It's based on some of the European private gaming club models, or the MWG Bunker, sort of...
I have been playing games in this area for decades, and I've found that I really don't enjoy most shops. There is the tacit idea that you should be buying, and they are always geared toward revenue. This idea is that players could support a nice place to game, that isn't focused on selling you things, just the gaming community. My initial research and anecdotal discussions with lots of nerds I know point toward this being a model that would have some popularity, but many people aren't' willing to pay for something they think they can get for free. aka, why go to the nice club house for a monthly subscription when you can go down to the Batcave, or whatever. I'm not trying to cast shade at those shops, or the WOW clubhouse, but the space I have in mind is definitely a more upscale and refined, catering to a much wider audience. Board gamers, CCG gamers, Wargamers, Role players, etc.
It may be that this isn't viable, given lease costs, and the need to actually staff the location. Given the need for initial investment, it would need to stay afloat, and pay back the opening costs. It's not a simple endeavor. Other business models are definitely being explored, but my goal is to be the change I wish to see in the world.