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Suffolk, Va. – Suffolk families now have a place to enjoy time with their children and a fresh cup of coffee. Jungle Jamz Play Cafe, located at 1238 Holland Rd, celebrated its grand opening on Monday, March 12. 

A full coffee shop with play space for children, Jungle Jamz, aims to help families share cherished moments while having time to enjoy a coffee bar with lattes, locally sourced coffee, and blended drinks. Jungle Jams Play Cafe Co-Owner Meghan Hopkins talked about the cafe’s overall goal for the Suffolk community.

“It is about connection and providing a safe, clean environment and where families can feel comfortable toting their tots and preschoolers and feel accepted and encouraged,” Hopkins said. “We are about rebuilding our village and supporting our community.”

Hopkins says the idea came about after the birth of her second child with her husband and Jungle Jams Play Cafe Co-Owner Antonio Hopkins. After Antonio Hopkins’ deployment, Meghan Hopkins found herself at home with no nearby family and a newborn she didn’t want to take anywhere.

“I wanted a place where I felt comfortable going, where my kid could be a kid,” Hopkins said. “I didn’t have to chase after him, he could have fun with others his age and I could meet other parents and have conversations and just connect. And I didn’t want to have to drive far! I knew there had to be places like this out there. When we traveled, we did find similar concepts and we were like ‘Suffolk families need this too!’”

Along with coffee and play spaces for kids, Jungle Jamz Play Cafe also hosts special events, including Storytime with Tabetha, Tiny Tots Meetup designed for children under two years old, Creative Crafts Workshop and more. Likewise, the cafe is open for birthday parties as well. On her overall goals for the future of Jungle Jamz Play Cafe, Hopkins talked about expanding both the play and cafe sides, among other plans.

“We are working on our curbside coffee ordering, so anyone can get some coffee on the go. We also are trying to become a sort of community hub, a place for families to gather, connect, and make new memories,” Hopkins said. “We want to partner with other Suffolk businesses and professionals to bring various resources and information that families want in a convenient location and environment. Our motto is ‘when families thrive, our community thrives.’ We hope to be that space where everyone can feel supported and that they have a village.”

Jungle Jams Play Cafe is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays and closed on Sundays. 

For more information on Jungle Jamz Play Cafe, go to junglejamzplaycafe.com, facebook.com/JungleJamzPlayCafe and instagram.com/junglejamz_playcafe.