Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittney Farrow.
Hi Brittney, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to be a business owner. I’ve always dreamed of creating something I could share with the community, and the idea for a play cafe first came to me over seven years ago, when I was pregnant with my first son.
A friend had just returned from a year as an au pair in Australia and told me all about these amazing places called play cafés—where parents could sit down, have a real conversation, enjoy a cup of coffee, and relax in comfortable seating while their kids played on age-appropriate equipment in a safe environment. The concept stuck with me.
After my son was born in January 2018, I quickly realized just how few truly family-friendly spaces there were in Nashville. Over the years, we found some gems like East Nashville Beer Works and Tenn Little Birds, but our growing city still needs so many more places that welcome families.
About three years ago, I decided I was finally ready to take the leap and start my own business. I began working with Pathway Lending to develop a business plan and learn how to build financial projections, what an incredible resource! But even after all that prep, it still took nearly two years to find the right space. Many landlords weren’t interested in the concept, some never called me back, and others were asking for rent that was just too high. Nothing quite fit.
Then in the fall of 2024, I found the perfect spot: the old Crying Wolf building. The landlord, Adam Leibowitz, has been an absolute dream to work with. He knows this is my first business, and he’s been there to offer advice and support along the way. Doing a full buildout is no joke, it’s not for the faint of heart!
Now, I’m just days away from my final inspection. We’re putting on the finishing touches, building the play structure, and getting ready to open. I can’t wait to finally welcome families into this space—a place to play, relax, and connect with community.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The biggest challenge, by far, was finding the right space. It had to make financial sense, and with rent sometimes hitting $50–$60 per square foot, it just wasn’t doable unless I wanted to serve alcohol and stay open until 3 a.m., which wasn’t the vision at all.
About a year into my search, I actually gave up. I truly believed the right space didn’t exist and that this dream just might not happen.
Then one night, my mother-in-law sent me a screenshot from the East Nashville Facebook page. A group of moms were talking about how they wished there were more family-friendly places in the neighborhood. Several of them said that a coffee shop where kids could play would be the dream. That post lit a fire under me. I even reached out to a few of the moms just to hear more about what they were looking for—and their excitement reignited mine.
Just a few months later, I came across the old Crying Wolf building. I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, and this truly is the perfect home for Woodland Play Cafe.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Woodland Play Cafe ?
The idea of play cafes exists all over the world, all over the country, and even in the suburbs of Nashville.
But when I started this journey, there wasn’t a single play cafe in the city itself. And with so many families now living downtown, not everyone wants to drive out to the suburbs just to find something family-friendly.
That said, what I’m creating isn’t just an indoor play area for kids. Be honest—when was the last time a mom got excited about going to an indoor play place? This space is for moms, dads, caregivers, grandparents, and nannies. A place where they can enjoy a great cup of coffee, cozy seating, and a space that’s been thoughtfully designed for both kids and adults.
The play equipment will be age-appropriate, so you know your little ones are safe and having fun, while you can actually have a real conversation with another adult. There’s even going to be a large garage door that opens to a patio, so you can sit outside and still keep an eye on your kids. I want it to feel like your best friend’s house—somewhere you feel comfortable, welcomed, and at ease.
We’ll also be offering events and classes for the whole family. We’re taking suggestions now and would love to hear from the community through our website. Does a mom’s night out class where you learn to make sourdough sound fun? Or maybe a kids’ cooking class? Let us know!
My background is in large-scale live events, so I also plan to host quarterly block parties—complete with food trucks, local vendors, nonprofit partners, and fun activities for the whole family.
This is going to be more than a play cafe. It’s going to be a true community hub for families—a space where everyone can find something for them.
How do you think about luck?
Hmm. I wouldn’t call it luck, I think it’s fate. I’ve always believed that things happen the way they’re meant to.
There have definitely been moments that got me down, but looking back, every twist and turn has led me right here.
During COVID, I had to make the difficult decision to leave a job I thought I’d be at forever. I was pregnant, and with so much uncertainty about the future of the company, I knew it was time to step away—for my family and for my own peace of mind.
A few years later, we ended up selling what we thought would be our forever home. It was the perfect lot in the perfect location, but it needed a lot of work—and with a newborn and limited resources, it just wasn’t something we could take on at the time.
As hard as those decisions were, I can now say: if we hadn’t sold that house, I wouldn’t be starting Woodland Play Cafe.
Everything really does work out the way it’s supposed to.
Pricing:
- 2 hour open play -$27
- Monthly memberships starts at $139
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.woodlandplaycafe.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/woodlandplaycafe/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575329297700
