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Get your fill of comforting beverages and warm service from coffee shop employees with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
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Esteamed Coffee
Inside a renovated 1940 cottage in downtown Cary, the baristas have unique stories to tell, but also share a few qualities: They proudly wear aprons with the Esteamed Coffee logo, they’ll welcome you with friendly smiles, and they all live with some form of disability. Founded by locals Angie Hudson and Tamara Lapsley, Esteamed and other North Carolina coffee shops are aiming to put a dent in the nation’s high unemployment rate for adults with disabilities. Here, employees whip up mildly spiced chai lattes, espresso-based frappes and refreshing fruit smoothies. Signage encourages guests to speak clearly and take a first sip to ensure their beverage was properly made to order — a good reminder for all of us to slow down and savor.
Awaken Coffee
Beans from Davidson-based Haerfest Coffee Roasting Company, which shares a similar mission of providing pathways to people with special needs, bring the buzz to The Lavender Bee latte with local honey at Awaken.
Bitty & Beau’s
The original Bitty & Beau’s opened here in 2016, and it sparked a movement. Now there are nearly 20 of them across 11 states. Visit the OG location for a mango smoothie, mint chocolate frappe or cold brew. If you need a coffee chain fix, you can’t go wrong with Port City Java, which was founded in Wilmington and now has more than 20 locations throughout North Carolina.
321 Coffee
At three locations, including the State Farmers Market in Raleigh, order sustainably sourced and roasted coffee in its pure form or in the Love Big Latte with French vanilla, whipped cream and a ribbon of caramel.
A Special Blend
Membership to the Percolator Club comes with a free monthly drink (macchiatos, matcha-based drinks and milkshakes are just a few of the options) and helps sustain this nonprofit striving to provide “community in a cup” for both employees and customers. You can also find a location in High Point.
Blue Collie Coffee
They say good coffee brings people together, and Blue Collie Coffee takes that literally. Their motto, "Serving the community, one cup at a time," sums up their mission to support young adults with disabilities. Stop by for a latte, a flaky pastry or even lunch, and see how every sip serves up a little kindness. And if you're feeling extra adventurous, join in on their occasional "seed swaps" — bring in some coffee seeds and swap for something new!
Cherubs Cafe
Cherubs Café has been a part of historic downtown Belmont for 27 years. Owned and operated by Holy Angels, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to caring for children and adults with intellectual developmental disabilities and delicate medical conditions, the café enriches the community by cultivating abilities and providing employment opportunities for the differently able. Guests can enjoy a full menu of morning favorites, salads, sandwiches, wraps, soups and more. The café also serves Tony’s Ice Cream with a dozen flavors and a variety of toppings.
Track down more heartwarming sips, bites and experiences in The Official 2025 North Carolina Travel Guide.