Business: Playroom Café Two
Address: 2075 Calamos Court, Naperville
Phone/website: 630-946-6879, www.playroomcafetwo.net
Owner: Maggie Iliev, 42, of Hoffman Estates
Years in business: 4
What does your business do? “It’s not a typical indoor playground,” Iliev said. “I wanted to stay away from that. It’s a space for adults and kids. My goal was to create a space to have a cup of coffee, a nice lunch. But not have your children at a table with an iPad. I wanted to give them an activity and make it comfortable for the parents.”
Any other locations? “We have one in Mount Prospect. Our original. Opened in 2017. We have a new one opening soon in Hoffman Estates.”
How did the pandemic impact your business? “I opened this location in 2020, just before COVID. We closed in three months. We were so busy, working 24/7. One time I actually slept here. Then one day, nobody is coming. That was in March (2020). The only reason we survived was we have incredible landlords, very supportive. The Calamos family.
“They stepped in, helped us out. We were closed for 11 months. They were very good with the rent. Gave me a break. I had to sell my house to use the funds to support both our locations. We did end up buying a new house. We survived.”
And when you reopened? “Nobody wanted to work. I had two locations. Me and my father in one, my mom and my husband in the other. No other employees. It was hell. We worked seven days a week. My kids slept in the office. … But people came back.”
How did you get this idea? “I had a premature baby. When he was 1, me and my husband, Nick, were driving around trying to find a place on the weekend, somewhere with our child where we could all have quality time. It was hard to find those places back then. … I couldn’t believe there was not one place I could have a nice coffee, a nice sandwich and let him be free, meet other kids. … Where can you do that in the winter?”
When are you busy? “On the weekends in the winter months we have to shut our doors a half hour after we open. We’re at capacity. … And (during) school breaks … In the summer it’s a different story. Kids prefer to be outside, but it’s still very nice and comfortable (here). This is a place to socialize, make friends, meet other parents.”
What do you like best? “I like everything about my business. I meet so many new people. I make a lot of friends. I just love being around people.”
Any negatives? “I work 24/7. … The only time I sit down and have my coffee is when I work. But I wouldn’t change it. I’m a workaholic, can’t imagine doing anything else.”
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What is the entry fee? “It’s $17 for the child. It’s good for the whole day. They can go home, come back. Parents get in for free. We have a sibling discount, $2 off (each sibling).”
What are your hours? “During the week, 9:30 to 6. On the weekends, 10 to 4 because at 4 o’clock we rent out the space for private events.”
Is there an age limit? “Six and under.”
How about security? “We don’t let any (adults) in here without a kid. Only parents, caregivers or babysitters.”
Any rules? “I’m a stickler for taking your shoes off. All these kids are on the floor. I know what’s on your shoes.”
How’s the food? “We have sandwiches, salads, everything freshly made. We have kids’ meals. Well balanced. We don’t have anything fried. We have fresh smoothies. Kale. Spinach. Fresh fruits.”
What challenges do you face? “Now, there are places like this. The same furniture, everything. … It’s flattering in a way.”
Any future plans? “The new location in Hoffman Estates will be for bigger kids. Probably no older than 12. … I hope to open by Jan. 1st. I want to make it perfect.”
What do customers say? “This is our first time here. It’s cute. She’s enjoying it a lot,” Nicole Phelps, 34, of Naperville, said of daughter Isla, 2.
“I love it. I like how you can see everything. It’s safe. Their food is great. (I like) the avocado sandwich,” said Marlin Cruz, 31, of Plainfield, the mother of two.
What’s your advice for someone starting a business? “You have to prepare yourself that you will be working 24/7. … I have never called in sick. No one else can replace you. It becomes your life.”
Steve Metsch is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun. If you know of a business you’d like to see profiled in Down to Business, contact him at [email protected].