There will soon be one less empty space at the top of the hill, and one more place to bring the family for some good food and creative fun. Queen Anne resident and first-time mom Rebecca Pelletier will be opening Twirl Cafe–a half kids play space, half coffee shop/community gathering spot–later this summer at 2111 Queen Anne Ave N (in the Sweetbrier building).
Pelletier, a Queen Anne-er for a little over three years, has wanted to be a business owner for some time. When scoping out locations for her new play cafe, she was inspired by the Queen Anne’s community feel and walkability, despite the steep slopes. It wasn’t hard for her to get cozy with the idea of opening a community-based small business right here in her home neighborhood.
“I love Queen Anne because it is the perfect mix of urban and residential. Coming from Capitol Hill, we wanted a “walkable” neighborhood that was safe and quiet for raising a family. We love it up here,” she wrote. “I had always felt there was a lack of family-focused establishments on the hill, and in Seattle in general. The ones that I had been to, I always left feeling like there was something missing, or it wasn’t quite right. I wanted a place I could take my child where she would be happy, and I would be happy.”
From this the concept for Twirl was born. According to Pelletier, the space will go beyond being a cafe (which will a health-oriented menu, she adds) and open creative space. She also plans to offer unique and fun classes for children and adults, and has already committed to providing childcare while parents attend workshops throughout the year. Pelletier describes Twirl as an “environment that is relaxing, comfortable, hip for the adults yet entertaining for the kids.”
In in addition to building a space that is creative, comfy and filled with good snacks, Pelletier says that part of Twirl’s mission as a community-oriented small business will be supporting other organizations within the community.
“This means partnering with other small, local business to provide unique products and services. Our menu is full of healthy, natural, organic, and sustainable menu choices. The classes we will offer provide a learning opportunity for both parent and child. The play area will be clean, contained and will include an imaginative tree-house structure, and many other toys and activities,” she wrote.
Pelletier says she plans to charge a flat rate fee for the play area, which “will not be your average box of toys.” The classroom space will also double as an open gym for tumble/active play.
“I want Twirl to be a place new parents can come meet other new parents, meet other friends with kids, or maybe have some one-on-one play time with their child(ren). It’s a chance to take play outside of the house, and have a good cup of coffee or sandwich (or both!) while you are at it. I can think of many rainy Seattle days with my toddler when this kind of place would have been great,” she wrote.
No word yet on a definite opening date (we’ll keep you posted), but look for Twirl at the top of the hill as it prepares to open later this summer! For more information, check out Twirl’s website and blog.