321 Coffee Launches New Mobile Coffee Cart
In partnership with Chiesi and the City of Raleigh, 321 Coffee’s new venture amplifies the reach of disability inclusion in the workplace
Specialty baristas Sophie and Rene take pride in smiling alongside the new 321 Coffee Cart.
Raleigh, N.C. (January 10, 2024) – 321 Coffee, the trailblazing local coffee shop and roaster that proudly employs individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), announces a new and engaging venture - the 321 Coffee Cart. The custom-designed cart is thoroughly equipped to seamlessly bring the full 321 Coffee experience to special events, offices, and beyond. Offering specialty, made-to-order espresso beverages on-site to enrich any event or corporate experience, the coffee cart simultaneously shines a spotlight on disability inclusion in the community while actively creating more meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with IDD. Bookings are now open for spring 2024.
On a mission to change the statistic that 80% of adults with disabilities are unemployed, 321 Coffee’s current brick and mortar locations across Raleigh and Durham collectively employ over 50 individuals with IDD, with an employment interest notification list of over 250. The cart represents new growth opportunities both for the current 321 Coffee team and for individuals on the notification list.
By going beyond the confines of traditional catering offerings and taking the entire 321 Coffee experience directly into the community, the mobile cart amplifies visibility for disability inclusion in the workforce. Through strategic corporate partnerships and impactful event operations, the cart aims to inspire individuals and entire businesses to recognize and embrace the diverse skill set of the underemployed population. This initiative aligns with the company's broader mission of leading by example and demonstrating the potential, power, and value of disability inclusion through excellent specialty beverage service.
“Ultimately, we aim to start a chain reaction where businesses see the diverse skill set of our team and seek to create opportunities in their own organizations for individuals with IDD. While our shop locations currently provide a space for the community to come to us, a mobile cart will enable us to go out into the community and meet people right where they are,” expresses Lindsay Wrege, Co-Founder of 321 Coffee.
A group of Chiesi employees gather with the 321 Coffee team around the new 321 Coffee Cart.
The 321 Coffee Cart is proudly sponsored by Chiesi with additional support from the City of Raleigh Impact Partner Grant, exemplifying a collaborative commitment to celebrating diversity, promoting equity, and championing inclusion in the community. “It means so much to see companies and the City truly walking the walk in supporting disability inclusion in the workplace,” shares Wrege.
Bookings for the mobile espresso cart have officially opened for events in March 2024 and beyond, providing organizations and events the opportunity to elevate their gatherings with a purpose-driven coffee experience. 321 Coffee invites businesses, event organizers, and individual community members to join the movement towards inclusive employment by booking the 321 Coffee Cart. For booking inquiries and more information, please contact catering@321coffee or visit 321coffee.com/coffeecart.
About Chiesi
Chiesi USA, Inc., headquartered in Cary, North Carolina, is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on commercialization of products for the hospital and target office-based specialties. The Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of family-owned Chiesi Farmaceutici S.p.A, a global R&D-focused pharmaceutical company based in Parma, Italy. In the United States, the Company delivers therapies and enhances care for patients in the areas of acute cardiology, neonatology, cystic fibrosis and rare diseases. Recognized as a Certified B Corporation™, Chiesi is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of its communities through its employee-led corporate social responsibility program, Chiesi in the Community. Innovation, collaboration and impact are the cornerstones of the Chiesi culture. For more information, visit www.chiesiusa.com.
About 321 Coffee
321 Coffee is a coffee shop and roaster focusing on workforce inclusion of individuals with disabilities. Located in Raleigh, the company currently employs over 50 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). 321 baristas do it all: roasting the coffee, taking the orders, making the lattes. Together they are demonstrating the value of an inclusive business model. Launched in 2017, the company is on a mission to change the statistic that 80% of adults with disabilities are unemployed.
Interested in enjoying 321 Coffee at your home, place of business, or next event? Shop the online store at shop.321coffee.com, submit a wholesale inquiry to partner@321coffee.com, or submit an event request to catering@321coffee.com.
Media Contact
Lindsay Wrege
321 Coffee
partner@321coffee.com