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 For more Disability Content follow me @TheDisabilityAllyNYC Instagram click here https://www.instagram.com/thedisabilityallynyc/
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