The story of Wilmington-based Bitty & Beau’s Coffee starts with inclusion. Parents Amy and Ben Wright have four children, two of which, Bitty and Beau, have Down syndrome. According to their website, the Wrights started a coffee shop to employee people with disabilities as a way to advocate for acceptance and inclusion. Bitty & Beau’s rose to fame, shortly after opening in January 2016, with appearances on The Rachael Ray Show, Good Morning America, People, Southern Living, and more.

When Bitty & Beau’s wanted to expanded, the shop asked its fans to vote on where the next address should be. After a nation-wide search, Charleston stood out as the new home for a second store.

Amy Wright told News & Observer, “Charleston offers the same southern hospitality we’re accustomed to and was recently voted the ‘Best City in the South’ by Southern Living Magazine, so it’s the perfect place to open our second location.”

The namesake Bitty and Beau announced the choice on Facebook:

Look for the new store to open fall 2017.

• Bitty & Beau’s [Official]
• More Than a Coffee Shop: Bitty & Beau’s Coffee Expands to Charleston [N&O]