Café Joyeux opened in New York City a few months ago at 599 Lexington Avenue. This cafe is unlike other cafes in that most of the staff of all of the Cafés Joyeux are individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. It is the first cafe opened in the United States by a not-for-profit foundation that has already opened 26 cafes in France, Belgium and Portugal. The foundation promotes the inclusion of people with disabilities into the workforce.
On Wednesday, August 28th, D&A Executive Director Helene Connelly, Board Member Rose Lynn Sherr, Ph.D. and I visited the cafe. It was a wonderful experience. The decor of the cafe was very upbeat, bright yellow walls and a very modern decor. On the walls were placards displaying messages of inclusion and joy: “Served from the heart” and “Inclusion has no borders” These messages make the cafe welcoming as well as inclusive.
I should mention the delicious food! The menu included homemade quiches and pastries and the menu changes with the seasons. We ordered paninis and quiches and beverages and also bought their ground coffee to bring home. The wait staff were friendly and very efficient. Their smiles and pleasant personalities suggested that they enjoyed their work and they made us feel very welcome.
We were also fortunate to have had an unplanned meeting with the CEO of the foundation, Silvie Giret, and the General Manager of the cafe, Shray Campbell, who both happened to be there that day. Shray and Silvie shared more about the cafe and the background and the inspiration to start the foundation. The foundation’s goal is to raise awareness of the capabilities of people with disabilities, drawing on and developing their strengths as well as to provide work opportunities globally. Their message has already made an impact; the owner of their building has generously provided the NYC location of the Café Joyeux rent-free for the next 10 years!
We are also so excited to hear that they are planning to grow and expand their locations in the U.S. Keep a lookout for them and visit as soon as you can!
Visit Café Joyeux
