BOSTON, MA – The Tot Café by The Little Cocoa Bean Co. will open its doors later this spring at the renowned Boston Children’s Museum (308 Congress Street), bringing together two mission-driven organizations dedicated to enriching the lives of young children and their families.
This exciting partnership is designed to create a vibrant space where families can come together to enjoy healthy, fresh food options in a welcoming environment. The café, occupying 3,000 square feet within the Museum, will offer a dynamic atmosphere tailored to the needs of both children and caregivers.
The lease transaction was facilitated by Ellie Cullinan and Chris Rogers of Freudenheim Partners, who worked closely with the Museum to bring The Little Cocoa Bean Co. to its new home. The collaboration underscores the shared values between the two organizations: enhancing childhood development and creating community-centered spaces that nourish both the body and spirit.
Founded in 2019 by Tracy Skelly, The Little Cocoa Bean Co. is a Black- and woman-owned social enterprise with a strong focus on early childhood nutrition, education, and community engagement. The company offers culturally diverse, ready-made baby and toddler foods that are inspired by global flavors and heritage ingredients. In its chic, baby-friendly café setting, families can enjoy meals that promote health and wellness in an inclusive and calming space.
“We’re thrilled to bring The Tot Café to Boston Children’s Museum,” said Tracy Skelly, Founder and CEO of The Little Cocoa Bean Co. “This partnership is a natural fit, as both of our organizations are deeply committed to supporting families and enhancing their quality of life. Our mission is to transform family mealtimes into moments of nourishment, connection, and joy, and we can’t wait to share that experience with the Museum’s visitors.”
In addition to offering nutritious meals, The Little Cocoa Bean Co. is committed to educating families through hands-on courses that teach caregivers how to prepare meals inspired by their own cultural heritage. The company places a strong emphasis on the importance of the first 1,000 days of a child’s life, which are critical for building lifelong health and well-being.
The Tot Café will not only serve food but also foster a sense of community. The space will be inclusive and designed with families in mind, creating a setting where both children and adults can feel seen, supported, and celebrated. The café’s presence within the Museum will help reinforce The Little Cocoa Bean Co.’s commitment to diversity, health, and family-centered values.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to bring together two organizations with aligned missions,” said Ellie Cullinan, Partner at Freudenheim Partners. “The Little Cocoa Bean Co. is a perfect match for the Boston Children’s Museum, and we’re excited to see the positive impact this collaboration will have on the local community.”
The partnership between The Little Cocoa Bean Co. and Boston Children’s Museum reflects a shared commitment to nurturing children, celebrating cultural heritage, and supporting caregivers. Carole Charnow, President & CEO of Boston Children’s Museum, expressed her excitement about the collaboration: “We are thrilled to welcome Tracy and her wonderful company to our Museum. This new space will not only provide nourishing meals but will also be a place where families can come together, celebrate diversity, and build a sense of community.”
The Tot Café is set to open later this spring, offering a warm, inviting space for families to enjoy nutritious food, learn about early childhood nutrition, and celebrate cultural heritage in a fun and inclusive environment.
