Weekend warriors with kids in tow are getting a fresh option in Sebastopol. The Playground Café is slated to reopen at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church on May 1, returning as a rebranded, weekend-focused hangout that leans hard into family time and fast, healthy food. Organizers say the new setup will center on protein-forward bowls, a kid-friendly outdoor play area and beer and wine for the adults who stick around.
What’s changing
As reported by What Now, co-owner Urban Anderson confirmed the café will reopen May 1 on the church’s three-acre campus at 500 Robinson Road. Anderson told the outlet the revamped operation is built on three revenue streams, including a grab-and-go bowl program that will roll out fresh offerings twice a week on Mondays and Thursdays. The menu is described as protein-forward and paired with fresh salads, aimed at health-minded families and anyone who needs a quick meal that does not feel like a compromise.
Play and community
According to The Playground Community Café, the space is designed to “Play. Eat. Drink. Connect.” and is set up with a Waldorf-style play yard, picnic seating, an espresso bar and local beer and wine. The café’s materials lean into simple, family-friendly meals and an outdoor environment that lets parents relax over a drink or coffee while the kids burn off energy nearby.
Roots in a church project
The Playground is not a brand-new concept. Local coverage documented a grand opening in June 2025, when the café first launched at St. Stephen’s and drew sizable crowds, as reported by the Sebastopol Times. City of Sebastopol planning records show the project moved through a conditional-use process that cleared a container kitchen and a club alcohol license for the outdoor café, along with details on proposed hours and permit conditions.
Expansion and the business plan
Anderson told What Now that the team has developed about 15 bowl flavors and is exploring partnerships tied to meal subscriptions and possible satellite placements in airports, hospitals and wellness centers. The reopening will prioritize weekend hours, with the option to expand weekday service if local demand justifies a fuller schedule.
When to go
The relaunch is set for May 1, and organizers are urging visitors to check the Playground’s website for the most current hours and menu details. The Playground Community Café lists sample menus along with contact information for anyone planning a visit to the church campus.
