Chicago Family Restaurant: Meet The Family

"Your kids are bothering me..."

In 2005, we experienced an awkward cafe moment – the dreaded “you’re-disturbing-my-peace…please-remove-your-kids” stare. Not only did ordering seem uncomfortable, but trying to fit in a laptop jungle while getting dirty looks had us gulping down our espresso. And our daughter, well, she acted like any normal, incredibly curious two-year-old. Spilling the orange juice just seemed too much. There had to be an alternative. That night we conceived a dream.

 

John and Brady TenBrink Family

The Birth of Family Grounds Cafe Company

Take a retail space, fill it with a sophisticated cafe with warm tones and friendly staff smiles and add an indoor playground. Better yet, soundproof the play area and combine interactive and engaging play-learning elements surrounded with comfortable seating with an expansive view of your child. Voila! Family Grounds Cafe – a unique family play cafe concept – a first in the city of Chicago!

We are John and Brady TenBrink, Chicago residents of over 10 years and parents of a 6-year-old daughter, a 3-year-old son, and a 1-year-old daughter. We know the reasons why families love living in Chicago: excitement, amenities, diversity, and that “my kind of town feel”. We also know all about the many struggles we city families face: living away from extended family, homes too cramped for lots of kids to play, and let’s just face it – the weather – winter cabin fever or summer roast.

We have taken our experiences of raising a Chicago family and paired it with our joint backgrounds in design, marketing and education – along with a lot of love – to build our dream business for you and your family. Welcome to Family Grounds Cafe!