PLAINWELL, Mich. — You can grab a bite to eat and your child can enjoy playtime with their friends all in one place.
Play cafés are popping up all across West Michigan.
You can now check out this new small business trend at MI Grounds Play Café and Eatery in Plainwell, MI.
The new space is located on East Bridge Street downtown.
“My husband has always wanted to open his own business. This was a goal of his and I wanted to be there to help make it work. So, we've done good in our partnership, my strengths and his strengths carry both of us through this process that we're learning," Rae Ciokiewicz, co-owner, said.
As you walk through the front doors, you’ll find a café with simple but delicious food like soup and sandwiches. Plus, if you need a caffeine fix there’s a full-service coffee bar.
“Everybody's really enjoying the fact that they can get snacks and drinks and bring a friend in with them and have a good conversation while still being right there with their kids,” Ciokiewicz said.
A variety of educational, interactive, and exciting toys will keep the kids busy in the play area.
“It is a scheduled play that lasts for 90 minutes at a time at $7 per child. And in between those sessions, we go out sanitize and reset for the next group, which gives all of them the same experience and cleanliness every time they come in here," Ciokiewicz said.
If you don’t have little ones to watch over there’s space in the back for guests that want to enjoy a meal or drink.
“We just want to market this as a cozy hangout for people of all ages with kids or no kids. Like i said, we're dual operating and we've got room for everybody," Ciokiewicz said.
Interest has been steadily growing for the business since it’s soft opening in December and the owners hope to keep that momentum going.
The business celebrated its official grand opening on Wednesday (Jan. 3).
If you’re interested in scheduling play time at MI Grounds Play Café and Eatery click, here.
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