Description
Bitty & Beau’s Coffee is a unique franchise that combines the sale of coffee and related products with a mission to provide employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This distinctive approach not only offers a compelling business model but also contributes positively to the community.
Franchisor Details
Franchisor Name
Bitty & Beau's Coffee
Year Founded
2016
Franchising Since
2020
Home Office
Wilmington, North Carolina
Training
Comprehensive training program that covers all aspects of running a coffee shop, with a focus on the company's mission to provide inclusive employment opportunities.
Industry
Food & Beverage
Franchise Costs
Total Investment
$461,000 - $858,000
Net Worth Required
$800,000
Liquid Capital Required
$200,000
Franchise Fee
$50,000
Royalty Fee
6%
Values & History
Founded in 2016 by Amy and Ben Wright, who have children with Down syndrome (Bitty and Beau), the company started in Wilmington, North Carolina. The brand was created to address the 80% unemployment rate among individuals with IDD. Their core values center around promoting human value, creating inclusive workplaces, and demonstrating that people with disabilities can be successful employees while delivering excellent customer service. The company has gained national recognition for its social impact and business model.
Industry Performance
The specialty coffee industry continues to show strong growth, particularly for businesses with distinctive brand identities and social missions. The sector benefits from increasing consumer preference for socially conscious businesses and quality coffee experiences. The combination of specialty coffee and social enterprise creates a unique market position, appealing to consumers who prioritize businesses with purpose-driven missions alongside quality products.
Training & Support
The franchise provides comprehensive training encompassing coffee preparation, store operations, and their unique inclusive employment model. Support includes specialized training for working with employees with IDD, operational systems implementation, marketing strategies, and ongoing business guidance. Franchisees receive assistance with hiring practices, staff development, and maintaining brand standards while fulfilling the social mission of the business.
Qualifications
Successful candidates should demonstrate a genuine commitment to the company's social mission and inclusion of individuals with IDD. They should possess strong business management abilities, leadership skills, and experience in customer service or hospitality. Candidates must show patience, empathy, and ability to create an inclusive work environment. A passion for both coffee culture and social impact is essential, along with the capability to balance business operations with the brand's mission.