How could I possibly see my 2 year old, who just darted behind the giant play truck, while nursing my newborn on a seat meant for a toddler tush, not a tush owned by a mom who just gave birth? This was the dilemma that fanned my entrepreneurial inner flame. There should be a place where a mom can keep and eye on more than one child at a time, where she can sit on a comfy couch, where the kids can play & everyone can have a yummy healthy meal. While we are at it this place needs some seriously strong coffee. Where was this heaven sent place? NOWHERE! That's where.
I was so determined to sit, and sip and visit and play that I built it myself. I found a business partner and got to it. My little girl's first year was literally spent in lawyers offices & construction meetings, and the Oakland Planning & Zoning commission knew us both by name. Did I mention that she insisted on nursing at every single meeting? How many times have you had to wheel and deal with a commercial broker with your blouse wide open. (Don't answer that.) After a year of designing, dreaming, begging, borrowing, & building, the doors to my play cafe were finally open. The first day that I saw a mom curl up on the couch , latte in hand, while her baby crawled beside her and her toddler played in view, I sighed and smiled. I had done it. My employees ask why I come in with my daughter on my day off. Didn't I want a break? I tell them I spent 150,000 for my admission and I'm sitting on this couch!
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Susan Older-Mondeel is the founder of SadieDey's Cafe . Sue wanted a community place where she could enjoy her children and enjoy herself, preferably with a strong coffee in hand. Where was this common ground for children and the weary adults who love them? Well it was in her head and in her heart and now at 4210 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland CA. Check it out at http://www.sadiedeyscafe.com/ or call 510-601-REST (7378) SadieDey's Cafe-You've gotta eat, Kids gotta play!
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