Frequently Asked Questions

What is Café au Play?
Café au Play is a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to create a family-friendly coffee house and community center in SE Portland.

Where are you located?
Café au Play will inhabit the former “Drive-thru Wake-Up Deli” building on the northeast corner of SE 57th and Division across from Atkinson Elementary School, next to Dairy Queen.

When will you be open?
The Café au Play coffeehouse is not yet open, although we expect to complete Phase 1 renovation and open our doors by the beginning of 2009.  The hours of operation of the coffee house will be posted closer to that time.

What is Tabor Commons?
Tabor Commons is a partnership between three entities: Mount Tabor Neighborhood Association, South Tabor Neighborhood Association and Atkinson PTA. Tabor Commons is the property owner of the physical site where Café au Play will be located, at 5633 SE Division.

Who owns the site?
5633 SE Division was formerly inhabited by the “Drive-thru Wake-up and Deli”. After the owner was arrested on drug charges and the property seized by the federal government, Southeast Uplift (SEUL) neighborhood coalition gained ownership of the site on behalf of the Tabor Commons partnership. Café au Play will operate as a partner with Tabor Commons and as their tenant within the building. This project is a fine example of how community members and organizations can work together to affect positive change within their neighborhoods.

Who is cleaning up the site?
The following agencies have been involved in the environmental remediation of the site: City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, Oregon Economic and Community Development Department, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and GeoEngineers, Inc. The site clean-up has now been completed, thanks to a $96,000 grant from the Oregon Economic and Community Development Department.

How is Café au Play funded?
The creation of the Café au Play coffeehouse within the Tabor Commons building is being funded through private donations and community fundraising events. Once Café au Play has opened its doors, operational expenses and family-oriented programs and services will be funded by proceeds from the coffee bar and by private and community donations.

What services does Café au Play offer?
In addition to offering a great cup of coffee, Café au Play will be an enriching learning community for families - a place where families can connect to information, activities, and people. We plan to offer workshops and activities for adults, children and families, information resources, and a community meeting space.

How can I help?
There are many ways that you can get involved. You can donate cash, services or goods & materials. You can volunteer at one of our upcoming events, become a Café au Play board member, or simply join our community by attending our fundraisers, subscribing to our email newsletter, and participating in our online discussions. If you’d like to share your vision, please provide feedback on the kinds of programs and services you would like to see offered at Café au Play.

Do you accept donations?
Absolutely. Café au Play is a qualifying 501(c)(3) organization, and all contributions are tax deductible.

How did Café au Play get started?
Kristin Heying founded the non-profit Café au Play in 2005 with the goal of opening a hybrid coffeehouse and community center.   Read the complete history here.