Sure, coffee lovers come to Bitty & Beau’s for steaming lattes and frothy cappuccinos, but they’re equally drawn in by the café’s mission. Realizing a need for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to find employment and purpose, Amy and Ben Wright opened their coffee shop — named for their two youngest children, who have Down syndrome — in January 2016, employing 19 workers with IDD. Today, folks congregate, chat, and hold meetings at tables, a wood-slab bar, banquettes, a lounge area with sofas, and even a glass-enclosed conference community room, all of which is overseen daily by Amy and a rotating, cheerful crew of 40.
Matt, the 28-year-old designated “Giver of First Impressions” and tour director, points out the U.S. map featuring pins indicating the origins of Bitty & Beau’s visitors — North Carolina is one big red blob — plus the Post-its from France, Thailand, and other far-flung locales. At Bitty & Beau’s, fellowship, inclusivity, and valuing everyone’s capabilities creates community, one cuppa at a time, and that’s garnered national interest: In 2017, Amy was named CNN’s Hero of the Year. In her acceptance speech, she spoke directly to her children: “I would not change you for the world, but I will change the world for you.”
Bitty & Beau’s Coffee
4949 New Centre Drive
Wilmington, NC 28403
(910) 769-1252
bittyandbeauscoffee.com
A couple turned their passion for agriculture and love of North Carolina into Mike's Farm, a holiday destination for families across the state.
From a handblown glass ornament that shines like a jewel to a coveted coffee mug perfect for Christmas morning, the best-loved gifts are the ones that can’t be replaced. We collected 10 of our favorite galleries and craft shops across the state for local, handmade treasures that you can’t find anywhere else.
The legendary wrestler once billed as the "Eighth Wonder of the World" made his home on a ranch in the small town of Ellerbe.
Yes, you can add a buttery, crunchy topping to your sweet potato pie. In fact, we recommend it.
