Vibe Check: Hot Sauce Games

This vibe check is courtesy of Hot Sauce Games in Downers Grove, IL. Hot Sauce is owned by Adem Hotza, a longtime singles card dealer that specializes in vintage Magic: The Gathering as well as Disney Lorcana cards. 

Aside from their retail location, Hot Sauce is well-known for setting up at all of the MagicCons in the U.S. as well exhibiting at Gen Con on a yearly basis. They will be attending MagicCon: Las Vegas in about a week (see “MagicCon Schedule“).

Hot Sauce Games Current Vibe 

Location: 605 Ogden Ave.
                   Downers Grove, IL 60515

Store Specialities: TCG Singles, TCGs, and RPGs

Hot Sauce’s New Hot Sauce (Hotness): Magic: The Gathering – Secrets of Strixhaven, One Piece CG, Riftbound TCG and Disney Lorcana.

Games That Are Growing Playgroups: They are having problems firing organized play events in the store, outside of Magic: The Gathering, even for Riftbound TCG (which is selling very well in the store). They have some hopes that Gundam Assemble will bring in some new players for OP, as it is a miniatures game with crossover products for the TCG. 

Buying Mood of Customer Base: Very positive. It’s high tide for the games business, and all brands across the sector seem to be doing well at this shop.  

Pick Hits for Q2 into Q3: Pokemon TCG: Chaos Rising (see ” ‘Pokemon TCG: Mega Evolution’“) seems like it’ll be an even bigger set for both players and collectors. 

Additional Commentary: “One Piece CG has seen a huge uptick from both players and collectors. Disney Lorcana has done a complete 180 since Fabled… the TCG business is still on fire. Everything seems to be going great with LGS in the area, big box stores, dollar stores, and WhatNot sellers. There’s a vending machine in every Jewel (Albertson’s grocery chain), and TCGs are still as hot as ever.” – Adem Hoetza, Owner of Hot Sauce Games.  

Click on Gallery below for full-size images of the shop!