TAMPA, Fla. — This Thanksgiving, dozens of adults with disabilities are thankful for newfound purpose after a Tampa nonprofit just opened its fifth coffee shop uniting people.

What You Need To Know

Coffee Uniting People, or CUP, provides jobs for adults with disabilities across Tampa

CUP says 80% of adults with disabilities are unemployed, but not unemployable. That’s why they’ve opened five coffee shops around the area

Tampa General’s Outpatient Center in Brandon serves as the newest CUP location

It all starts with freshly ground beans, but there’s something special about every cup of coffee from Tampa-based Coffee Uniting People (CUP).

“It’s going to be strong coffee. It’ll wake you up,” said Justin Scarle, who has worked for CUP for five months.

The group, launched by a local attorney and his wife, opened its newest location at Tampa General’s Outpatient Center in Brandon last week.

CUP employs adults with disabilities and gives them so much more than just a paycheck.

“Statistics show that about 80% of the folks are unemployed, but not unemployable. We started CUP to address that issue here in Tampa and here we are five coffee shops later,” said founder Greg Jones.

Alli Schulte, 22, just started working for CUP. She and Scarle are two of more than 60 currently employed by the 501 (c)(3).

At $14 an hour, Jones says they have a wait list in the triple digits. So far, Tampa General is loving their new blend of caffeine and care.

“Honestly, it’s been really, really rewarding. A lot of their team members have faced a lot of adversity throughout their life. But the amazing thing is their outlook on life. They have this positive outlook, they’re always smiling, they’re always in a good mood, and that kind of outlook is really infectious,” said Marion Dawkins, senior vice president of ambulatory operations.

A bug they don’t mind spreading all across the hospital.

“If you wake up in the morning and you’re feeling really tired, there’s a cup that can fulfill your needs,” Scarle said.  

CUP has four other locations across Tampa, with another slated to open in the first quarter of 2026.