Union Co. Family To Open Small Town Play Café In Westfield

WESTFIELD, NJ — Kim Coe and her Cranford family are creating a community gathering place for locals to grab coffee and for families to get some play time in.

Coe is opening Small Town Play Café at 278 North Avenue East in Westfield which is on track for late May. It will be a space for families to thrive designed with adults and children in mind.

"The way I designed the place is that it can be your go-to coffee shop without feeling like a children's play place since the play space is tucked behind the cafe," said Coe to Patch. "Guests are greeted by a cozy coffee shop and then they can step into the play space. That way parents don't feel like folks are watching kids play. But people can still pop by on their way to the Barre studio or when picking up their prescription from Walgreens."

This is Coe's first business venture as she previously spent a decade in recruiting and human resources.

"This is a pretty big departure and it is exciting to be challenged in a new way creatively," said Coe to Patch.

The idea for the play cafe came about when Coe became a mother to her two boys Cameron and Carter.

"I always felt something was missing or there wasn't anywhere to go close to home that I could enjoy as a parent as much as my kids could enjoy," said Coe. "I realized what I am looking for doesn't exist, so I am going to create it. So I am jumping in head first."

Small Town Play Café will offer:

• gourmet coffee, specialty beverages, sandwiches, and snacks - open to the public
• open play, every day (reservations recommended)
• birthday parties
• curated toys & gifts
• private play
• specialty classes (STEM, art, music, sensory + more)
• special events

The play area is broken up to offer areas for children ages 0 to 6 years. There is an infant zone for those under 2 years old and the rest of the facility for kids up to 6.

"When designing our hours I thought about the ability to come when you choose. Many places have boxed windows to come and when you have kids close in age that have different nap schedules it can be difficult," said Coe. "These hours allow families to be able to visit at a time that works well for their family."

Small Town Play Café will have open play from 8 a.m. through 6 p.m. every day from Monday to Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays 8 to 4 and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday and Sunday.

Private parties or private events can also be held at the location. Additionally, Coe is looking to set up classes on different topics for different age ranges such as arts and crafts, sensory play, STEM, music, and more.

The location is ideal for Coe as it is a "stone's throw from Downtown" but has parking for families. Additionally, the train runs near the space so Coe incorporated a large picture window in the front for kids to watch the trains.

"I wanted to create this community feel," said Coe. "A vibe that is a community space for people to feel like it is a second home for them in someway."

For more information or to follow the construction progress visit smalltownplaycafe.com or facebook.com/smalltownplaycafe or instagram.com/smalltownplaycafe.

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