1996
40
$1,000,000
$50,000
$1,500,000
No
Chipmunks Playground & Café is an internationally acclaimed indoor play center franchise that offers a unique combination of fun, food, and family-friendly entertainment. Established in 1996, Chipmunks has grown into a trusted brand with over 40 locations across New Zealand, Australia, and Indonesia. Now, the brand is expanding into the United States, bringing its innovative play experiences to American families.
Each Chipmunks location is a vibrant, purpose-built facility designed for children aged 0 to 11 years. The centers feature multi-level play structures, interactive zones, and dedicated areas for toddlers. Parents can relax in the on-site café, enjoying a range of refreshments while their children play in a safe and supervised environment. Additionally, Chipmunks offers birthday party packages and private venue hire, making it a go-to destination for family celebrations.
The franchise model is designed to be scalable and profitable, with multiple revenue streams including entry fees, café sales, party bookings, and venue rentals. This diverse income structure ensures a steady cash flow and a high return on investment for franchisees.
Proven Business Model: Chipmunks has a successful track record with over 40 locations across multiple countries.
Multiple Revenue Streams: Income is generated through entry fees, café sales, party bookings, and private venue hire.
Family-Friendly Concept: The brand caters to children aged 0 to 11 years, a demographic with consistent demand for recreational activities.
Comprehensive Support: Franchisees receive extensive training and ongoing support, ensuring smooth operations and business growth.
Scalable Investment: The franchise model allows for expansion, with opportunities to open multiple locations.
Established Year: Chipmunks Playground & Café was founded in 1996 in Dunedin, New Zealand. It began as a single indoor play center designed to provide children with a safe, fun, and engaging environment.
Founders and Ownership: The company is privately owned. While specific founder names are not widely publicized, the brand has been led by visionary entrepreneurs committed to creating family-friendly entertainment experiences.
Franchise Units: Since its inception, Chipmunks has expanded internationally, with over 40 franchise units across New Zealand, Australia, and Indonesia. Its consistent growth is a testament to its successful business model and strong market demand.
Brand Journey and Company History: Starting as a small local play center, Chipmunks quickly gained popularity for its innovative indoor play designs, multi-level structures, and focus on holistic child development through play. Over the years, it evolved into a fully franchised model, offering standardized operational systems, marketing support, and training programs for franchisees. Its reputation as a safe and engaging destination for children has helped it become one of the leading brands in the children’s entertainment and indoor play industry.
Market Presence in the USA: Chipmunks is now entering the United States market, targeting suburban and urban areas with a high population of young families. The brand aims to replicate its international success by offering premium indoor play experiences combined with café services and birthday party packages.
Industry Category: Chipmunks operates in the Children’s Entertainment sector, specifically focusing on indoor play centers and family-oriented cafés. It serves families seeking recreational, safe, and engaging environments for children aged 0–11 years.
Other Key Information: The franchise emphasizes safety, hygiene, and customer satisfaction. Its centers are designed with age-appropriate play areas, dedicated toddler zones, and facilities for parents to relax, making it a holistic destination for family entertainment. Revenue is diversified through entry fees, café sales, birthday parties, and venue hire, ensuring a sustainable business model for franchisees.
Chipmunks Playground & Café offers a comprehensive, end-to-end support system designed to ensure that franchisees succeed from pre-launch to ongoing operations. The brand’s proven training and support programs make it easier for entrepreneurs to operate efficiently and grow profitably.
Site Selection & Lease Assistance: Chipmunks helps identify prime locations based on demographic research and family population density. Franchisees receive guidance on negotiating leases and choosing suitable properties.
Design & Build Support: Assistance is provided in designing child-friendly, safe, and visually appealing play centers, including multi-level play structures, toddler zones, and café areas.
Regulatory Compliance: Support with safety regulations, licensing, insurance, and local compliance to ensure smooth opening operations.
Hands-On Training: Franchisees undergo in-depth training at a flagship location or training center. This includes learning day-to-day operations, play center management, and customer service excellence.
Staff Management: Guidance on hiring, training, and supervising staff for optimal service delivery.
Safety & Hygiene Protocols: Detailed instructions on maintaining a safe, sanitized, and child-friendly environment.
Brand Marketing Materials: Access to professionally designed marketing collateral, banners, social media campaigns, and digital promotions.
Grand Opening Support: Assistance in planning launch events and community outreach programs to maximize initial footfall.
Ongoing Campaigns: Continuous guidance on local and national marketing initiatives, social media management, and promotional strategies to maintain high visibility and customer engagement.
Play Curriculum Advice: While primarily entertainment-focused, Chipmunks provides insights into educational play strategies, including age-appropriate learning through interactive play.
Parent Engagement: Guidance on designing programs and activities that appeal to parents and encourage repeat visits.
Regular Performance Reviews: Franchisees receive regular operational reviews, KPI tracking, and business insights to optimize profitability.
Franchise Advisory: Continuous advice on expansion, new revenue streams (birthday parties, café menu optimization, merchandise), and operational improvements.
Technology Integration: Training and support in using booking systems, ticketing software, POS systems, and customer relationship management tools.
Franchise Network: Access to a global network of franchisees for sharing best practices, operational tips, and collaborative marketing ideas.
Workshops & Conferences: Invitations to annual franchise events, training workshops, and webinars to stay updated on industry trends and operational enhancements.
The ideal franchisee for Chipmunks Playground & Café is a passionate, family-oriented entrepreneur who is committed to providing safe, fun, and engaging experiences for children. The brand looks for individuals who are not only capable of managing a business but also enthusiastic about creating memorable experiences for families.
Motivated, self-driven, and ready to take ownership of the business.
Willingness to follow a proven franchise system while implementing local business strategies.
Desire to grow the brand and potentially expand to multiple locations.
Preferred Background: Experience in retail, hospitality, customer service, or child-focused businesses is advantageous.
Leadership Skills: Ability to manage a team effectively, train staff, and create a positive workplace culture.
Business Acumen: Understanding of financial management, budgeting, and basic operational oversight.
Genuine interest in working with children and creating enjoyable, safe environments for families.
Strong focus on customer service and delivering high-quality family experiences.
Ability to invest the required capital for setting up the play center, including infrastructure, equipment, working capital, and marketing.
Preparedness to manage operational expenses during the initial growth phase.
Ideal franchisees are interested in urban or suburban locations with a high population of young families and children aged 0–11 years.
Interest in establishing a long-term, community-centered business.
Strong organizational and planning skills.
Patience, empathy, and a friendly approach suitable for working with families and children.
Commitment to following the franchise’s operational standards, safety protocols, and brand values.
| Category | Details / Estimated Range (USD) |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $900,000 – $1,500,000 (depending on location, size, and build-out costs) |
| Minimum Investment | $1,000,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $50,000 – $60,000 |
| Franchise Units (Global) | 40+ units in New Zealand, Australia, and Indonesia; U.S. expansion underway |
| Infrastructure / Fit-Out Cost | $500,000 – $900,000 (play structures, café setup, furniture, décor) |
| Marketing Budget | 5% – 7% of annual revenue for local and national campaigns |
| Working Capital | $50,000 – $100,000 (to cover initial operational expenses, staffing, and inventory) |
| Royalty Fees | 6% – 8% of monthly gross revenue |
| Expected ROI | 20% – 25% of annual turnover (varies by location and revenue streams) |
| Break-Even Time | 2 – 3 years |
| Revenue Streams | Entry fees, birthday parties, café sales, private venue hire, merchandise sales |
| Potential Annual Revenue | $500,000 – $1,200,000+ per location (depending on footfall and services offered) |
