Ashley Rice Ashley Rice

Unapologetic Hospitality: Creating a Play Cafe Experience Families Never Forget

Unapologetic hospitality is more than friendly service—it’s creating a space where every family feels like they belong. In a play cafe, it means noticing the mom who looks overwhelmed, remembering the toddler who’s shy at first, and turning every visit into a moment of care. When hospitality is intentional and human, it becomes your most powerful brand asset.

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Ashley Rice Ashley Rice

Why Franchising a Play Cafe Might Be the Smartest Business Move You’ll Make

If you’ve fallen in love with the magic of play cafes—those cozy, joyful spaces where kids explore and caregivers sip lattes—you’re not alone. The demand for intentional family spaces is growing, and more entrepreneurs are looking for ways to tap into the industry without starting from scratch.

Enter franchising.

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Ashley Rice Ashley Rice

Design That Plays Well: How to Create a Great Play Cafe Logo

Your logo is more than just a cute symbol—it’s the first impression your play cafe makes. It’s the face of your brand, the thing that appears on signs, cups, Instagram posts, and birthday party goodie bags. A great logo makes people feel something the moment they see it: safe, playful, creative, clean, and joyful.

If you’re starting a play cafe or rebranding one, here’s what you need to know about creating a logo that actually works (and why it’s worth doing it right).

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Ashley Rice Ashley Rice

1st Step to Success: Your Lease

Opening a play cafe is a dream for many—an inspired mix of community-building, child development, and entrepreneurship. But behind the colorful play structures and perfectly steamed lattes, one factor quietly determines your success more than almost anything else: your lease.

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Ashley Rice Ashley Rice

How Play Cafes Can Use AI to Work Smarter: 6 Tips You Can Start Today

Running a play cafe is no small feat. Between managing staff, planning events, creating a magical experience for kids, and making sure coffee is always hot—it's easy to get overwhelmed. But here’s the good news: artificial intelligence (AI) isn’t just for tech companies anymore. It can be a game-changer for small business owners like you.

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Ashley Rice Ashley Rice

Wanting to Open a Play Cafe? Do These 4 Things First...

If you’ve ever dreamed of opening a play cafe—a cozy, imaginative space where kids can explore freely while caregivers sip lattes and catch their breath—welcome to the club. It’s a beautiful blend of business and community, but make no mistake: launching a play cafe isn’t all sunshine and slime tables. Before you order a single piece of play equipment or start brainstorming your smoothie menu, here are four foundational steps you need to take first:

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