The Kraken’s Crate
Jess & Cody
Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained
Pass by the The Kraken’s Crate and you may wonder what lies inside. Massive tentacles sweep over the walls, bright magenta light gives the front door a welcome glow. Inside, shelves are stacked with games, and on a busy day, you might even be able to hear the chatter and laughter flood out onto the sidewalk. Dare to enter and you’ll find that it’s a place where stories begin, friendships form, and people who might never have met otherwise find themselves sitting at the same table.
Owners Jess Stewart and Cody Soehnlen designed it that way. Rather than simply opening a retail shop, The Kraken’s Crate was made to foster community, provide an escape from reality, and be a safe space to enjoy something many of us have lost in the monotony of day-to-day adult life: play. So shuffle your deck, roll your dice, and step inside the realm of the Kraken’s Crate.
A Table Where Everyone’s Welcome
Jess and Cody know that walking into a game store for the first time can feel intimidating. Especially if you’ve never rolled a D20 or played a board game beyond Monopoly on family game night. Because of this, accessibility, inclusivity, and warmth are at the heart of everything they do.
Through events like Date Night and Ladies Night to First Roll Night, The Kraken’s Crate invites everyone to play, no matter your experience. Additionally, family‑friendly events like Roll With the Fam, create opportunities for all ages to join the fun. Ultimately, the goal is to meet people where they are. Most importantly, newcomers don’t need experience — just a little curiosity and a willingness to try. Once you sit down and the games begin, soon enough, conversation and connection happens naturally.
Taking Play Seriously
For Cody and Jess, play isn’t frivolous or reserved just for kids. Instead, they see it as an essential part of life for folks of all ages. It brings joy, sparks curiosity, and gives people a much‑needed escape from everyday stress.
As Jess says, “Without play, things feel bleak. We hope this space is an escape for storytelling, adventure, and connection.”
In many ways, play gives us permission to be ourselves with no apologies. It allows us to create a world we want to live in, tell our stories the way we see them, and live our truths, even if it’s just in a fantasy. That belief is therefore reinforced by a message displayed inside the store: Take care of yourself and each other. Without a doubt, this is more than a game shop — it’s a place that genuinely cares about people.
The Board is Set in Newton
Cody sees Newton as a place that mirrors the small‑town values he grew up with, where people recognize each other, relationships matter, and small moments carry weight. Jess, likewise, describes it as charming, welcoming, and full of possibility.
Because of that community, building something meaningful here feels natural. “The opportunity to make something meaningful feels easier here,” they say. “You’re not just another face in the crowd.” Instead, neighbors quickly become friends, collaborators, and fellow storytellers.
Today, the Kraken’s Crate proudly plays its part in Newton’s growing story. By adding creativity, connection, and a gathering place in the heart of downtown, the shop continues to bring people together in so many ways. So get your dice ready, tell your story, and embrace play with Jess and Cody at the Kraken’s Crate.
Have a story to tell?
We’re looking for real stories from real people about what it’s like to live, work, or play in Newton. Whether you’re building a life here, growing your career, or making memories with your family, we’d love to hear about it. Your story might be featured on this website, social media, or other community platforms. While we can’t guarantee every submission will be used, we appreciate each one and may feature stories in a variety of ways.
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