321 Coffee, a Triangle coffee shop with an inclusive hiring practice, is now open in Durham.
The second location of 321 Coffee thrives on the idea of hiring the developmentally disabled, abiding by the principle that a disability does not have to limit a person’s potential.
“We employ people with all sorts of disabilities, and it’s just really cool to see everyone working together with different strengths and skill sets,” 321 Coffee cofounder Lindsay Wrege said told CBS17.com.
When the company opened its first location in Raleigh five years ago, it was committed to hiring those with special needs. It’s a practice that has paid off, to the extent that 321 Coffee is opening a new location in Durham, at 300 Morris Street — and, unlike other businesses struggling to hire employees, it has a wait list of about 100 applicants.
The philosophy extends beyond merely hiring workers with disabilities. From day one, the owners built a strong ethic among its workers by letting them know they can do whatever they set their minds to.
“I like the impact it [has], the mission we are upholding, and I like just being part of an amazing company,” barista Emma Wissink told CBS17.com.
Wissink has been with the company since it started. She said every day gives her the opportunity to show customers that her disability doesn’t hold her back.
“It feels amazing to see little kids,” Wrege told CBS17.com. “The moms will say, ‘Hey, that woman has a job and also has IDD (intellectual or developmental disability),’ so it’s nice to see that the kid has an opportunity to grow.”
The concept of inclusivity has even affected how the owners named the shop. “321 represents Down Syndrome, which is when someone has three copies of the 21 chromosome,” Wrege said, according to CBS17.com
Developmentally challenged people work in almost all parts of the day-to-day business.
“They are the ones roasting the coffee, they’re taking orders, they’re making the lattes, they’re doing the latte art,” Wrege told CBS17.com. “Seeing how proud everyone is of themselves and the confidence that they’ve built and the pride they take in their work is so fulfilling. It’s something that everyone deserves.”
With each cup of coffee served, they are learning that there’s a place in this world for everyone.
“You can be included everywhere you go: coffee shops, retails shops, everywhere,” Wrege said.
