The Story Behind Two Wolves Tavern
For nearly a decade, Nicholas Bafia dreamed of opening a game store. He envisioned a place where people could come together, make friends, and share their love of games.
That dream became a reality when Nicholas teamed up with his younger brother, Antonio, to open Two Wolves Tavern, a medieval-themed game shop in Bushwick, Brooklyn.
But turning their dream into a business came with challenges, including one of the biggest hurdles for any new business owner: signing a commercial lease.
The brothers had already lost out on one location because of permit issues. When they found another space, they faced a new challenge: a 60-page commercial lease filled with unfamiliar legal terms. Like many first-time business owners, they weren’t sure what to look for or how the agreement might affect their business down the road.
They knew they needed legal help, but hiring a private attorney would mean diverting precious resources from getting their business off the ground. That’s when they connected with Build Up Justice NYC.
Our team helped the brothers review their lease, understand the terms, and ask the right questions before signing. Their attorney, Jeff Mitchell, even shared their love of games! That connection made the experience even more meaningful.
“If we did not have someone to review our lease and kind of guide us through this process, I don’t think we would have a lease, honestly,” Nicholas shared.
With legal guidance and a clearer understanding of their lease, the brothers were able to move forward with confidence.
Today, Two Wolves Tavern is more than a game shop. It’s a welcoming space where families, friends, and neighbors can connect over a shared love of games. With free game nights, beginner-friendly events, and no table fees, Nicholas and Antonio are building the kind of community they always imagined.
They’ve also created jobs for two Brooklyn residents and are working to make their space more accessible to Spanish-speaking neighbors.
For Nicholas, the experience has reinforced the importance of having the right support when starting a business.
“I think that if you have a support system and you have a plan … we can pretty much do anything.”
And with their motto, “Every great adventure starts at the tavern,” Nicholas and Antonio are making sure there’s a place in Brooklyn where everyone can begin their own adventure.
Helping Small Businesses Succeed
Nicholas and Antonio’s story is a reminder of how access to legal support can make a real difference for small business owners.
Through our FREE Commercial Lease Assistance Clinic, made possible through the NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS), Build Up Justice NYC helps eligible small business owners understand their commercial leases and make informed decisions about their business.
Whether you’re opening your first storefront or have questions about an existing lease, you don’t have to figure it out alone.