CHARLOTTE, N.C. — It’s half coffee shop, half playground.
“The intent was creating a safe space for our families, children and families," Stacy Baker shared. "Where families could still come gather, connect and unite."
Baker is the co-owner of the hybrid business, Grow Café.
“[People can] share their experiences as caregivers, as nannies, as grandparents, as parents, while children get to play,” Baker mentioned.
The Charlotte native and mom of three said creating a space like this has always been her purpose.
“As a parent after post-pandemic, it was extremely hard," Baker recalled. "It was isolation like I never felt before."
After tossing around ideas for several years, Baker and her husband, Michael, decided to go into the “play café” business. The couple opened the doors to Grow Café in Charlotte’s Highland Creek area this summer.
“I’ll see parents trying to pick up stuff and I’m like, 'Leave that to us,'" Baker said. "They tear it up, we clean it up and we laugh about it."
While the kids do what they do in the indoor playground, the adults can grab a cup of coffee or a pastry. However, Baker said they offer much more. The shop often transforms into an event space with specialized programs that benefit parents and kids.
“When we cut the ribbon, even on my social media right now there’s a song saying we’ve made it and all these things. No,” Baker said laughing. “That was just the beginning. So, now I think we are getting there. The foundation is still being built.”
She said the goal right now is to continue to partner with organizations to provide programs and classes at the shop.
Contact Nick Sturdivant at nsturdiva1@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.