By: Skylar Catherwood
Bitty and Beau’s describes themselves as “a human rights movement disguised as a coffee company.” Bitty and Beau’s is a coffee company that hires people with intellectual and developmental disabilities not only to create more jobs for people with IDD but to change the way people see others. The company was founded by Amy and Ben Wright, the parents of four kids: Lillie, Emma Grace, Bitty, and Beau. Their daughter Lillie was born with autism, and Bitty and Beau were born with Down syndrome. The Wrights were inspired to start the company after learning over 80% of people with IDD are unemployed in the United States. They opened their first location in Wilmington, North Carolina, in 2019. What started in a small town has now spread to eleven states and eighteen locations, one including Jacksonville, FL. The Jacksonville location can be found in San Marco, across the street from Balis Park. This location was opened in November of 2022. The second customers walk through the door, they are immediately greeted by all the employees with a warm welcome. The café is set up with seating for large and small parties for group meetings or solo trips. They have built a family connection beyond their staff that makes every customer feel like they have been going there for years. The employees at Bitty and Beau’s bring an enthusiastic and kind spirit to the store that is beyond remarkable. Whether you’re in need of caffeine pick me up or a mental pick me up, Bitty and Beau’s has the cure for both.
