting dinky little tables but to my surprise there were about 8 full sized tables and each table had a little staging/dice rolling area on it, it was pretty nifty. The area is a little thinner than the old LA Bunker but much longer so it is pretty spacey and the tables are spaced far enough that it is really easy to walk around the place. There are tables in the back for painting and assembling models, the owner also said you can play cards and stuff back there too.

Overall they have the most space out of all the places in orange county right now. They are also wargames first, unlike most of the shops that are magic card venues that happen to have some wargaming space. I expect them to pick up in the next month or so and really fill the gap that the LA bunker left behind.

What a success story (so far)! I'm really glad this store is opening near you, Buttler, after the closing the GW Bunker.

A similar thing just happened to us here. The GW Bunker (that used to be adjacent to the old HQ building, both now closed) just outside Baltimore left a big hole... and now there is a FLGS in the exact same building that folks can play any miniatures game they like in. It's been fantastic so far, imo and just celebrated being open for a year earlier this month.

Best of luck to your community at this store, and I'd love to see some "finished" pics of the store

They're still trying to get it all finished up, but as soon as it is I'll definitely be throwing pics up, as I'm sure they will on Facebook. I'm also really glad I was able to contribute as much I could to helping them open the place. Definitely worth actually having a place to play at!

 Desubot wrote:

 Smurfy wrote:
Will check this out probably next weekend. I play 40k, what sized games do people like to play down there?

Well im trying to stop by weekdays after work for a round or two. can play from anywhere from 1000-2000. so if anyone wants to arrange some games let me know.

I can come in the week *maybe* just depends on day. Friday I'm pretty damn open :3

Nominate a game size, let me know, I like to have a list ready before I come by. I generally like 1v1 but 2v2s are growing on me, and the real big games just once in awhile.

Well i probably can come down Friday. I intend on stopping by today with a 2k (single foc) so if you want il play ya 2k on Friday.

Sure, what time?

did someone say somewhere that Tuesday night is 40k night? maybe that's a different store.

As it stand i don't think anything has been set up for nights

last i check they are still trying to set up leagues or a battle board let alone they still need a finish up the rest of the retail space and some more terrain.

If you guys want we can set up a day for 40k here on dakka and have regular meet ups. though im always stuck coming at 6pm after work

As Desubot said, there's no real "nights" yet. I'm sure they'll be working on that as everything continues to be finalized.

That being said, I know Saturday's will end up being the big Warhammer/Warhammer 40k day based on the fact that a majority of the starting crowd will be remnants of ye Bunker of olde... all of whom regularly played on Saturdays.

I know I'll definitely be there most Saturday's looking for games (especially Fantasy until I get my new Ork army up and running). But getting some Dakka meetup nights would be pretty cool in itself!

Looks like I got a 25k (per side) Fantasy game tomorrow! Anyome else planning to head on down?

Any word on tournaments in the future? And I sent you guys a PM on facebook regarding an event that you might be interested in hosting.

As far as I'm aware they're trying to wait a bit longer for the store to expand and I believe as soon as they get their next GW order in there could possibly be an actual "grand opening" and I'm sure tournaments will follow shortly after that.

AH, wasnt aware that you guys hadnt done a grand opening.

Yeah, right now it's kind of just open for people to come in an play (which of course, it still will be when it's all good to go), and I believe they're just going to wait on the major events until there's a stronger base of people.

Sadly I wasn't able to make it yesterday (I was too busy rocking out at an air guitar competition), but from what I gather, it sounds like they're planning to do a "hobby swap meet" next Saturday which should basically be a bazaar bazaar, mercenary market... whatever you want to call it!

Hopefully I can get more details on how exactly they're planning to run it and I can throw it all up on here to snag some interest!

The same weekend as the Anime Expo tournament. Sorry I wont be able to make it, got dice to roll.

Looks like they finally got their sign, so it should be much easier to spot now!

I was just there. Sorry, not impressed. The selection of merch is pitiful, mostly Third Planet's old stuff. The gaming area is quite big though.

 chris_valera wrote:
I was just there. Sorry, not impressed. The selection of merch is pitiful, mostly Third Planet's old stuff. The gaming area is quite big though.

They are just starting up so the stock is not all there but I ordered some stuff from them and they got it in a week.

 lambsandlions wrote:

 chris_valera wrote:
I was just there. Sorry, not impressed. The selection of merch is pitiful, mostly Third Planet's old stuff. The gaming area is quite big though.

They are just starting up so the stock is not all there but I ordered some stuff from them and they got it in a week.

A week?! Sorry, not gonna order something and wait a week, just to pay full price.

--Chris
www.chrisvalera.com

In their defense most companies wont allow you to order until you have a sign which was holding them back. Now that their intro order from GW (something that is required) is finished, andthey have a sign, their stock should begin to increase quite a bit.

Any photos of the tables and terrain available?

There are some pictures people playing on the tables on face book.

also they do have a 10% discount on gw stuff iirc

They currently have 4 realm of battle boards, and 4 tables that are still being prepared, although you can play on them (I have a few times).

And yes, there is currently a 10% discount on GW products.

I'll try to get some pics of the individual tables next time I'm there.

I went last Saturday to check the store out and play a game with a friend. The people there were pretty nice and the tables seemed decent (looks like they still have a bunch of stuff still in moving boxes).

One of the owners told me that they picked up the stock from third planet when it closed almost a year ago and some furniture and cases from the battle bunker.

I hope this works out for them and the community, Really seems like if everything is handled right everyone could win.

My biggest complaint is that is has pretty awful freeway access and even though its "closer" than the battle bunker was it took about ten more minutes to get to.

Great news for those of you who have been asking about 40k Tournaments, looks like they're holding one this Saturday.

Looks like 2013 points, 3 rounds, normal scenarios.

Here's there direct quote:

you have asked for it so here it is!! 40k EVENT this saturday!! this will be a three round event. games will be straight out of the 40k rulebook. no special added rules. static pre set up terrain. 2013 point lists!(yes next year will be 2014 points). with this amount of points it lets you have those few extra above 2000. and it will allow for allies if you choose. games will start at 11:30. strive to eat first before you come down. after first round we will take a short break. i already know we have a huge demand for this EVENT. so post if you can attend as we need to set up the tables in advance.

This is rather last minute... BUT ILL BE THERE! Is this going to be double force org silliness or a 1999+ 14 tournament? Also whats the round length, painting required, and will there be a painting award?

I forgot to ask about double, but paint is not required. not stricked wysiwyg book missions iirc

Sounded like the double force org ridiculous is being allowed based off their quote...

with this amount of points it lets you have those few extra above 2000. and it will allow for allies if you choose.

I am actually playing my first 40k game this weekend assuming there's room left over from the tournament, so I'm not entirely sure if that's what you were referring to O.o

Confirmed double force orgs.

Fun, fun. I got the whole painted force ready for some dice rolling silliness.

Good news for those of you who might be wanting to come in and play, buy, or order something... The one and only me will be running the shop on Sundays and Mondays starting tomorrow!

I also know there's been some delay in the building of proper terrain and tables, but since I'll be there for quite some time, you should all hopefully see some tables soon to take shape! We have quite a few plans for some of the tables, including a necromunda table, but if anyone has some suggestions or ideas I would be more than happy to take them and possibly even put them to use, as we have 4 tables to work with from scratch, and we'll more than likely be building even more after that to throw in some variety!

Looking forward to hopefully seeing some of you come down and play! If I recall correctly the store is open until 8 tomorrow!

It would be incredible if there were a Mordheim table.

I have plans for that as well! The plan (eventually... as I'll be the only one working on it, and only Sunday Monday, possibly Saturdays) is to make the remainder of the tables out of 2x2 tiles, much like the realm of battle baords, so that they can easily be put under tables and replaced my differently textured boards, etc. Should hopefully allow for a lot of versatility throughout the game systems!

What are the hour for the store?

Monday-Friday: 12-8
Saturday: 10-10 (generally stays open later if people are there)
Sunday: 12-6

I believe Fridays are usually open a later when people are there. Last Friday we stayed open until around 1:30 since there was a lot of magic going on.

Hey guys, it's been a long time since I've updated this thread, but I wanted to let you all know that we're doing a "Black Market" this upcoming Saturday.

Starting at 1:00 p.m. you can bring in your stuff, lay it out on a table, and try to sell it. If it does sell, the store will get the money and you'll get a 100% of it back in store credit. You can sort of imagine it to be like a swap meet.

Hopefully some of you can make it down and either buy or sell some stuff!

(I'll also probably be posting in this thread more often as we solidify events that we're doing. I know we're planning to launch a couple leagues soon for 40k/Fantasy/WarmaHordes, and possibly even some tournaments as well!)

Another little update/question for you all.

Now that I'm working the store on Saturdays, I'm really looking to get tournaments and leagues going (as I briefly mentioned in the previous post).

Currently, there's a large amount of people starting up Warmachine/Hordes (since many of our 40k/Fantasy players came from the old GW Bunker, they're realizing there's other, perhaps even better games!) so I'm looking to start up a Journeyman League in a couple weeks, followed by a Steamroller Tournament at the end of it.

Would any of you be interested in something like this, or do you have any specific requests for leagues or tournaments?

For the Journeyman league we should be using the actual Privateer Press packages which means patches for all who join and even more for the winners, and for the Steamroller Tournament that means either certificates or medals.

If everything goes well and we see some growth in the game, this also means we'll be able to host bigger events with even bigger prize support.

Any suggestions or inquiries would be greatly appreciated as we prepare to start up this league!

The Black Market and 40k tournament went extremely well, so we're on to the next event!

Starting this upcoming Saturday, we're beginning our Journeyman League for Warmachine and Hordes. We're already at 20 people, so it shouldn't be too hard to find a game. It will go on for 6 weeks as Journeyman Leagues do, and at the end of it on week 7 we'll be running a Steamroller event!

If any of you want to get in on the League simply call the shop to sign up (562-422-5636), come down to sign up, or show up on Saturday (or any day after!) and we'll get you going. We're encouraging people to try and start new armies since it's a cheap and effective way to start an army, but if not, any army you already have will work.

If you guys have any questions about the League let me know and I'll be sure to answer them!

Hope to see some Dakka members in action!

Doesn't seem that I ever posted pictures of the tables at the Bunker, so I'm going to try and get that done (assuming people are still interested), but in the mean time, I figured I'd throw up a picture of this past Saturday's Warhammer 40k Bunker Bash (basically a tournament).

Lots of gaming, plenty of space, and still expanding!

Oh wow, looks awesome, and no redshirts. I must check it out.

 Buttlerthepug wrote:
The Black Market and 40k tournament went extremely well, so we're on to the next event!

Starting this upcoming Saturday, we're beginning our Journeyman League for Warmachine and Hordes. We're already at 20 people, so it shouldn't be too hard to find a game. It will go on for 6 weeks as Journeyman Leagues do, and at the end of it on week 7 we'll be running a Steamroller event!

If any of you want to get in on the League simply call the shop to sign up (562-422-5636), come down to sign up, or show up on Saturday (or any day after!) and we'll get you going. We're encouraging people to try and start new armies since it's a cheap and effective way to start an army, but if not, any army you already have will work.

If you guys have any questions about the League let me know and I'll be sure to answer them!

Hope to see some Dakka members in action!

I noticed nobody has submitted the info for this store into the Dakka store finder, so I went ahead and added it:

http://www.dakkadakka.com/core/store_details.jsp?s=1217


However, since I've never been there, I had to go by what other people had said about it, so if there is anything wrong or incomplete, please feel free to edit the info and it will get updated (after a moderator approval).

Also, is the store owner a Dakka member, or are you the 'official' representative of the store at this point? Because we do have a section on that store finder info page to add a store owner (or official rep if the store owner isn't on) to the store info page so people on Dakka would be able to click through to you (or the owner's user profile) to ask questions, etc, here on Dakka.

None of the owners are Dakka members, so I would be the representative for the store since I'm the one who sets up events, etc., so I will go ahead and look towards that store page! Many thanks for the addition.

For those of you who might be interested in buying or selling your miniatures, we're doing a Black Market (Bazaar Bazaar, Mercenary Market... whatever you want to call it!) this upcoming Saturday.

It will be going on all day so just come in with your unwanteds if you're looking to sell, or browse around if you're wanting to buy!