What does it actually take to run a successful play café once you’re past the opening phase—especially when your space is larger than most independent, non-franchise-chain locations?In this episode of the Profitable Play Podcast, I sit down with Kristina Lai, owner of Busy Bee Play Cafe in Indianapolis, Indiana. Their 8,500+ sq ft facility is on the larger side for a non-chain indoor playground business, which brings its own unique challenges and advantages.On the challenge side, a larger space means a bigger team (often with a high number of teenage staff), higher capacity to manage, more moving parts operationally, and the ability—and pressure—to run a high volume of birthday parties every single week. On the flip side, that size also creates real opportunities: multiple parties running at once, diversified revenue streams beyond open play, a full balloon bar, stronger café potential, and more flexibility in how the business actually makes money.In this conversation, Kristina shares a candid, behind-the-scenes look at how she navigates both sides of that equation.We cover:...Operating a larger independent play café without franchise systems...Managing a large, mostly teenage team in peak seasons...Running a high volume of birthday parties each week—and why systems matter...Hosting multiple parties at the same time without overwhelming staff or guests...Real revenue breakdowns: open play, parties, memberships, café sales, retail, and balloons...Building a profitable balloon business after Party City closures...Using reservations and memberships to control capacity in a high-traffic space...When memberships attract the wrong families—and how to handle it...Letting go of problem members and employees (and why some money isn’t worth it)...Launching hot food in a play café without turning it into a full restaurant...The emotional toll of running a large play business and being “always on call”...How ownership impacts family life when your kids grow up alongside the businessThis episode is especially helpful if you:...Own or are planning on opening a play café or indoor playground...Are considering (or already running) a larger-than-average independent space...Run frequent birthday parties and want better systems...Want multiple revenue streams without burning out...Are managing staffing, capacity, or boundaries👉 Busy Bee Play CafeWebsite: https://www.thebusybeeplaycafe.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebusybeeplaycafe/🎧 Prefer video? Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/xIss67qwn3IOTHER RESOURCES:Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers SocietyGetting Started With Your Play Cafe [YouTube Video Playlist]What's Working In The Indoor Play Industry 2025 GuideFund Your Indoor Play Business [Free Training]Indoor Play Courses & 1:1 Consulting WaitlistMichele’s InstagramMichele’s WebsitePlay Cafe Academy YouTube ChannelETSY Template ShopPrepare Your Indoor Playground For a RecessionPlay Cafe Academy & Play Makers SocietyQuestions and Support: [email protected] TOOLS & OTHER LINKS:Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fDQuestions and Support: [email protected] TOOLS:Play Space Brain (Mention This Podcast For Special Pricing!)Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF WellnessLivingActive Campaign Free TrialFree Demo of Aluvii All-In-One POS