Kid-Friendly Coffee Shop Concepts

One of the secrets to making sales as a small business is knowing your target audience. Your target audience affects your coffee shop layout, marketing plan, and trends you participate in. Lately, our team of experts has noticed an uptick in a certain concept: the kid-friendly coffee shop.

Several Texas Coffee School former students have launched coffee shops that are inclusive to families with kids of all ages. You won’t find cold minimalistic style, hard and uncomfy chairs, or crowds of remote workers in headphones at these cafes. Instead, you’ll be greeted warmly, invited to order a drink and snack, and settled in to chat or chill while your kids play. And even if a coffee shop isn’t made specifically for kids, more coffee shops are embracing busy families (pups, too!) and making sure they offer menu options beyond coffee for everyone. 

Learn how to create a kid-friendly coffee shop concept from these examples.

Hone in on your target audience in our 3-Day Coffee Business Master Class.

We teach students how to create a unique business concept and choose a location that’s centered on the people who matter most—your customers. Sign up for a class today!

Beanstalk Coffee and Sno

Launched by Texas Coffee School Coffeepreneurs® Jennii and Adrian Buendia, the Oklahoma dynasty Beanstalk Coffee and Sno has grown to four brick-and-mortar locations and two seasonal stands. Jennii always imagined Beanstalk as a place for parents to bring messy toddlers or Little League athletes after a game. Naturally, sno cones are a summer hit among kiddos. And parents can opt for a coffee and tasty snack if they’re not in the mood for a sugar rush. The shop is known for its 16-foot beanstalk stretching from floor to ceiling!

“Really impressed with how kid-friendly this place is!” says Riley K., Google reviewer. “There are toys and books, fun decorations, and a giant chalkboard in addition to plenty of seating (including several high chairs and toddler chairs!).”

You can even host birthday parties, baby showers, and more in their space called The Cottage. “The Cottage also has little cabinets that are full of kids books and games that children can play if you’re there just to get out or if you’re meeting with other adults,” explains R. McNally, Google reviewer.

Source: Beanstalk Coffee and Sno Instagram

The Den

When Texas Coffee School Coffeepreneur® Chandler Lipe created The Den in Denver, she had a vision of connecting parents to resources while offering a safe space for kids to play. Two years later, it has morphed into a coffee shop, family lounge, and rental space. “We’ve been members for several months and it has been the biggest blessing as a working mom with two little kids,” says Erica C., Google reviewer. “I call it my ‘kid-friendly co-working space,’ but it’s just a generally beautiful, peaceful, fun place to bring young kids for low-stimulating play and exploring.”

In addition to the social club, The Den also has a calendar chock-full of events. Those include music class, bilingual storytime, CPR classes, parenting education, arts and crafts, and birthday parties for folks who rent the space.

“I wish I could give this place 10 stars,” raves Natalie H., Google reviewer. “It is such an intentional and thoughtful concept towards families especially in a city like Denver which I think is not as kid friendly as other cities.”

Source: The Den Instagram

Bagelology

From Bagel Bears to its family-friendly schedule, Coffeepreneurs® Ameira Olayan and Fadia Anani have created a successful kid-friendly coffee shop in Frisco, TX. Bagelology appeals to kids with its delicious, colorful menu. And parents can sip on coffee before school drop off or for an afternoon play date.

The cafe is strategically located near several schools and busy street traffic. Modeled after East Coast bagel shops, it attracts lines of customers waiting for the bagels they know and love. “My whole family loves the bagels here,” says Ayesha F., Google reviewer. “My favorites: Kick Starter, ‘Lox in Space’ and Mama Z’s (my family’s favorite).”

Amiera and Fadia are both mothers of two. They wanted to create a business that appealed to families. And they created a schedule that lets them be home with their own families in the evenings. That resonates with the suburban community. “ The staff is super friendly, it’s a Mommy owned business and I’m here for it!” says Duaa F., Google reviewer.

Source: Bagelology Instagram

Lady Sunshine

Coffeepreneur® Elizabeth Estabrook of Lady Sunshine Coffee cares for kids in a unique way—by fueling their teachers with caffeine.

Her bright yellow Volkswagen van is outfitted to serve coffee on the go. Elizabeth sets up all across Southeastern Massachusetts. You’ll often find her at school events, selling delicious specialty coffee to teachers before they head into a long day of connecting with parents and kids. Lady Sunshine Coffee also parks at farmers’ markets, ice cream shops, and YMCAs where families can enjoy drinks and treats from the menu.

“Lady Sunshine Coffee came to our school to caffeinate teachers before our parent-teacher conferences,” says Jessica T., Google reviewer. “You could smell the fresh coffee brewing from the van from around the school building.…All the teachers were raving about their drinks!”

Source: Lady Sunshine Coffee Instagram

Create Your Kid-Friendly Coffee Shop Concept at Texas Coffee School

Whatever your unique business idea is, we can help you bring it to life—while turning a profit. Invest in in our 3-Day Coffee Business Master Class® for a step-by-step business launch guide from the industry’s highest-rated educators. Learn how to write a coffee shop business plan, accurately project start-up costs, and more. You could become one of our hundreds of successful coffee shop owners who are shaking up the coffee industry!

Sign up for a weekend class here.