Why We Closed Our Legendary Shop
and What's Next
We gave it a good run at Rise Up Cafe.
After three inspiring years of operating Rise Up Cafe, our joyful coffee and ice cream shop that proudly employed 35 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), we made the difficult decision to close our doors. During that time, in addition to having 35 people with IDD on the payroll, more than 350 other people with IDD received hands-on job skills training. The response from the community was overwhelmingly positive. People loved the concept. They loved the energy. They loved the team.
Despite all that support,
something crucial didn’t happen.
Very few of our trained team members were hired by other businesses. Our goal was never just to run a coffee and ice cream shop. We envisioned Rise Up Cafe as a launchpad — a proof of concept that would encourage other employers to follow suit. While many visitors asked how to replicate our model, only a handful actually did. The majority of our job skills training program graduates were left without the next step they deserved.
So we decided to change our approach. With the support of our nonprofit Inclusion Revolution, our mission now focuses on creating inclusive employment opportunities by working directly with other businesses and organizations. We prepare our program participants with job-specific training, then provide businesses with ongoing support to ensure a successful, long-term employment relationship.
We’re Proud of What Rise Up Cafe Accomplished
It wasn't just the jobs we created, but the minds and hearts we opened. We understand that most people have never had the chance to get to know someone with IDD, but we know that once they do, their fear of difference is replaced by appreciation, respect, and even admiration.Integrated and inclusive employment should not be limited to a few specialty shops or nonprofits. We believe businesses of every kind can become part of the solution — and with your help, we’re making that vision a reality.
Join us in building a more inclusive workforce. Invest today and support the mission of Inclusion Revolution.
A small cafe with a big mission!
Inclusion. Jobs. Dignity.
At Rise Up Cafe, we provided secure, successful jobs which in turn helped our employees form meaningful friendships with their peers; live independently; improve their public speaking, develop self-advocacy and communication skills; and feel valued and included by society. We celebrated and honored their special abilities!
It's an Inclusion Revolution!
Integrated employment,
front and center
For too long, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) have been kept in the shadows. Rise Up Cafe is about inclusion, acceptance and opportunity for all. We opened our awesome flagship shop in 2020 where we employed 35 people with IDD, right in the middle of downtown Sarasota, Florida. Unfortunately, we had to close that shop in 2024, but we're continuing to expand our job and social skills training programs. Learn more here.
Dignity and Respect
We had great coffee, ice cream, and food in an inspiring environment
People came to our shop to slow down, enjoy our fresh coffee and delicious treats while spending time with our amazing Rise Up Cafe team members. Our staff finally had the chance to show their abilities.
Join Rise Up Cafe
in the
Inclusion Revolution
It took a vision and a village to establish and cultivate our coffee and ice cream shop, Rise Up Cafe. Many thanks to our generous partners.
- Jobs
- Dignity
- Respect
- Acceptance
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