PITTSTON – When Coffee Inclusive opened its doors in Pittston in March 2023, it introduced the community to something more than another place to grab a cup of coffee.
Located at 350 Kennedy Blvd. in the Waterfront Warehouse, the coffee shop was created by PA Inclusive, formerly NEPA Inclusive, with a mission of providing meaningful employment and training opportunities for people with diverse abilities, including individuals with autism and Down syndrome.
The idea originated with PA Inclusive President and CEO Frank Bartoli, who had dreamed for years of creating a coffee shop where individuals with disabilities could work alongside experienced baristas and servers.
After searching for the right location, the former smoothie-bar space next to the organization’s offices proved to be the perfect fit.
From the beginning, Coffee Inclusive was designed to be a true community coffee shop. Employees receive training just as they would in any other workplace and work in positions ranging from preparing beverages to serving customers and handling other day-to-day responsibilities.
Coffee Inclusive offers regular and decaffeinated drip coffee, espresso, cappuccinos, lattes, Americanos, macchiatos and nitro cold brew.
Customers can also choose from chai and matcha lattes, teas, hot chocolate, smoothies and acai bowls.
When Coffee Inclusive opened, the Sunday Dispatch was on hand when dozens of customers lined up for coffee, tea, espresso drinks, smoothies and baked goods.
By Sept. 2023, the business had expanded to a seven-day-a-week service because customers were asking for Sunday hours.
You can get award-winning coffee daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Perhaps the biggest development in the coffee story came earlier this year with the introduction of Inclusive Grounds Coffee Company.
PA Inclusive began roasting its own medium- and dark-roast coffee, initially selling the bags at Coffee Inclusive. The organization plans to eventually make the coffee available to other coffee shops, restaurants and customers online.
The café has also become a gathering place for the Greater Pittston community. Its space has been used for educational programs, fundraisers, cooking classes and other activities designed to bring people together.
Today, Coffee Inclusive is approaching its fourth year as a Pittston business and is now adding a second location in Scranton at 526 Cedar Ave.
One thing to remember when drinking Coffee Inclusive brew: it’s not just a cup of coffee; it represents an opportunity for employment, independence, friendship, training and inclusion.
In Pittston, Coffee Inclusive has demonstrated that sometimes a cup of coffee can do considerably more than wake someone up. It can help change a life.
For more information on Coffee Inclusive in Pittston or Scranton, call 570-299-5273.