Artemis Tavern: A Place to Belong in Marshalltown

On any given Friday night in Marshalltown, a small crowd gathers inside Artemis Tavern. Dice clatter against tabletops, trading cards shuffle in eager hands, and laughter fills the air as players — some friends, some strangers — lean over shared games and shared stories. But this isn’t just a shop. It’s a dream decades in the making, built from childhood memories, a beloved teacher’s kindness, and one man’s mission to “be the light this world needs.”

How did Artemis Tavern get its start? What inspired the dream?

The story of Artemis Tavern began long before the doors opened. It started with Artemis making fun videos with his oldest child and sharing the joy of collecting together. “We had planned to open a game shop back in Ottumwa,” he recalls, “but I was offered a job with RACOM, which led us to move to Marshalltown. After my departure from RACOM, I decided it was time to take our dream to the next level.”

The name itself is woven from years of gaming. “Artemis” had always been the name of the characters I played, and over time, it became my persona,” he says. As for the Tavern, that word carries weight. “We’re all familiar with taverns from games, movies, and anime — places where adventurers come together to share stories and rest after a long quest. That’s what I wanted this place to be. The world can be scary and vicious, but once you enter our doors, you’re greeted and welcomed. You’re encouraged to relax, build memories with your kids, and create lasting relationships in a space that feels like your second home.”

What makes Artemis Tavern special?

Artemis Tavern carries a wide variety of products — from trading cards to board games and beyond. But its real strength is in availability and accessibility. “We hear all the time where people go to Walmart and they’re sold out or don’t carry certain games,” Artemis says. “We look for what’s new, exciting, and unique. We’ve partnered with a lot of Kickstarter card games, which makes products available to the community instead of just online.”

Yet Artemis is quick to point out that gaming is about far more than products. “Gaming is like its own ecosystem,” he explains. “People come here and end up sitting across from someone they might never socialize with otherwise. Someone walks in, asks what others are playing, and they’re invited in. New friendships are built every single day here.”

The shop’s pre-release events are among its most popular. They allow players to experience new card sets and games — often two weeks before they’re available anywhere else. “It’s exciting and special,” Artemis says. “It’s something that connects people before the rest of the world even sees it.”

What challenges have you faced as a small business, and what have you learned?

Like many small businesses, Artemis Tavern’s journey hasn’t been without hurdles. Funding and product availability have been persistent challenges. “To expand, one needs funding, and product can sometimes be hard to get,” Artemis explains. “But with networking and socializing, we’re able to secure product from various sources.”

Online sales have become a crucial piece of the puzzle, providing the financial support needed to grow. And throughout it all, community support has been the heartbeat of the business. “We have regulars who come in to purchase from us and regular players who come in weekly to play games,” he says. “They show that we are a welcoming place for anyone wanting to play.”

What inspired the vision behind Artemis Tavern?

The heart of Artemis Tavern was planted long before its founder ever owned a business. Growing up in Texas, Artemis and his younger brother spent countless hours at a local cyber café — their go-to hangout. Later, after moving to the Midwest, Artemis experienced racism for the first time, an experience that deeply shaped him. One teacher, Mr. Tikkun, offered a different perspective. He taught math using Magic: The Gathering cards and eventually rented a space for students to gather after school — a space where friendships blossomed among people who might never have interacted otherwise.

“It was amazing,” Artemis remembers. “We’d walk to that place after school to do homework and spend time together. It became our home away from home.”

Years later, after learning Mr. Tikkun had passed away and the space had closed, Artemis carried that memory with him. “That’s what sparked my vision — to recreate what he had done and make something similar,” he says.

After years of content creation, traveling to conventions, and collaborating with other creators, Artemis knew it was time to bring that dream to life. And with Artemis Tavern, he’s done just that — creating a place built on kindness, creativity, and connection.

What’s next for Artemis Tavern?

Artemis dreams big for the future — and those dreams go beyond cards and dice. “We hope to continue our growth and bring in more people to a place that many may not know exists,” he says. “I always tell my players, I want to be around until the younger generations say, ‘That’s old man Artemis, the one who owns that really cool game store in town.’”

That vision extends to supporting the broader Marshalltown community, too. Artemis Tavern partners with local businesses to encourage customers to explore other shops and services. “We hope to continue promoting our motto: Be the light this world needs,” he says. “We already have too much darkness in the world. Let us shine bright and create a welcoming place for those seeking somewhere to belong.”

Artemis Tavern isn’t just a store. It’s a legacy in progress — a space where friendships form, adventures begin, and everyone belongs. Whether you’re a lifelong gamer or a curious newcomer, step inside, pull up a chair, and discover what happens when a dream decades in the making meets a community ready to embrace it.

Artemis Tavern is located at 2501 Center Street Marshalltown, IA 50158.

Every story matters — especially here in Marshalltown. If you’d like your business, event, or journey featured in the Tall Corn Chronicle, reach out to us at editor@tallcornchronicles.com. We can’t wait to tell your story.