bitty and beaus coffee strore sign

An unforgettable experience took place last week in Wilmington, NC. A movement, unlike any other we’ve been a part of as a community, is growing from the counters and tables at Bitty & Beau’s Coffee–and the message is infectious.

One year ago, Amy and Ben Wright, a local couple from Wilmington, launched a small little coffee shop that employs individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This cause is particularly important to Amy and Ben because their daughter and son, Bitty and Beau, have down syndrome. Amy and Ben are revolutionizing today’s workforce by connecting employers and people to talented individuals with IDD.

On Wednesday, January 25, 2017, Wilmington Design Company had the opportunity to join in on the celebration of Bitty & Beau’s wonderful one-year anniversary. The event took place at their stunning new 5,000 sq. ft. storefront headquarters, a space generously provided by the Rippy family.

Photo Credit: Matt RayPhoto Credit: Matt Ray

The event started with a huge gathering of supporters which overflowed out the door. After an energizing welcome from Amy, she introduced every employee individually set to a musical and dance appearance. After the introductions, the Wright family handed out plenty of thank yous including the acknowledgment of two special guests, Wilmington’s Mayor, Bill Saffo, and members of the Rippy family.

Mayor Saffo honored Bitty & Beau’s with the ‘Key to the City’ to congratulate them on their great success and for starting such a positive movement in Wilmington, NC and across the nation. However, the real MVPs of the celebration were all the employees at Bitty & Beau’s. Many of them shared their work experiences at Bitty & Beau’s over the last year including; Matt Dean, Jessei Guillame, and Dustin Estabrook, leaving the crowd in happy-tears. Mr. Allen Rippy added that not only is Bitty & Beau’s the happiest place in Wilmington, but it, in fact, is the happiest place in the world!

We here at Wilmington Design Co., agree with Mr. Rippy, Bitty & Beau’s is one amazing place. Visitors, employees, and everyone else associated with this organization agrees, “It’s so much more than just a cup of coffee”. We are honored to be a part of such a great team and look forward to continuing our partnership to make this movement known worldwide! Take a look and see for yourself how Bitty & Beau’s is changing the way people see, value, accept, include, and love one another https://www.bittyandbeauscoffee.com.