Respite for littles and bigs

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This article was published 24/05/2022 (1577 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

It’s hard sometimes, for parents of young children to find a space outside the home in which to enjoy time together, but a Winnipeg woman found a way to create one.

While living in Victoria, Katrina Tessier was inspired by a coffee shop that offered space specifically designed for young children, where parents could enjoy coffee in a comfortable environment while keeping an eye on their little ones.

“I went there frequently when I was on maternity leave. The business model is something that other cities have,” said Tessier.

She and her husband, both born in Winnipeg, had moved to British Columbia for work. They returned to Winnipeg two years later with a decision to recreate the same kind of venue here.

A family-owned and operated business, Scout Coffee and Tea’s first location at 859 Portage Ave. opened in 2017. Named after their daughter Stella Scout, Winnipeg’s only play café is a bright, cheerful, toddler-friendly place where kids have access to toys, activities and creative play while parents and caregivers enjoy some downtime with a beverage and a treat.

“The community is happy to have a space that they can utilize with their kids, a meeting space.” – Katrina Tessier

“The community is happy to have a space that they can utilize with their kids, a meeting space,” said Tessier, noting that parents might not have a group of people for social activities, but the Scout space offers opportunities for social interaction.

The business model is community-oriented and provides a space to come together in a highly accessible and residential area, designed to be a neighbourhood coffee shop.

“Our play space is geared to preschool-aged children. During the week, older kids are in school, so for kids who are not in school, this gives them a place,” said Tessier, adding that her daughter who is almost eight still enjoys the space.

The coffee shop has become a popular and happy place for both parents and children.

“Kids have a pretty good time when they’re here; the reaction is ‘What? There’s toys here?!’”

The model worked so well that a second location was opened last fall at 1199 Rothesay St. featuring a larger seating and play area, a bigger menu and a parking lot.

Crystal Grela, mother of two school-aged boys, appreciates the respite she found at Scout when her children were younger.

“When my boys were little, it was so important to me to get out of the house regularly, for my mental health,” Grela said.

“Scout, with its cute and clean play area for my littles, great coffee, tea and vegan food options, was just ideal for us. It really made me wonder why more play cafés aren’t in every neighbourhood. It’s a great spot for a play date, toddler or preschooler birthday party or an impromptu coffee and doughnut run. During the pandemic Katrina pivoted and was able to increase her offerings of toys and giftware. I purchased items there that were cheaper than Amazon. And this way, I know some of the profit is going to a Manitoban, woman-owned small business. The second location is closer for us so we’re looking forward to visiting more often.”

The combination of having a place for play dates, birthday parties and coffee breaks, with a space for parents to make connections with each other has contributed to meaningful community-building.

“There’s no chasing after your kid, the play equipment is within sight lines, and has something to keep their attention.” – Katrina Tessier

“For me the big thing is having that community feel,” said Tessier, who’s grateful to be able to be hosting special events again since the pandemic prevented those options.

“To be able to do this again is so exciting. We host play-time events around annual holidays including Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Halloween, Christmas, etc. We partner with Heather’s Pretty Parties, bring characters from there, have crafts, stories and songs with the characters, and the kids have something to take home.”

Scout has created a place that combines high-quality coffee, tea and pastries, with a fun space for both children and adults. The Portage location has a mini-doughnut maker, much to the delight of mini-doughnut lovers. In addition to a variety of coffee and tea beverages, Scout offers smoothies and vegan options, and brings in pastries from La Belle Baguette, thereby supporting local businesses as much as they can.

“Our places are both smaller-scale, designed so parents can sit and have coffee, and children can enjoy imaginative play. There’s a little vet clinic, a construction area, a little grocery store, mega blocks to build with. There’s no chasing after your kid, the play equipment is within sight lines, and has something to keep their attention.”

Tessier says you don’t have to have kids to stop in at Scout Coffee and Tea. It operates as a fully functioning coffee shop with Wi-Fi and offers a range of local products in a welcoming neighbourhood spot.

The space can be rented for birthday parties or private events. A selection of educational games, wooden and eco-friendly toys, puzzles, books and Manitoba-made products are available for purchase in store or online. Scout Coffee and Tea at 859 Portage Ave. is open daily from 9 am to 4 pm, and at 1199 Rothesay St. daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Visit: scoutwinnipeg.com