333: Why Your Indoor Playground Needs A Cafe (And More Hard Truths) With Funtown Play Cafe Owner Kate Mitchell
The Profitable Play PodcastShow Notes
Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF WellnessLiving: https://discover.wellnessliving.com/playcafeacademy
In this episode of The Profitable Play Podcast, I sit down with Kate Mitchell, the inspiring owner of Funtown Play Café, to hear the real story behind how she turned her vision into a thriving family destination.
Kate shares the highs, the lows, and everything in between—from the spark of inspiration that started her journey, to the challenges of the build-out process, to how she developed such a strong and recognizable brand that immediately resonates with families.
We also dive into: How Kate’s branding and marketing have fueled her growth Which marketing channels have been most effective for her How she chose the right play equipment, layout, and amenities for her community The systems, tools, and training that keep her team consistent and her business running smoothly Which revenue streams have been strongest so far—and which ones didn’t quite hit the mark The most surprising challenges of day-to-day operations What’s been most rewarding about owning a play café How Kate balances entrepreneurship with motherhood
If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to bring a play café to life—or you’re looking for practical tips and encouragement to keep moving forward—this conversation is full of golden nuggets you won’t want to miss.
👉 Listen in and get inspired by Kate’s journey to creating Funtown Play Café!
Funtown Play Cafe Website Funtown Play Cafe IG
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.