Lebanon cafe offers youths a space age experience

By Steve Lathrop
Albany Democrat-Herald

As customers move through the Stargates and down the Worm Holes, they will notice that their high-tech adventure can take many forms.

That’s all according to plan at Rock the Net Caffe in Lebanon, where Clyde Rood, 35, and Doug Young, Jr., 37, have stepped in to inject a space age theme at the former Gamers Internet Cafe on Main Street.

“It’s a total remodel with a science fiction look,” Rood said of the updated 1500-square-foot space.

Included in the remodel are black walls with white borders, black lights and those Stargates (doorways) and Worm Holes (hallways). Four distinct sections, called Bays, offer gaming and other computer alternatives.

A highlight is a stage with two XBoxes and a pair of big screen TVs greeting gamers who can plug into Guitar Hero or other popular video games.

Food and fountain drinks are available at the snack bar and there are tables for relaxing.

Two other bays provide computer gaming, a computer lab, internet surfing, emailing and 10 high end PCs for action and strategy games on the internet.

A final section, called “the Dungeon” is for non-high tech gaming, including role playing card games or fantasy board games.

Set up to accommodate kids, Rood says anyone who enjoys gaming is welcome.

Rood grew up in Lebanon and he and his wife Xanula own the nearby Rock the Cafe coffee shop. That’s where everything started.

“I was talking to Clyde’s wife and told her I was thinking about starting this type of business. She told me this was available and it snowballed,” said Young.

Financial backing has come from Young’s sister and father but the motivation was kids.

“We both thought Lebanon needed another outlet for kids,” Rood said.

Putting that outlet together turned out to cost less than estimated. Their sweat equity, brought the price to half the $50,000 they were told it would take. It’s meant a lot of late sessions getting the site ready.

The plan is to go the extra mile. Children must have a signed contract filled out and endorsed by their parents and all age level ratings for game participation is strictly enforced. Registration is free but gamers pay $3 an hour for PC use.

“We can access any computer at any time to keep tabs,” said Rood.

Three video feeds are included on the website allowing parents to tune in on home computers. They also plan to provide computer learning skills and hope to set up programs in conjunction with Lebanon schools.

Young, a computer engineer, and Rood, who received computer training in the Air Force, think they have all the bases covered.

“Doug and I have been on the same wave length right down to the size of the keyboards,” says Rood.

Young agreed. “Everything has been unanimous.”

Family support has helped them prepare. The Roods have two children and Young and wife Christina have eight.

Some growing pains are expected.

“We’ll have to go through a learning process. We know there will be things to work out,” said Rood.

Rock the Net Caffe is located at 680 S. Main in Lebanon. Additonal information on the facility is available by calling 570-1836. Hours will be from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week for the rest of the summer.