321 Coffee is more than just a coffee shop and roaster; it's a vibrant embodiment of inclusion. With welcoming locations in Raleigh, Durham and the State Farmers Market, they've set a remarkable example by employing over 50 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). These incredible individuals are at the heart of 321 Coffee, roasting coffee, taking orders and crafting lattes, illustrating the power of an inclusive business model.
Read MoreExplore the heartwarming journey of 321 Coffee, a coffee shop and roaster that thrives on inclusivity, employing over 50 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Delve into their humble beginnings, meet the exceptional team, and discover their delightful drink recommendations, all while uncovering the profound symbolism behind the name "321 Coffee."
Read MoreA local coffee brand known for its community involvement is expanding. 321 Coffee is now selling bags of its coffee in Weaver Street Market stores. The Raleigh brand has grown from a single coffee shop stall in the State Farmers Market to several retail locations and a roasting facility. "I want people with disabilities to be able to walk down the aisles of grocery stores and see a product that represents them. Now that’s happening!" said Lindsay Wrege, co-founder and CEO of 321 Coffee.
Read MoreDurham is a city renowned for its commitment to the art of coffee. With a diverse and thriving coffee culture, the Bull City boasts an impressive array of coffee shops, each with its own unique character. Explore the lively downtown area with an array of coffee shops that offer diverse and distinctive experiences - like 321 Coffee on Morris Street. 321 Coffee is a beacon of inclusivity - priding itself on employing over 50 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, empowering them to roast coffee, manage orders and create exquisite lattes.
Read More“By choosing to get coffee from 321, you’re part of a larger mission and a larger solution,” Lindsay Wrege says. She and Michael Evans co-founded 321 Coffee, a coffee shop that prioritizes employing individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, in 2017. The shop has grown significantly from its humble beginnings when the team would set up folding tables and a home coffee brewer anywhere in Raleigh that would welcome them; it’s now established a permanent presence at the State Farmers Market, along with two additional storefronts and Lindsay realized a long-time dream when 321 opened its doors in Durham in December 2022.
Read MoreIn a celebration of women entrepreneurs, Lindsay Wrege will address the Lycoming College campus with a talk entitled, "Student to CEO: Dream Big and Start Small," on Wednesday, Sept. 27, in Trogner Presentation Room in the Krapf Gateway Center. Wrege, co-founder and CEO of 321 Coffee, will share the story of how she launched her business out of her dorm room at North Carolina State University with the idea that business should be used for positive social impact.
Read More321 Coffee, an alumni-owned business that employs people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), just announced its expansion to a new location in Centennial Campus' Venture Place building at the beginning of 2024. Lindsay Wrege, co-founder of 321 Coffee, said the business began as a student club at NC State in 2017 with the mission of providing job opportunities to the IDD community. The business employs over 60 people members of that community - who do everything from roasting and packaging coffee to running deliveries and taking orders.
Read More321 Coffee, an alumni-owned and -operated local coffee shop and roaster that employs individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs), is launching a new location on NC State's Centennial Campus. Projected to open in early 2024, the cafe will be set in the Venture Place courtyard on Main Campus Drive and feature a full coffee menu with rotating specials and light food offerings.
Read MoreA fast-growing coffee company in Raleigh has announced its fifth location. 321 Coffee, a company that employs individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, is opening a new location on North Carolina State University's Centennial Campus. The shop will open in early 2024 in the Venture Place courtyard on Main Campus Drive. The store will serve a full coffee menu with light food offerings and feature indoor and outdoor seating.
Read More321 Coffee, an alumni-owned and -operated local coffee shop and roaster that employs individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs), is launching a new location on NC State’s Centennial Campus. Projected to open in early 2024, the cafe will be set in the Venture Place courtyard on Main Campus Drive and feature a full coffee menu with rotating specials and light food offerings. The Centennial location will also host ample indoor and outdoor seating, including a reservable conference room.
Read More321 Coffee, a local coffee roaster and cafe that employs people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, will open a new location on NC State's Centennial Campus. This will be 321's fifth and largest location and is set to open early 2024. Co-founders Lindsay Wrege and Michael Evans hatched the idea for 321 Coffee during their freshman year at NC State. "The NC State community continues to show up," Lindsay said in a press release. "Now we have an opportunity to bring it home."
Read MoreRaleigh, North Carolina, is one of the nation's fastest-growing cities, but that doesn't mean NC State students can't escape the hustle and bustle. Students or fellow members of the Wolfpack can try some new, tasty treats - like delicious beverages from 321 Coffee. Founded in 2017 by NC State students Lindsay Wrege and Michael Evans, 321 Coffee is a coffee shop focused on providing amazing coffee as well as employing individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. There are three locations, so head downtown to get a fresh cup.
Read MoreSubject line says it all. At this past weekend’s Victory Day Celebration - presented by Gigi’s Playhouse - N.C. State Head Football Coach and 321 Coffee Barista Sam Hening talk about the Victory Day event, coffee, football, and more. Stick around to find out who stands out as Sam’s favorite Wolfpack player!
Read MoreDurham is home to a truly thriving coffee scene. Explore some of the local favorites and new-to-you options around the city. Here's our guide to the best coffee shops in Durham - including 321 Coffee, a mission-driven retailser and roaster nestled in the heart of Durham's thriving coffee scene.
Read MoreAda Lopez is a Senior Manager with Lenovo's Product Diversity Office. Lopez and her team look for partnership opportunities with companies that might need technology products or support. Enter 321 Coffee - a Raleigh-based roaster and retail company that employs adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities - who was launching its new roasting facility. Lopez thought, "Let's bring our technology to make a smart workplace and see if we can innovate retail." Learn how Lenovo and its AI technology are easing the burdens on 321 Coffee Roasters.
Read MoreWhen the subject of diversity, equity, and inclusion arises, it typically centers around race or even gender identity. Far less often does DEI touch on people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). But it was this overlooked community that inspired the creation of 321 Coffee, a Raleigh-based coffee shop and roastery that employs staff from the historically underrepresented—and often underemployed—population.
Read MoreFrom folding tables and the Farmer's Market to Downtown Raleigh and Durham, 321 Coffee has quickly become a beloved Triangle brand. The mission-driven company aims to provide meaningful employment to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. NC State Chancellor Woodson sits down with founders and NCSU alumni Michael Evans and Lindsay Wrege to talk about how the Wolfpack community helped turn their ideas into reality. Plus, barista Sam teaches Chancellor Woodson how to make a dirty chai latte.
Read MoreThroughout the third-wave coffee movement, hot topics include sustainability, accountability, origin tracing, fair trade, and inclusivity. 321 Coffee faces inclusivity and accessibility head on by providing employment for people with disabilities. In interviews with Michael Evans and Sophie Pacyna of 321 Coffee, we hear the important stories behind 321 Coffee and its mission.
Read MoreWe are excited to announce the recipients of the Spring 2023 Impact Partner Grant, a program aimed at fostering inclusive innovation in Raleigh. Five local businesses have been chosen to receive this grant, recognizing their dedication to supporting underrepresented innovators, entrepreneurs, and small businesses. We are honored to support 321 Coffee with one of these grants. 321 Coffee is a social enterprise that empowers individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Read MoreMeet the Triangle Business Journal's outstanding class of 2023 40 Under 40 Awards winners, representing the rising leaders in the business community across Raleigh, Durham and beyond. We talk with winner Lindsay Wrege, co-founder of 321 Coffee, a coffee shop that employs adults with special needs.
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