PC Gamerz levels up with bigger space, snazzy decor

PC Gamerz Hawaii has more room for players of "League of Legends," other MMORPGs (massively multiplayer online role playing games), console games and other types of video games and general socialization after a move to bigger digs.

"We needed to expand," said operating partner Devin Wolery. "We had maxed out" on the number of gaming stations and other equipment that could be installed in both sides of the original Aiea PC Gamerz.

Regulars and new customers don’t have quite as far to go, as they discovered at the grand reopening Saturday afternoon and evening.

It moved downstairs, going into 2,150 square feet at 99-082 Kau­hale St., from the previous 1,500 square feet, and has installed 58 gaming stations, up from the previous 41. The goal, he said, is to fully equip a total of 76 stations.

"The benefit of the new spot is that it’s a big rectangle, so it’s easier to operate in" than was the previous space.

Wolery called the move to the ground floor of Aiea Town Square a win for gamers, who now have easier access, as well as for the shopping center, as PC Gamerz’s extended hours mean staff and customers will be about, keeping an eye on things while other tenants are closed.

PC Gamerz is open from noon to 4 a.m. daily.

Previously, the business had received inquiries from residents concerned that gambling might be happening inside.

There are Internet cafes that offer Internet sweepstakes or gambling on sports, "and we will never do that," Wolery said.

"Our new slogan is, ‘Social gaming, no gambling,’" he said. "We promote social activities, playing as a team, learning sportsmanship behavior and the competitive nature of e-sports."

While groups of five friends will show up to play an online game of "League," as it’s known, other, solo players will also come to PC Gamerz to play online with others, or just solo, but in a social environment. "It gives (them) that social aspect, so they don’t feel like they’re playing in a darkened room by themselves."

It’s doubtful those darkened rooms at home have walls painted by professional graffiti artists, or a bathroom door painted as the Tardis from "Dr. Who," which looks like an old British police call box. "It’s bigger on the inside," Wolery chuckled, a reference fans of the show will get.

PC Gamerz will host its first "all-nighter" of the year starting 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, and its next "League" tournament, offering a $3,000 prize pool, will be the following Saturday.

Registration can be done online via the PC Gamerz website.

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On the Net:

» pcgamerzhawaii.com

A CALL FOR SANDWICH ENTRIES

Restaurateurs are invited to send pictures of their pride-and-joy sandwiches to industry publication Restaurant Hospitality magazine.

The "Best Sandwiches in America" welcomes any and all types of sammies, from breakfast sandwiches to burgers, to wraps, vegetarian and submarine offerings, among others. Twelve categories are up for grabs.

Restaurants are encouraged to submit a high-resolution photo, the sandwich name, restaurant name, creator’s name, the inspiration for the sandwich, price, food cost, key ingredients, what makes the sandwich special, any awards it has won and, if customers rave about the menu item, the sorts of things they say about it.

Restaurant Hospitality Editor-in-Chief Michael Sanson will accept entries titled "Sandwich Contest" via email at mike.sanson@penton.com.

The early entry deadline is April 15, and the winning dozen sandwiches will be featured in the June issue, after magazine editors travel the country to secretly taste and judge the entries.

A report on last year’s winners is on the Restaurant Hospitality website and can be accessed following free registration.

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On the Net:

» is.gd/RH2013Top12­Sammies

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Reach Erika Engle at 529-4303, erika@staradvertiser.com or on Twitter as @erikaengle.