Reviewed by: Nathan Watson
Bitty & Beau’s Coffee coming to Homewood, turning an old dry cleaners into a coffeehouse
Reading time: 3 minutes
Bitty & Beau’s Coffee—a coffee shop dedicated to employing individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities—is locating their new space in Homewood at the former Valley Cleaners site (1625 Oxmoor Road).
In early February, Bitty & Beau’s and Liv Ventures, the developer of the property, posted on social media their plans to open a new location in the Fall of 2023.
2nd Location in Alabama
Founded by Amy and Ben Wright from Wilmington, North Carolina, the life-changing national coffee shop has 23 shops across 12 states and over 400 employees. The first Bitty & Beau’s was opened last August in Auburn.
Not only is the future Bitty & Beau’s going to be located across from Homewood’s Central Park, it is within walking distance to two of Birmingham’s most beloved centers that provide care and services for children and adults with disabilities—Exceptional Foundation and The Bell Center for Early Intervention Services.
Partnership
Turning an old dry cleaners into a coffeehouse isn’t easy. Thanks to local companies Liv Ventures and Nequette Architecture & Design, they are turning the site into a “must visit” destination
We’re working with Bitty & Beau’s to make sure that all of their needs are met, said Arden Gillchrest, project manager at Nequette Architecture & Design.
“The building will not be torn down. It’ll be completely repurposed into a space for them as a coffee shop. Right now we’re thinking there also might be some space on the corner for another tenant or another opportunity, but that’s still in the works. This space was designed to specifically ensure that Bitty & Beaus has a space for them to accomplish their mission.”
Other elements of the project include:
- Outdoor patio
- Two stories, with space for people to study and read
- Merchandising space for Bitty & Beaus
- Walkability
Dream Project
Nequette Architecture & Design is working on the project pro bono
“As a designer, being able to look at this old building, give it new life and see a tenant that is going to really value it and then also give back to the community that will cherish it. It is an opportunity architects dream of,” concluded Gillchrest.
Mark Your Calendars
Can’t wait to visit Bitty & Beau’s in Alabama? Check out Bham Now’s sister publication about the coffeehouse in Auburn. Meanwhile, be on the lookout for the 2nd Bitty & Beau’s opening this fall in Homewood.
