Show Notes
In this episode of the Profitable Play Podcast, we’re breaking down 6 "micro-trends" or shifts some play cafes are quietly making behind-the-scenes as we go through 2026.
BLOG for this episode: https://www.michelecaruana.com/blog/simplify-your-play-cafe
These aren’t big flashy trends—but they’re the small operational shifts that can have a huge impact on your day-to-day, your team, and ultimately your quality of life as an owner.
Because at a certain point, it’s not just about adding more.
It’s about simplifying what you’re already doing so your business actually feels manageable to run.
In this episode, we cover: Going cashless Collecting party payments in advance Simplifying or eliminating drip coffee Short-term or seasonal memberships Encouraging or requiring reservations Positioning your space as a “third space” or community hub
If you’ve been feeling stretched, overwhelmed, or like your business is more complicated than it needs to be, this episode will help you start thinking differently about what to streamline, what to rethink, and what actually makes sense for your space.
(Episode 49) Adding An Automatic Service Charge To Parties: https://bit.ly/4cme8Pr (Esisode 203) How To Create A Summer/Seasonal Membership Offer: https://bit.ly/3NXe4MQ
OTHER RESOURCES: Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society Getting Started With Your Play Cafe [YouTube Video Playlist] What's Working In The Indoor Play Industry 2025 Guide Fund Your Indoor Play Business [Free Training] Indoor Play Courses & 1:1 Consulting Waitlist Michele’s Instagram Michele’s Website Play Cafe Academy YouTube Channel ETSY Template Shop Prepare Your Indoor Playground For a Recession Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society Questions and Support: [email protected]
TOOLS & OTHER LINKS:
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD Questions and Support: [email protected]
TOOLS: Wellness Living POS and Branded App Software Play Space Brain (Mention This Podcast For Special Pricing!) Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF WellnessLiving Active Campaign Free Trial Free Demo of Aluvii All-In-One POS
More from The Profitable Play Podcast
Why do some indoor playgrounds and play cafés become profitable, sustainable businesses while others stay stuck, even when they have similar concepts, markets and opportunities?
After more than a decade in the indoor playground industry, I've developed a little bit of a sixth sense for decisions that look great on opening day but can become expensive, inefficient or incredibly frustrating later.
In this episode of The Profitable Play Podcast, I’m sitting down with Steve and Dave from Lilliput Playhomes to talk about what really goes into designing and building play equipment for commercial spaces.
In this episode of The Profitable Play Podcast, I’m sitting down with Charlotte from Children’s Factory to talk all about designing indoor play spaces that are intentional, engaging, durable, and built for the way children actually play.
In this episode of the Profitable Play Podcast, I sit down with Karri Bowen-Poole, founder of Smart Playrooms, a design firm specializing in creating intentional play spaces for both homes and commercial facilities. We explore what makes a truly great play environment and how thoughtful design can encourage independence, spark imagination, support child development, and create a better experience for both children and their caregivers.