Game Friendzy

A Woman-Owned Business

Most days Bernadette Hennessy May is at Game Friendzy in Cherry Hill directing a sanctioned bridge game, running a mah jongg ses- sion, or teaching a pinochle lesson. Or she might be at a public library or community center facilitating game sessions, conducting bridge lessons online through area adult schools, or hosting a canasta dinner at a local restaurant.

“How lucky am I that I get to play games for a living,” says Hennessy May, one of the 39.6% of women business owners in New Jersey. “I made a career out of things I like to do.”

Hennessy May has a master’s degree in education and a bachelor’s in music. Her creative and eclectic career has included stints as a tech instructor, corporate trainer and documentation specialist, and business owner.

She opened Rhinoceros, an educational toy store in Haddonfield, in 2011, but soon changed the name to Game Friendzy and the focus to experiential, offering game classes, Lego and chess clubs, crafting, sewing lessons, school enrichment programs, and a game library.

In 2019, Game Friendzy moved to Barclay Farms Shopping Center, where it also became home to the South Jersey Bridge Club.

Game Friendzy moved online during the pandemic, but recently reopened in a sprawling new facility at 7 Carnegie Plaza, near the intersection of Church and Springdale roads.

The new space features free parking, airy rooms, a kitchenette, and complimentary coffee and snacks, along with a full roster of games, lessons, special events, and a board game library.

Offerings include social and competitive bridge games and mah jongg, canasta, pinochle and Dungeons & Dragons sessions. Also, online and in-person bridge lessons, plus “learn to play in a day” meets for each of the games and special events such as an annual mah jongg party.

The facility is also available to rent for birthday parties, family gatherings, games nights, corporate team-building events, and camp visits.

“My focus is on family and community,” says Hennessy May, who runs Game Friendzy with assistance of three other entrepreneurial women – her mother, sister, and daughter.

“We offer a welcoming space that encourages socialization opportunities through brain-engaging games, activities, and crafts,” she says.

“Our goal is to develop a community of lifelong learners where trying something new is encouraged and not knowing how to do something is an opportunity to explore and learn.”

To learn more, call 856-795PLAY (5729), email info@gamefriendzy.com, or visit www.gamefriendzy.com. 