Bitty & Beau's Coffee Shop: Empowering Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
When you're a parent, there's an unstoppable determination to create a brighter, more inclusive world for your child. Amy and Ben Wright, the visionary founders of Bitty & Beau's, have harnessed this force to ignite a profound wave of change, one coffee cup at a time. Let’s dive into their remarkable journey and explore the inspiring human rights movement cleverly concealed within the cozy ambiance of a coffee shop.
Image via facebook.com/BittyandBeausCoffee
The Heart Behind Bitty & Beau's
Bitty & Beau's is not your average coffee shop - it's a place filled with love, compassion, and a profound commitment to inclusivity. As is the case with most companies that we feature, Bitty & Beau’s Coffee began in response to personal experiences. Owners Amy and Ben Wright have four children; their daughter Lillie was born with autism, and Bitty and Beau were both born with Down syndrome. They decided to open a coffee shop that would create a path for people with disabilities to “become more valued, accepted, and included in every community”. Over 80% of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) are unemployed nationwide, and the Wright’s are on a mission to make the world a better place for their children and others living with disabilities. Their first shop opened in Wilmington, NC in 2016 and employed 19 individuals with IDDs, and Bitty & Beau’s coffee now operates in 11 states with 19 shops employing over 400 people.
Image via bittyandbeauscoffee.com
A Welcoming Environment
As soon as you walk through the doors of Bitty & Beau's, you are greeted with warmth and positivity. Each store employs about 30 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are surrounded by a dedicated team that provides guidance and support. These employees are the backbone of the coffee shop, taking on a range of responsibilities that span from managing the register, crafting beverages, to ensuring the shop maintains its inviting, pristine atmosphere.
"Every shop we open becomes a portal for guests to see what's possible when you employ people with disabilities," - Amy Wright
As mother to a son with an IDD, my initial visit to Bitty & Beau’s was heartwarming. What struck me most was the genuine camaraderie among the employees. I had previously read an interview with Amy, in which she mentioned how isolating life can feel for adults with disabilities, and how Bitty & Beau’s was dedicated to fostering a more inclusive community, where their children could flourish, feel valued, and understand their inherent worth. Witnessing a spontaneous visit from an off-duty employee to say hi to his friends, and watching the staff enjoy their time with each other gave me so much hope for the future we are all diligently working to create.
The Menu: More Than Just Coffee
Image via bittyandbeauscoffee.com
Bitty and Beau’s Coffee Shop offers a diverse menu that will satisfy a wide range of tastes. Whether you’re in the mood for timeless classics or a seasonal delight, they’ve got you covered. From hot and iced lattes, cappuccinos, mochas, and chais to fun frappes, including flavors like cotton candy and cookies & cream, there’s a beverage to match every preference. If you’re craving something more substantial, their selection of smoothies will hit the spot, and they have an assortment of baked goods. During my visit in October, I enjoyed an iced pumpkin latte, while my husband had a decaf americano. Bitty and Beau's provides a delightful array of options for everyone, with ample space to unwind, engage in conversation, study, work, or simply relax.
Supporting the Mission
As of this writing, Bitty & Beau's Coffee has made its inspiring mark across the nation with 25 locations, spanning 13 states. To find out if there's a Bitty & Beau's Coffee shop near you, you can explore their locations on their official website: bittyandbeauscoffee.com/locations.
For those who might not live near a Bitty & Beau's Coffee shop but wish to join their remarkable human rights movement cleverly disguised as a coffee shop, there are additional avenues of support:
Franchise Opportunities: If you're inspired to be part of this mission by opening your own Bitty & Beau's, you can find more information about their franchise opportunities by visiting their official website at bittyandbeauscoffee.com/franchise. The cost of ownership typically ranges between $461,750 and $858,050, which includes an initial franchise fee of $50,000, and comes with specific liquid capital and net worth requirements.
Online Shopping: If, like me, you don't live near a Bitty & Beau's Coffee shop and don't intend to franchise, there are still plenty of ways to show your support through their website. You can explore their expanding selection of coffee beans, which includes options like single serve pods ($13), light, medium, dark roast, and decaf (each bag priced at $16). Additionally, they offer a coffee club for enthusiasts. Beyond coffee, you can also shop for a variety of apparel, drinkware, accessories, and more, all of which contribute to their profoundly inclusive mission.
Summing up the Bitty & Beau’s Experience
In a world that can do so much better for the disability community, Bitty & Beau’s Coffee has become a shining beacon of hope and change. With 25 locations across 13 states, their mission to create a radically inclusive community is touching hearts and transforming lives. As we’ve touched on, the impact of Bitty & Beau’s extends far beyond a cup of coffee; it’s about breaking barriers and redefining expectations. Whether you’re fortunate enough to have a Bitty & Beau’s in your neighborhood, are exploring franchise opportunities, or enjoy their beans and merch, you’re contributing to a movement that celebrates diversity, fosters belonging, and radiates compassion. As the wall in Bitty & Beau’s Houston location boldly proclaims, they are “changing the way people see other people.” Let’s raise a cup to Bitty & Beau’s Coffee and the radically inclusive world they are creating, one cup at a time.
Do you have a favorite Bitty & Beau memory? Let us know in the comments below!
