Reviewed by: Sharron Swain
Where everyone is celebrated—visit Bitty & Beau’s Coffee in Homewood now
Reading time: 4 minutes
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Coining the phrase “a human rights movement disguised as a coffee shop,” Bitty & Beau’s Coffee is a place where diversity is appreciated and celebrated.
Bitty & Beau’s recently made their new home in The Magic City, and the team has settled in perfectly. We visited the coffee shop one day and got the inside scoop about what makes this place so unique—keep scrolling to see why you should plan your visit today.
The beginning of Bitty & Beau’s Coffee
Amy and Ben Wright have four children—Lillie, Emma Grace, Bitty and Beau. Lillie was born with autism, and Bitty and Beau were born with Down Syndrome.
DYK that 80% of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the country are unemployed?
The Wrights wanted to create a place where their children, and other people with disabilities, have opportunities for work.
So, what did they do? Opened a coffee shop with a staff that changes the way people see other people.
“Yes, we were creating jobs for people with disabilities, but a greater mission of the coffee shop was that we were exposing every guest to what was possible when you employ people with disabilities.”
Amy Wright, Co-Founder, Bitty & Beau’s Coffee
The inclusive coffee shop employs 400+ individuals with disabilities at 20 locations nationwide.
Learn more about Bitty & Beau’s coffee + why we love it.
What makes Bitty & Beau’s such a fun place to work?
When we asked employees their favorite part about working at Bitty & Beau’s, their responses centered around one thing: the people.
“I love my job here. I like the people I work with, the customers and making new friends.”
Michael
If you’ve visited Bitty & Beau’s, you might have seen Michael or other employees calling out orders. If they’re not handing you the coffee, they’re taking your order or making it for you. Whatever the job, you can guarantee it’s done with a smile.
“My favorite thing about working here is interacting with customers, and making people smile.”
Molly
Reed loves helping customers find something he knows they’ll enjoy:
“I like coffee; I like being the cashier and telling people what my favorite thing [to order] is.”
Reed
Coffee with a purpose
Displayed in big, bright letters on the store wall is the phrase “Changing the way people see other people.”
“We noticed that when people spent time with Bitty and Beau, they started to understand Down Syndrome and didn’t feel uncomfortable or scared because they had been exposed to somebody different from them. So we thought, ‘how do we magnify that feeling?’
Coffee is something that you can either come in and grab to go, or you can sit and visit. It’s something familiar to everyone, and it felt like the right place to bring people together.”
Amy Wright, Co-Founder, Bitty & Beau’s Coffee
The second you walk through the doors of Bitty & Beau’s Coffee, you’re greeted with smiling faces and energetic voices. This (in addition to the amazing coffee and treats) reels you into the kind, welcoming and unique atmosphere Bitty & Beau’s provides for all customers.
Jacob proved this by saying,
“I just like making people happy.”
Jacob
Visit Bitty & Beau’s in Homewood now
Bitty & Beau’s Coffee quickly became a go-to for my friends and me. It’s the perfect spot to grab a cup of Joe or stay and chat. Plus, the spacious upstairs area, conference rooms and outdoor seating make it a fun remote working destination.
- Location: 1625 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, AL 35209
- Hours: Daily 6:30AM-5PM
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
The Birmingham area has its fair share of coffee shops, but there’s nothing quite like Bitty & Beau’s.
Keep up with this inclusive coffee shop and check them out on Facebook + Instagram.
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