When Angela Holt would take her son to various indoor play centers in California, she found herself disappointed with the lack of healthy food options for parents.

“No place had good food. … It was pizza, chicken nuggets,” Angela said. “My husband has a culinary background, and I worked in restaurants for years, so that’s kind of how we came up with [Jungle Joe’s].”

Angela and her family moved from California to Texas after her husband, Rick, retired from his 22-year career as a Navy chief. They opened Jungle Joe’s in June 2016.

The indoor play center comes outfitted with party rooms, a toddler play area, large playground equipment for older kids and a staffed kitchen.

While the menu still features kids’ favorites, such as chicken nuggets and quesadillas, Angela listed off some of the healthier options adults can choose from.

“We have quinoa power bowls; we have summer citrus salad with watermelon and strawberries,” Angela said. “We make all our dressing here homemade. Everything is fresh.”

Other menu options include paninis, wraps and sandwiches. Jungle Joe’s also serves coffee roasted by Mochas and Javas as well as espresso-based drinks, smoothies and other beverages.

As the Holts have explored various ways to grow their business, the Frisco Chamber of Commerce has been a continued source of advice, Angela said.

“The chamber really has helped us get to where we knew [we could be],” Angela said. “I’ve met a lot of people [and] different businesses that have coached me.”

One piece of advice Angela has implemented into her business is catering meals using her kitchen, she said.

“That just kind of evolved, really, through the chamber because as we were going to the meetings, we would sponsor those,” Angela said. “One of our employees owned a catering business, and Rick did a lot of that when he was in the Navy. … It just kind of took off.”

For parents and guardians who plan on frequenting Jungle Joe’s, the business offers per-child monthly memberships as well as discounted rates for siblings. Jungle Joe’s is available to rent for private parties, and it also offers day camps during school holidays.

---

Jungle Joe’s
7447 Hillcrest Road, Frisco
469-731-5100
www.junglejoesfrisco.com

Hours:
Mon.-Thu. 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Fri.-Sat. 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
Sun. 11 a.m.-6 p.m.