We’ve Been Waiting For You Cafe Joyeux

Summary

Manhattan welcomes this Parisian Cafe who employs people with intellectual developmental disabilities. Cafe Joyeux provides training and experiences to help engage people with disabilities into the community,

Exciting News for our neighborhood. New York’s first-of-its-kind inclusive
French coffee shop has made it from the heart of France to Midtown East.
Since 2017, Cafe Joyeux (pronounced joy-you) has had the mission of
providing employment and training for people with mental and cognitive
disabilities. With over 19 locations in Europe, making disability visible in
culinary jobs has proven to be a successful concept thus far. And what
better place to make their American debut than in the middle of Manhattan?
Centrally located at 52nd Street and Lexington Avenue, Cafe Joyeux
boasts warm hospitality and delicious French gourmet goodies served fresh
daily.

What makes it different from other coffee shops?

In the first place, not only does the family of cafes provide meaningful
engagement with society for its employees, but customers also gain the
opportunity to embrace differences in one another. Because, you see, 95 %
of their employees have a disability. As far as I know, there is no other
business in New York that this is the case. With this radical innovation of a
high intellectual disability employment rate, Cafe Joyeoux’s mission is to
open hearts and minds. By recruiting trainees who have a disability such as
Autism or Down Syndrome, for example, specialists work as a team to
teach vocational skills needed to work in a professional company
environment. Business Positions include greeter, food preparer, cashier,
and waitstaff. Employees learn the skills to do all positions then restaurant
managers adapt job roles to fit each person’s ability.

What do they serve?

All Joyeux team members are happy to serve the usual coffee varieties of
lattes, cappuccinos, and espressos. Homemade hot chocolate, tea, and
lemonade are also available. Drinks usually have a sprinkle of love and
kindness thrown in each cup. Prepared on-site are luscious French pastries
like almond croissants and triple chocolate cookies. Yum!
Beyond dessert, you’ll find savory treats such as bacon and cheese
bun, sweet potato soup, or a Waldorf salad.

Besides the people and food, you’ll want to spend time soaking up the
atmosphere. With high ceilings, plenty of seating, and large windows, you
can’t help but be in a good mood. After all, Joyeoux does mean happiness in
English. I’m pleased to report the Cafe is also accessible to people using a
wheelchair or walker. Complete with an accessible bathroom as well.
Cafe Joyeoux is on a mission to include people with intellectual disability in
society through work and everyday encounters. By gaining confidence and
experience, Cafe employees’ daily lives become filled with purpose and
belonging. I’m beyond thrilled that they are here. Let us support their efforts.
I think you’ll find The Joy Will Be With You.

Cafe Joyeoux
599 Lexington Ave
Hours 7:30 am-5 pm M-F
8:00 am-4 pm Sat
Closed Sundays
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