The only thing better than a refreshing cup of coffee is the smiling face of the person handing it to you. This is certainly true for Bitty & Beau’s, an inclusive coffee shop employing those with intellectual or developmental disabilities. What started as a passion project from Amy and Ben Wright in Wilmington, North Carolina, has since ballooned to 20 locations. In Homewood, we’re fortunate to have one of those locations in our own backyard.
When Amy and Ben Wright learned that 80 percent of people with disabilities in America were unemployed, they knew something needed to change. The statistic hit close to home because their two youngest children, Bitty and Beau, both have Down Syndrome. Eventually, they took a leap into a revolutionary new business venture: employing those with disabilities as baristas at a coffee shop.
In 20
16, the first location opened its doors in Wilmington. It didn’t stay confined to one location for long, however. This secret was too good to be kept. A quick glance at any of Bitty & Beau’s social media platforms shows a place that serves joy with coffee on the side.
The nation has been captivated by this “human rights movement disguised as a coffee shop.” What started in a small southern town has stretched as far as Boulder, Colorado. Amy Wright was dubbed CNN’s Hero of the Year for 2017. In her acceptance speech, she delivered what could be named the central thesis for her company, saying to her children,“I would not change you for the world, but I will change the world for you.”
Located on 1625 Oxmoor Road, the new location has been open for open for right at two months, but has, seen no shortage of customers. The ribbon cutting on November 11, 2023, drew massive crowds despite rainy weather. The grand opening 10 days later had a packed house as well. That doesn’t happen for any run-of-the-mill coffee shop. That happens with something truly special.
The Homewood location marks the second location in Alabama. The first being in Auburn, which opened in March 2023. Prior to housing Bitty & Beau’s, the Homewood location served as a laundromat. After some refurbishing, the building has been transformed. It comes complete with an outdoor patio overlooking Homewood Central Park. The new location continues the sleek and simple design influence present in other Bitty & Beau’s locations. The interior features black walls accented by gold chairs and string lights. This simple yet effective aesthetic is perfect for typing away at a laptop or catching up with some friends over a hot cup of joe.
Because Bitty & Beau’s is not only a coffee shop, but a movement, it only makes sense for them to make their message loud and clear. On the wall directly behind the cash register is the phrase “changing the way people view people.” The placement allows for the phrase to work its magic right as you order, for the employees are the beating heart of every location.
In 2018, co-founder Ben Wright testified before the US Senate Special Committee on Aging to advocate for the wider employment of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In his testimony, he said, “I believe what we’re really dealing with is not a classic unemployment problem driven by the economy, but a bona fide social and cultural problem. Having a disability is nothing to be ashamed of. It’s part of the human condition.”Across all of their social media platforms, Bitty & Beau’s has highlighted the 30 employees you’ll see any time you walk through their doors. By showcasing their staff, they are fighting this cultural problem and giving a platform to a group deprived of one for far too long.
In a recent YouTube video on the company website, staff visited Homewood High School and some local businesses to hand out job offers to students and residents in the Homewood area. Met with signs, balloons, and plenty of cheers, these offers turned into a giant celebration and an opportunity for the new employees to show off their dance moves. If the joy present there is just a glimpse of things to come, Homewood has a bright future with its new addition.
Bitty & Beau’s Coffee is located at 1625 Oxmoor Road in Homewood. Open daily 6:30 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information, visit bittyandbeauscoffee.com.