Today we’d like to introduce you to Archie Askie.
Hi Archie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My story really begins with family. Becoming a dad to Atlas and Axl, and sharing this journey with my wife Caroline, has been the biggest inspiration behind everything I’ve built. Together, we wanted to create more than just a business — we wanted a space that reflects the kind of experiences we value as a family: connection, creativity, and joy.
That’s how Archie’s Café & Play was born. We dreamed of a place where our boys — and other children — could learn, play, and explore in a safe, enriching environment, while parents like us could relax, recharge, and connect.
It hasn’t always been an easy road. There were challenges, risks, and plenty of learning curves along the way. But with Caroline’s support and our shared vision, each step brought us closer to making this dream a reality. Today, Archie’s Café & Play is not just a business for us — it’s a legacy for our kids and a way to give back to the community that we call home.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Building a business is never simple, but doing it while working overseas with the military has added an extra layer of challenge. There were times I was thousands of miles away from Caroline and the kids, trying to manage contractors, permits, and design decisions from a distance. That meant a lot of late-night calls, emails at odd hours, and learning to trust the process even when I couldn’t be there in person.
On the family side, it was tough missing moments with Atlas and Axl while working to create something that’s ultimately for them. Caroline has been my anchor through it all, balancing so much at home while also supporting the vision for Archie’s Café & Play.
The road has had its share of delays, budget challenges, and tough choices, but every struggle has pushed us to stay focused on why we started. In many ways, the obstacles made the dream stronger — because it showed us just how much we believe in what we’re building.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At the heart of what I do is creating experiences that bring people together. With Archie’s Café & Play, my focus is on building a family-centered space that’s both enriching for kids and relaxing for parents. We specialize in combining interactive play, learning opportunities, and a welcoming café environment — something that’s not easy to find all under one roof.
What I’m most proud of is that this idea grew directly from my own family. Atlas and Axl inspire me every day, and Caroline and I wanted to create a place where families like ours could feel at home. Seeing that vision take shape — from drawings and plans to walls being built and spaces designed — is incredibly rewarding.
What sets us apart is that this isn’t just a business, it’s personal. I’ve poured my own journey, my family values, and my experiences into it. Working overseas with the military has taught me discipline, resilience, and leadership, and those qualities flow into how I approach building something here at home. Archie’s Café & Play isn’t about creating just another play space or coffee shop — it’s about creating a community hub where both kids and parents can thrive.
How do you define success?
I define success as balance — being able to provide for my family while still being present with them, even in the middle of building something big. On a bigger scale, success is leaving behind a legacy that shows my kids that with vision, faith, and hard work, they can turn their own dreams into reality.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Archiesplaycafe.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/archiesplay.cafe?igsh=MTF6OTJsZThvNXljNw==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/173WyRLd1P/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Image Credits
Design by @houseofbamboo
