Bitty & Beau’s Opens First Ohio Shop

Bitty & Beau’s Coffee, a North Carolina-based chain recognized for employing people with disabilities, has opened its first Ohio location in Upper Arlington’s Kingsdale Shopping Center. The grand opening featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony and drew a large crowd, underscoring the company’s commitment to inclusivity and meaningful employment for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Since launching in 2016, Bitty & Beau’s has grown to nearly 20 locations and has employed over 450 people with disabilities, advancing its mission as 'a human rights movement disguised as a coffee shop.' In Fresno, California, former soccer coach Edison Gonzales opened Coach Coffee Roasters inside Don Tacha Taqueria, combining global coffee influences with local community and sports culture. Both businesses exemplify a trend among coffee shops to prioritize social impact and inclusivity in their operations. These ventures address social issues through employment opportunities and by fostering cultural diversity.