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AGENDA RECOMMENDATION |
Planning Commission 6.A.
City Council Regular Meeting
- Meeting Date:
- 08/10/2026
Agenda Item:
Resolution approving a Conditional Use Permit to allow for a play café in the CBD-F, Central Business District Fringe (321 North Riverfront Drive); by request of Samantha Grems.
Recommendation/Action(s):
At the July 22, 2026, meeting, the Planning Commission recommended the adoption of a resolution approving the request.
Summary:
Samantha Grems is requesting a conditional use permit to allow for the establishment of a play café within the CBD-F, Central Business District Fringe. The subject property is located at 321 North Riverfront Drive and is legally described as one-third of Lot 2, Block 17, Map of Mankato.
Proposal
The applicant’s narrative explains that the Play Café was founded with a clear mission: to provide a welcoming environment where children can learn through play while parents experience connection, community, and an opportunity to recharge. The narrative further states, “The café will comfortably seat approximately 14 guests, creating an intimate and welcoming atmosphere that encourages conversation, connection, and repeat visits. Parents can enjoy specialty coffee while keeping a close eye on their children in the play area, creating a stress-free environment unlike traditional coffee shops.”
The café will serve coffee and a variety of non-alcoholic beverages, including espresso, lattes, cappuccinos, hot chocolate, Italian sodas, refreshers, and teas. Additionally, pastries and light snacks will be offered, though none will be prepared onsite.
Beyond the café and play area, the applicant proposes using the back room for play therapy, child counseling, family therapy, small group therapy, parenting workshops, developmental classes, and support groups during stated business hours of 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. During evenings and weekends, the applicant intends to use this room for private party rentals.
The café will employ one full-time staff member and up to six part-time team members.
Code review
“Restaurants, including drive-through and carry-out, and other eating and nonalcoholic drinking establishments…” are listed as conditional uses within the CBD-F zoning district.
No exterior site modifications are proposed as part of this request.
Floor plans for the first-floor improvements at 321 N Riverfront Drive show a café area, a play pit area, and a rear section containing a party room, bathroom, nursing room, and office. The café area includes installation of a triple-compartment sink, espresso machine, ice maker and refrigerator, coffee grinder, and associated counter, sink, and food preparation spaces. Seating capacity is noted as up to 14. Plans for the play area include construction of “Village” play structures made of painted plywood, anchored to the walls, and open at the top.
Parking for the proposal will be accommodated within the shared parking areas of the 300 North Riverfront Association, which manages parking for businesses on this portion of North Riverfront Drive. The association has provided consent for the proposed use and verified that adequate parking capacity is available. Under parking standards for restaurants—one space per four seats plus one space per two employees during the major shift—the café requires five parking stalls. Applying standard requirements for the therapy-related uses that could occur concurrently with café operations—one stall per 250 square feet of floor area plus one stall per staff member—the approximately 22' x 26' multi-use room requires three stalls. In total, eight parking stalls are required and will be provided through the shared parking arrangement.
Refuse disposal will continue to utilize existing onsite carts.
Signage was not included in the submittal. As such, a recommended condition of approval requires that a sign permit be obtained prior to installing any signage.
Proposal
The applicant’s narrative explains that the Play Café was founded with a clear mission: to provide a welcoming environment where children can learn through play while parents experience connection, community, and an opportunity to recharge. The narrative further states, “The café will comfortably seat approximately 14 guests, creating an intimate and welcoming atmosphere that encourages conversation, connection, and repeat visits. Parents can enjoy specialty coffee while keeping a close eye on their children in the play area, creating a stress-free environment unlike traditional coffee shops.”
The café will serve coffee and a variety of non-alcoholic beverages, including espresso, lattes, cappuccinos, hot chocolate, Italian sodas, refreshers, and teas. Additionally, pastries and light snacks will be offered, though none will be prepared onsite.
Beyond the café and play area, the applicant proposes using the back room for play therapy, child counseling, family therapy, small group therapy, parenting workshops, developmental classes, and support groups during stated business hours of 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. During evenings and weekends, the applicant intends to use this room for private party rentals.
The café will employ one full-time staff member and up to six part-time team members.
Code review
“Restaurants, including drive-through and carry-out, and other eating and nonalcoholic drinking establishments…” are listed as conditional uses within the CBD-F zoning district.
No exterior site modifications are proposed as part of this request.
Floor plans for the first-floor improvements at 321 N Riverfront Drive show a café area, a play pit area, and a rear section containing a party room, bathroom, nursing room, and office. The café area includes installation of a triple-compartment sink, espresso machine, ice maker and refrigerator, coffee grinder, and associated counter, sink, and food preparation spaces. Seating capacity is noted as up to 14. Plans for the play area include construction of “Village” play structures made of painted plywood, anchored to the walls, and open at the top.
Parking for the proposal will be accommodated within the shared parking areas of the 300 North Riverfront Association, which manages parking for businesses on this portion of North Riverfront Drive. The association has provided consent for the proposed use and verified that adequate parking capacity is available. Under parking standards for restaurants—one space per four seats plus one space per two employees during the major shift—the café requires five parking stalls. Applying standard requirements for the therapy-related uses that could occur concurrently with café operations—one stall per 250 square feet of floor area plus one stall per staff member—the approximately 22' x 26' multi-use room requires three stalls. In total, eight parking stalls are required and will be provided through the shared parking arrangement.
Refuse disposal will continue to utilize existing onsite carts.
Signage was not included in the submittal. As such, a recommended condition of approval requires that a sign permit be obtained prior to installing any signage.