Business is brewing at Peek-A-Brew, a new play cafe on Old Saybrook’s Main Street. Owners and sisters Kiki Anderson and Maria Rapp are full time moms on top of full time business owners. They opened Peek-A-Brew on May 9th, 2025, and aimed for a space for parents of young kids to be able to enjoy coffee and friends, while their children are also entertained and safe.
Maria’s goal for this business sparked about a year ago. She has two young kids and she “always felt like there was a gap in the market, I felt like there was nothing to do with my kids while I could also meet other parents.” The idea came to life when she was on maternity leave in January. Maria took matters into her own hands and opened Peek-A-Brew with her sister, Kiki, 5 months later. Both Maria and Kiki grew up in Old Saybrook and had an inside business scoop here due to their mom’s restaurant, Mirsinas. “Me and my sister both felt like we wanted to give back to our community that we were raised in,” Maria expressed. They believe their business inside scoop, Old Saybrook High School career, and love for the town will allow the play cafe to flourish here.
In a small town, community is important. Maria wanted to capture that idea of community by setting the stage for parents and kids to make friends and feel welcome. “My favorite part [about owning this business] is definitely seeing a full playroom of kids and adults making friends…it’s been really overwhelming just seeing everyone interact and make friends.” Even though the play cafe has only been open for almost two weeks, Maria said “there’s already a whole group of mom friends…obviously this was something that they needed.” Maria and Kiki were not only able to make this idea come to life, but they created friendships throughout the community.
With all the highlights that come with opening a new business, hardships are inevitable. Maria addresses the obstacles that came along with this process, including the lack of support, saying, “A lot of people told us it was a bad idea or that it wouldn’t succeed or that we were silly for leaving our full-time careers.” She tackled the negative response with a positive mindset, sharing that “not everyone’s going to approve or like your idea.” Maria and Kiki did not succumb to the discouragement of others, as this is a passion they’ve always wanted to pursue. “We’re really glad we stuck with our gut and just went ahead and did it because most of the people have been extremely supportive.”
Maria and Kiki exemplify the positive outcome of sticking with your dreams. Maria comments, “Just because you can make a lot of money in one career, it doesn’t mean it’s going to make you happy.” She emphasizes the importance of doing what you love, because in doing so, “people will absolutely follow and feel the love that you put into your work. And definitely, follow your heart.”
