Community is what we were, what we are, and what we will be. It is an essential part of the mosaic of our lives. It provides us with comfort, protects us, and at the same time, challenges us to be better—not just for ourselves, but for those who make up this small, intangible home.
Building it is complicated, but maintaining and nurturing it is an even more difficult task. It requires resilience, love, perseverance, but above all, trust.
It’s essential to create strong bonds rooted in this element because trust is the foundation for finding solutions to challenges that may arise within and beyond the group.
And what happens when you combine all elements of forming a community to solve a problem that raises within? Ideas like those of Elvis Rivera, co-founder of GameTime Sports Bar and Arcade, emerge.
We’re talking about a new establishment that has become a cornerstone for the Lake Street community in Minneapolis. At first glance, it might seem like just a place to enjoy good food, drinks, sports, and arcade games all under one roof.
But GameTime’s story goes deeper—it was born out of a shared desire to revitalize the Lake Street community after enduring the dual challenges of the pandemic and the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder. During a time marked by division, this space emerged as a little nest of hope and connection for locals.
“GameTime isn’t just a sports bar; it’s a community hub, a tribute to our city, and a celebration of connection and fun,”
says founder Elvis Rivera, a recent alumnus of the DoorDash Accelerator for Local Restaurants.
With specially curated themed beverages, Elvis aims to bring the energy and excitement of the stadium right into the heart of his neighborhood.
But in the process of crafting solutions, obstacles arise along the way. Through trial and error, and by leaning on the advice of a trusted network, Elvis and his friends found success.
The support Elvis received didn’t only come from those within his community; it also came from the knowledge of other entrepreneurs just like him.
In the DoorDash Accelerator for Local Restaurants—designed by Bridge for Billions and Doordash, to support small and medium-sized food businesses in Washington, D.C., and Minneapolis, MN—participants had the opportunity to diversify their revenue streams while connecting with other local restaurant owners. This connection was transformative:
“Beyond the curriculum, the program fostered a sense of community among cohort members, allowing us to exchange ideas, share experiences, and navigate entrepreneurship together.”
The impact of these entrepreneurs aided by this program is truly transformative. It’s long-lasting and reflected not only in creating new job opportunities and generating positive community effects but, perhaps most importantly, in inspiring others.
“Knowing that GameTime can inspire others and serve as a blueprint for navigating entrepreneurial challenges keeps me pushing forward, even on tough days.”
Elvis is also driven by a deep commitment to closing the racial wealth gap. This passion led him to create the BIPOC Business Empowerment Network, a nonprofit focused on empowering BIPOC entrepreneurs in Minnesota by providing them with the tools and resources needed to build wealth and achieve success.
As we see, the driving force behind significant initiatives doesn’t always start with any extraordinary circumstance. It begins with the desire to connect and help those around you.
The impact lies in learning from the people around you, from your resources and transforming routines, mindsets, and habits to create change that grows every day.
