My dinner with Lou Zocchi

[davester64]

Some of you may have already read this story, but Ms. Nephew said I could post it here in the miscellaneous category, so here it is...

GenCon Indy, 2005

I had left the con for the day, thoroughly exhausted after another long day of gaming. I decided to walk down the street to Steak & Shake for dinner.

Of course, it was packed with hungry gamers (and football fans-the Bears and Colts had a preseason game that night), and the line was out the door. The staff was very efficient, though; they kept the line moving quickly by bussing tables as soon as people finished eating and left.

Soon, the only people left in front of me in the line was a couple, an older man, and another couple. The hostess had a table for 2, so the first couple took it. Then there was another table for 2, so the older man let the other couple take it. He turned to me, and asked if I'd mind sharing a table with him.

I knew his face, but not his name, but said 'Yes' anyway. Soon the hostess came back, and sat us. We introduced ourselves, and I discovered I was dining with a somewhat legendary figure: Lou Zocchi!

Mr. Zocchi deals in out-of-print games & accessories, and also Gamescience dice. I believe he also created the 100-sided die, 'cause I've heard it called a 'Zocchihedron' in the past.

Our dinner was somewhat short, as the restaurant was still very busy, but Mr. Zocchi gave me plenty of tips to help my store make money (I manage a comic/game shop in Springfield, IL) so it was very worthwhile.

I dropped by his booth the next morning before leaving the con, and thanked him again for his tips. He thanked me again for the dinner companionship. I wasn't able to drop by his booth last year (I can't recall even seeing it) so I'll be looking for him in 2007.

Thanks for your time!
Dave