Two Sisters, One Very Good Idea

Anne and Kathy spent years imagining a place where children could play freely and families could eat well. In September 2018 they opened it.

Anne and Kathy, two sisters hailing from a bustling household just outside of Medford, Oregon,

share a rich history rooted in family and a passion for culinary innovation. Raised among nine

siblings, they found themselves deeply involved in household chores and childcare, supporting their

hardworking parents while nurturing their own bond.

Relocating to the Portland area in the late 70s and early 80s, Anne and Kathy embarked on the

journey of parenthood, collectively raising three boys. Amidst the whirlwind of school activities

and sporting events, they pursued careers as Certified Nursing Assistants before transitioning into

business roles, with Anne delving into consultancy while Kathy found her niche in Accounting and HR

before venturing into Catering.

Anne’s gluten allergy sparked a culinary challenge in the duo’s kitchen, where they tirelessly

experimented with gluten-free substitutes to recreate beloved recipes. Fueled by their shared vision

of a cafe dedicated to delicious gluten-free fare, they dreamed of a culinary haven where taste and

health intersected seamlessly.

As retirement approached, a casual family dinner conversation sparked an idea. Why not combine their

passion for good food with the need for indoor play spaces? Observing a gap in the market during

visits to existing play areas, Anne and Kathy envisioned a haven where children could frolic freely

while families enjoyed wholesome meals.

Thus, Two Sisters Play Cafe was born, a testament to Anne and Kathy’s enduring bond, culinary

prowess, and dedication to providing families with a unique blend of playtime and gastronomic

delight.

The partners

Two Sisters Play Cafe, LLC was formed as an Oregon limited liability company on 3 August 2016.

After an early search for a site fell through, the sisters found a location on SE McLoughlin

Boulevard with an affordable lease and good visibility, and spent two years turning it into a cafe

and playroom. The city gave final approval in September 2018, the county inspection followed, and

the doors opened with a soft opening on 20 September and a grand opening that same month.

The cafe has partnered with the PDX Diaper Bank, collecting donations for families in the Portland

area, and was a PDX Parent Reader Favorites nominee.