SCRANTON — A new coffee shop in South Side offers more than espresso and cappuccino — it also provides a space for growth, learning and belonging.
About 3½ years after opening its first coffee shop on Kennedy Boulevard in Pittston, Coffee Inclusive officials teamed up with United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania to create employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through the new cafe in UNC’s CEDAR Center, 526 Cedar Ave.
Frank Bartoli, president and CEO of PA Inclusive and Coffee Inclusive, noted the new facility fills a void for residents in Scranton and Lackawanna County.
“We heard a lot of people say I’d like my son or daughter to have a job, but I can’t get to Pittston,” he said. “Coming closer to another community where we can employ more people is a great opportunity. (UNC) had envisioned a coffee shop as part of their redevelopment of this building and and we just fell in love with the vibe.”
Scranton Mayor Paige Gebhardt Cognetti buys a coffee at Coffee Inclusive’s grand opening at United Neighborhood Centers, 526 Cedar Avenue in Scranton, on Monday, Sept. 14, 2026. (CHAD SEBRING/STAFF PHOTO)
Part of the grand opening banner is ready for signatures at Coffee Inclusive during the grand opening of its new location at United Neighborhood Centers, 526 Cedar Avenue in Scranton, on Monday, Sept. 14, 2026. (CHAD SEBRING/STAFF PHOTO)
Dignitaries and guests gather for the grand opening of Coffee Inclusive at United Neighborhood Centers, 526 Cedar Avenue in Scranton, on Monday, Sept. 14, 2026. (CHAD SEBRING/STAFF PHOTO)
Coffee Inclusive employee Anthony Heise, 29, of Dunmore, serves a drink to a customer at Coffee Inclusive’s new location in South Scranton on Monday, Sept. 14, 2026. (ROBERT TOMKAVAGE/STAFF PHOTO)
Scranton Mayor Paige Gebhardt Cognetti interacts with employees at Coffee Inclusive’s new location on Cedar Avenue in the city on Monday, Sept. 14, 2026. (ROBERT TOMKAVAGE/STAFF PHOTO)
Employee Dan Howey, 34, of Taylor, serves a drink during the grand opening for Coffee Inclusive’s new location in South Scranton on Monday, Sept. 14, 2026. (ROBERT TOMKAVAGE/STAFF PHOTO)
Michael Papazian, also known as DJ MPower, provided DJ services during the grand opening for Coffee Inclusive’s new location in South Scranton on Monday, Sept. 14, 2026. (ROBERT TOMKAVAGE/STAFF PHOTO)
Frank Bartoli, president and CEO of PA Inclusive and Coffee Inclusive, provides remarks during the grand opening of Coffee Inclusive’s new location in South Scranton on Monday, Sept. 14, 2026. (ROBERT TOMKAVAGE/STAFF PHOTO)
Bob Durkin, president of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, provides remarks during the grand opening of Coffee Inclusive’s new location in South Scranton on Monday, Sept. 14, 2026. (ROBERT TOMKAVAGE/STAFF PHOTO)
Lisa Durkin, president and CEO of United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA, provides remarks during the grand opening for Coffee Inclusive’s new location in South Scranton in Monday, Sept. 14, 2026. (ROBERT TOMKAVAGE/STAFF PHOTO)
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Scranton Mayor Paige Gebhardt Cognetti buys a coffee at Coffee Inclusive’s grand opening at United Neighborhood Centers, 526 Cedar Avenue in Scranton, on Monday, Sept. 14, 2026. (CHAD SEBRING/STAFF PHOTO)
Sandy Nardone, board chair of Coffee Inclusive — a program of the Pittston-based nonprofit PA Inclusive — feels the space will offer bountiful opportunities for people of all abilities.
“Everybody at Coffee Inclusive believes the possibilities are endless and that every person who works here, and walks through our doors, has value and worth,” she said. “This is a place of community belonging focused on education, activity, advocacy, training and employment for people with diverse abilities.”
The CEDAR Center, in a rehabilitated former bank building, serves as a community anchor for programs and neighborhood activity, including adult education, English language learning, career readiness, multicultural wellness programming and the year-round South Side Farmers Market on Saturdays.
Tony Shulde, chair of Coffee Inclusive’s fundraising campaign, said officials raised nearly $20,000 of the $25,000 goal to get the Scranton location up and running. Grants and other funding sources filled the gap to make the new shop a reality and lift up more members of the community, he added.
“The facility is so much more than just a place to grab coffee or something to eat, it’s a place for people to grow, learn, belong and show all they are capable of — that’s truly the heart of Coffee Inclusive’s mission,” he said. “With the Scranton location, that mission can reach more individuals and families, providing a welcoming and supportive environment where people can build skills, gain confidence and succeed.”
Lisa Durkin, president and CEO of United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania, envisions the new business spreading joy throughout South Side.
“This building is very special to us and the work we do, and we’re delighted to be working alongside an organization that has such a meaningful and powerful mission,” she said. “Coffee Inclusive not only delivers a fantastic product, but they do it with enthusiasm and kindness that I think will be contagious.”
Bob Durkin, president of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, praised Coffee Inclusive officials for their commitment to all members of the communinty.
Bartoli had previously invited Durkin and his son, Kevin, who has Down syndrome, to serve as guest baristas in Pittston.
“It’s heartening as the father of a special needs individual to know there are organizations that are not looking at the barriers,” he said. “They saw opportunities for these individuals.”