A Seat at The Table: A Night & Conversation with RummiKlub LA

Jan 8
3 min read

A lit candle on a table surrounded by numeric game tiles. The warm glow creates a cozy ambiance in a dimly lit room. — Image courtesy of me.

On TikTok, angel numbers have sent many Zillennials down a virtual rabbit hole. These repeating sequences (11, 444, 321) often appear in the most ordinary places, catching our attention and briefly evoking a sense of wonder (Kelly, 2021). My friend Madison Cubbage describes angel numbers as signs from the universe: gentle nudges that you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.

People seated at tables in a restaurant, engaged in conversation, on a patterned carpeted floor. Background shows bar area and dim lighting. — Image courtesy of Alex Papke for the times.

On a Saturday night in December, it felt like those numbers had finally materialized in the real world. I found myself at the Shelbourne by Proper on Miami Beach for a RummiKlub event where the classic Rummikub game transforms strangers into a community through play. In a world increasingly mediated by screens, RummiKlub offered something rare: real alignment, face-to-face.

Tournament bracket and scoring guide for Rummi Klub in Los Angeles. A pen lies on the bracket, text details scoring and gameplay rules. — Image courtesy of Alex Papke for the times.

RummiKlub LA Interview

Two men arm wrestling over a table with game tiles scattered. One has tattoos and a watch. Text "runni klub" on a coaster. Bright setting. — Image courtesy of Alex Papke for the times.

1. What inspired you to create RummiKlubLA?

RummiKlub LA started from something really simple: we’re best friends, and we found ourselves craving more intentional, fun ways to connect in real life. Last year, we started bringing Rummikub into bars and quickly noticed how fast a table of strangers could turn into a community once a game started. We intentionally built what we couldn’t find elsewhere: elevated, design-forward social experiences that create real connection through play.

Two women smiling at a lively bar, one holds a microphone. The dim setting has purple lighting and marble counters. Guests mingle nearby. — Image courtesy of Alex Papke for the times.

2. How has RummiKlubLA evolved since its founding?

What began as intimate 50-person game nights has grown into a social club and lifestyle brand operating at the intersection of community, design, and culture. We’ve scaled to 150-person events, expanded into premium brand partnerships, hospitality collaborations, and custom product lines, and secured retail partnerships with Moda Operandi, FWRD, and Revolve. We now host game night experiences across Los Angeles, New York, Miami, and London. While the scale has grown, the core hasn’t changed. Everything we build is still community-first, intentional, and rooted in creating meaningful offline connection.

Marble table with Rummikub tiles, glass of cocktail, shuffled tiles, and score sheet. Hand writing on paper, smartphone partially visible. — Image courtesy of Alex Papke for the times.

3. How does RummiKlubLA incorporate its mission and vision into products and events?

Our mission is to create real connection through play, and that philosophy informs every detail. From immersive hosted gameplay and curated guest lists to design-forward environments and selective partnerships, everything is built to make people feel present, welcomed, and engaged. Our products are intentionally designed as statement pieces for the home, extending the experience beyond the event itself. Each collaboration is chosen to enhance the ecosystem, not distract from it. The goal is always to create moments that feel elevated, intimate, and culturally relevant long after the night ends.

Crowd of people socializing at a bar with a red and black patterned carpet. Dim lighting and marble counter create a cozy atmosphere. — Image courtesy of Alex Papke for the times.

4. What advice would you give to students and young professionals who want to start their own business?

Start with something you genuinely love and would pursue even if it didn’t immediately make money. The strongest ideas usually come from solving a problem you personally experience. Don’t wait for perfection. Start small, test quickly, and let real-world feedback guide you. Be prepared to do every job early on. Building a business can be unglamorous, but consistency, curiosity, and momentum will take you further than having everything figured out from day one.

People socializing in a lively restaurant. One person gestures while another holds a wine glass. Marble-patterned tables, upbeat mood. — Image courtesy of Alex Papke for the times.

5. What’s the future of the company?

The future of RummiKlubLA is intentional growth. We’re focused on expanding into key cultural hubs, growing our product assortments, and deepening partnerships with brands and venues that truly align with our community. We’re equally committed to protecting what makes RummiKlub special while continuing to evolve in thoughtful, design-led ways. The goal is to build something lasting, a brand and community people feel proud to be part of.