A new café on the north side of town is creating more than just delicious drinks—it’s creating opportunities. Mermaid Café, which quietly opened on May 5, is staffed primarily by employees with disabilities and is already gaining attention for its welcoming atmosphere and inspiring mission.
The official grand opening is scheduled for July 9.
For founder Leah and her family, the café is the fulfillment of a dream 20 years in the making. “I had a purpose,” Leah said. “I was involved with reading, books, cooking, baking… I was inspired by my idols like Rachael Ray!”
Visitors describe Mermaid Café as a place filled with warmth and joy. Jerry Wessler, who traveled from Georgia, brought her brother—who has Down syndrome—for a visit. “It really made us feel joyful,” she said. “We’re happy to be here. My brother has a disability, and we wanted him to experience being with some fellow friends.”
The café is also redefining what inclusion looks like in the workplace. Leah’s father highlighted the importance of real employment. “We don’t have any volunteers. We don’t have job coaches. We have actual employees… and they get paid,” he said.
Since its soft opening, the community response has been overwhelmingly supportive. “People smile when they come in,” Leah’s father said. “They say, ‘Thank you for opening this place. It’s a place where we can feel accepted and feel safe.’”
With its mission of empowerment and its focus on community, Mermaid Café is proving that a cup of coffee can be a powerful tool for change.
Related topics:
- Mazda Canada Launches Mazda Coffee Tour Celebrating Coffee Culture
- Ethiopia Hits $1.8B Coffee Export Record in 10 Months
- The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Launches New Airport Café in Salt Lake City