The Getting-to-Know-You Game
Steve Mozena is making all the right moves.
And he’s doing them in Monopoly, Scattergories and Jeopardy.
Founder of Mozena’s Gossip, Games and Grub Club, the Oregon native has created a giant living room where people of all ages can meet in an alcohol- and smoke-free environment for games and conversation.
The club, located in a former Westwood shoe store on Weyburn Avenue, is stocked with more than 75 games including such classics as Life, Operation and Twister and modern favorites such as Jenga.
Mozena, owner of a local publishing company, founded the club on the belief that Los Angeles lacked a place for people to get together, hang out and interact.
“It’s a place to gather,” said the 35-year-old Westwood resident, who wears suspenders and a baseball cap. “I want people to come here and feel like part of the family.”
Since the club opened May 16, Mozena’s “family” has grown to include a loyal following that enjoys talking, playing games, drinking coffee and munching on snacks.
The 1,000-square-foot club has sofas and coffee tables arranged to promote interaction. Besides games, inspirational books are scattered about the club and thought-provoking posters are hung on the walls.
“I’ve met a lot of people,” said Stephen Harwood, a West Los Angeles resident who was playing Battleship on a recent evening. “It’s easier than going to a [night] club. There’s something more friendly about asking someone to play a game, and it’s a lot less intimidating.”
Across the room, Kat Schvartz, 17, a student at Beverly Hills High School, was playing Scattergories with a group of friends and new acquaintances.
“I love the atmosphere,” said Schvartz. “The people are outgoing. They don’t mind getting to know you.”
Most visitors have heard about the club or seen a flyer, but others are snagged by a machine at the door that generates an endless stream of bubbles into the street.
“I haven’t seen this before,” said psychologist Joscelyn Towler, who was walking down the street on her way to dinner. “It’s a neat idea. This way, you can break down barriers and meet people in a not-so-traditional way.”
That is what Mozena has in mind.
He hopes “to weave the colorful social fabric of our society back together,” he said. “I am looking at people who want to connect with other human beings.”
Mozena’s Gossip, Games & Grub Club, 10870 Weyburn Ave., Westwood; 9 a.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $5 adults, $2.50 senior citizens and students, free for children under 6. Information: (800) 444-8398.
