News Summary
Bitty & Beau’s Coffee is set to open its first Rhode Island location in downtown Providence on October 25, 2025. The coffee shop aims to provide an inclusive workplace for individuals with intellectual disabilities, championing acceptance and diversity while offering a diverse menu of beverages and pastries.
Rhode Island will soon welcome its first Bitty & Beau’s Coffee location, set to open in downtown Providence at 100 North Main Street. The grand opening is scheduled for October 25, 2025, at 10 a.m. This new coffee shop aims to provide an inclusive workplace for individuals with intellectual disabilities, which is in line with the mission of the chain that has gained recognition across the United States.
Founded by Amy and Ben Wright, Bitty & Beau’s Coffee originated in Wilmington, North Carolina, over nine years ago. The Wrights were motivated to create this coffee shop after their youngest children, Beau and Bitty, who both have Down syndrome, inspired them to pursue a venture that would promote inclusivity and acceptance for individuals with disabilities. In doing so, the coffee shop seeks to address the alarming unemployment rate, which stands at about 80% for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Amy Wright has highlighted that Bitty & Beau’s Coffee is not just a place to enjoy a beverage, but also a venue that aims to cultivate paths for acceptance and inclusion within communities. By employing individuals with disabilities, the coffee shop intends to showcase their capabilities and potential in the workforce.
The menu at Bitty & Beau’s Coffee will feature a diverse selection of beverages, including hot and iced drinks, freshly brewed coffee, lattes, chai, cappuccinos, teas, frappes, and smoothies. In addition to the drink offerings, the café will sell various breakfast pastries and desserts, such as cookies, cake pops, bagels, muffins, cinnamon rolls, and brownies, ensuring there is something for everyone.
Currently, there are 16 Bitty & Beau’s Coffee locations across the United States, with the closest shop to Rhode Island located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The local franchise owners of the Providence shop, Anne-Marie and Patrick Scott, are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where individuals with disabilities can thrive.
Bitty & Beau’s Coffee is often described as “a human rights movement disguised as a coffee shop.” This characterization reflects their foundational belief in creating opportunities for those often marginalized in the job market. Interested individuals seeking employment can apply online at the Bitty & Beau’s Coffee website, reinforcing the café’s dedication to hiring individuals with intellectual disabilities.
As the Providence community gears up for the arrival of Bitty & Beau’s Coffee, the Wrights have expressed optimism about the positive impact they can make in the area concerning inclusive employment practices. The opening of this coffee shop not only provides a new dining option for locals but also serves as a powerful symbol for employment equality and the celebration of diversity in the workforce.
In summary, the grand opening of Bitty & Beau’s Coffee in downtown Providence will mark a significant step forward in promoting inclusivity and acceptance for individuals with disabilities, making it a noteworthy addition to Rhode Island’s community landscape.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- WPRI: Bitty & Beau’s Inclusive Coffee Shop Opens in Providence
- Providence Journal: RI Food News – Bitty & Beau’s
- Valley Breeze: Neuro Brews Blends Coffee and Inclusion
- Brown Daily Herald: Brown Bee Coffee Opens Doors
- GoLocalProv: A New Coffee Shop is Coming to Providence
- Wikipedia: Intellectual Disability
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
