Long hair down, plaid jacket on, and sarcastic wit on display, folk singer Noah Kahan was totally himself when he strolled into Bitty & Beau’s Coffee in Charleston, South Carolina last weekend.
Ahead of a Small Business Saturday concert in the Palmetto State, Kahan paid a visit to the local business to “fuel up” before his show. Bitty & Beau’s, which calls itself “a human rights movement disguised as a coffee shop,” employs people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
With 20 locations across the country, the company employs over 400 individuals nationwide.
But Kahan clearly had a sweet spot for the workers at the Charleston location. A video posted to the company’s social media accounts shows the highlight reel of his visit.
“Nice to meet you,” Kahan said, giving a hug to the famous Bitty as he walked into the shop. “Thanks for having me in to your spot!”
The establishment appeared empty, making it easy for Kahan to navigate with camera crews and team members. He greeted every employee, having learned their names ahead of time.
“Dee Dee?” he asked one employee, who responded with an enthusiastic “Yes, sir!”
The singer (who was just named to Forbes’ “30 Under 30” list) placed an order at the counter, where employees explained how they manage busy times at the cafe and then made sure to make a few signature quips.
“This is actually ‘Undercover Boss,’” he joked with a crew of baristas, who laughed generously as they taught him how to make a drink.
After tasking the first sip of what seemed to be a festive frappuccino, he added: “Five stars, and the service was exceptional.”
Bitty & Beau’s has been in operation since 2016, when it was founded in Wilmington, North Carolina by Amy and Ben Wright. The Wrights are parents to four children — Lillie, Emma Grace, Beau, and Bitty. Lillie was born with autism, and Bitty and Beau were born with Down syndrome.
After learning that more than 80% of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities were unemployed nationwide, the Wrights decided to “create a place where people with disabilities are valued and given opportunity for meaningful work,” their website explains.
The model is what they describe as “a coffee shop, with an unforgettable staff that changes the way people see other people.”
It was clear from the video that the Charleston team gave Kahan that very unforgettable experience.
After posing for pictures, he stayed to chat with staff, asking about their pets, favorite music artists, and work history at Bitty & Beau’s.
Bitty also ended their time together by handing Kahan an apron of his own.
While Kahan has not yet shared about the experience, American Express shared a PSA on Small Business Saturday ahead of Kahan’s concert, with his tune “All My Love” playing in the background.
“Well I’m inspired,” he said in the video. “I feel like it’d be impossible to have a not-good experience in here. The staff is so cool, professional, super kind. And it’s one of the best cups [of coffee] I’ve had in a long time.”
Header images courtesy of American Express and Bitty & Beau's Coffee
