Bitty & Beau’s Opens in Frisco, Bringing a Movement of Inclusion and Joy to our Community
By Amanda Baze Hall
Walk into a Bitty & Beau’s Coffee shop, and you’ll find more than lattes and baked goods – you’ll feel something. There’s an energy in the air that’s hard to describe, a joy that radiates from behind the counter, a sense that you’ve stepped into something special. That’s by design. At Bitty & Beau’s, the mission is about more than coffee – it’s about changing the way the world sees people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). And this mission has arrived in Frisco, Texas.
A Mission Born from Love
The story began in Wilmington, North Carolina, where Amy Wright and her husband opened the first Bitty & Beau’s in 2016, named after their two youngest children, both of whom have Down syndrome. As a mother of four, Amy wanted the world to see what she saw in her children: value, purpose, and potential.
“When we opened our first shop, it was really about creating a place where people with disabilities could be seen, celebrated, and employed,” Amy shared. “What began as one coffee shop has become a national movement – and with each new location, the vision grows.”
Beyond Coffee: A Movement Grows
Today, Bitty & Beau’s has over 20 locations across the U.S., each one built on a mission of inclusion. The company has employed hundreds of individuals with IDD, creating opportunities that go far beyond a paycheck. Inside each store, employees serve up smiles, engage with customers, and bring a unique kind of energy to the community. It's more than just a job – it's a platform for empowerment.
Early on, Amy knew she was onto something bigger than a business. One moment in particular still stands out in her mind. “A couple came into the shop and sat at the counter,” she recalled. “They were expecting a baby, and when our employee Elizabeth – who has Down syndrome – learned that their baby had also been diagnosed with Down syndrome, she looked at them and said, ‘Congratulations!’ with the biggest smile. It was the first time anyone had responded to them that way. They told us it moved them to tears.”
Moments like that underscore why Bitty & Beau’s exists: to reframe the narrative around disability and create spaces of true belonging. And in today’s culture, where inclusion can often feel like a trendy buzzword, Amy is adamant that real belonging goes deeper. “It’s not about checking a box or using the right language. It’s about creating spaces where people feel seen, valued, and celebrated. From how we hire, to how we train, to how we design our shops—it all reflects our belief that everyone has something meaningful to contribute.”
Redefining Inclusion and Success
Bitty & Beau’s Coffee stands out because it walks the walk. Employees aren’t just included – they’re central. The model flips the script by starting with inclusion and building everything else around it.
“Inclusion is just the starting point – valuing someone means giving them real opportunities to thrive,” Amy said. “We make sure every employee knows they’re not just part of the team – they are the reason the team exists.”
For Amy and her team, success isn’t measured in sales but in stories. “I’ll never forget the man in our Annapolis shop who came in for coffee and ended up in a long conversation with one of our employees. He stopped me on the way out and said, ‘I came in needing caffeine, but I’m walking out with something so much more – I feel changed.’ That’s what Bitty & Beau’s is all about.”
The Frisco location will soon offer residents the same kind of transformation – warm coffee paired with connection, community and purpose. Soon after walking into the Frisco location, you’ll find that the spirit of Bitty & Beau’s mission is fully represented and buried deep in the hearts of its owners and employees.
Frisco: A Community Embracing Diversity and Inclusion
Frisco stands as a vibrant mosaic of cultures, languages, and experiences. With approximately 27 percent of its population identifying as Asian, 13 percent as Hispanic, nine percent as African American, and four percent as multiracial, the city truly embodies a modern-day melting pot. Notably, 26.3 percent of Frisco residents were born outside the United States, reflecting a rich tapestry of global backgrounds.
This cultural richness is celebrated through various community initiatives. The city's Parks and Recreation Department, Play Frisco, hosts events like the Frisco International Arts & Culture Festival, showcasing traditions from around the world. Additionally, the recently established Multicultural Committee advises city officials on promoting cultural awareness and organizing inclusive events.
In this environment of openness and celebration of differences, Bitty & Beau’s Coffee finds a fitting home. The city's dedication to ensuring everyone has a seat at the table aligns seamlessly with the coffee shop's mission of inclusion and empowerment.
Frisco’s growth has long centered around forward-thinking development, family values, and the importance of inclusivity. A shop like Bitty & Beau’s doesn’t just provide jobs – it cultivates dignity, sparks dialogue, and reshapes how we think about work and worth.
And the need is there. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2023, only 21.3 percent of people with a disability were employed, compared to 65.4 percent of those without a disability. That gap speaks volumes about the systemic barriers people with disabilities continue to face. Bitty & Beau’s offers a different narrative: one of possibility.
“I wish more businesses understood that hiring people with intellectual and developmental disabilities isn’t charity – it’s smart business,” Amy emphasized. “They often become the heartbeat of a team. What holds many businesses back is fear – fear of doing it wrong, or not knowing where to start. But when you focus on strengths instead of limitations, you realize how much value is waiting to be unlocked.”
More Than a Coffee Shop, It’s a Catalyst
That value extends beyond the walls of a coffee shop. A 2023 report from the International Finance Corporation found that businesses embracing inclusive employment models saw a 28 percent increase in revenue, 30% higher profit margins, and double the net income compared to their peers. Inclusive hiring isn’t just compassionate – it’s economically savvy.
At the community level, these practices have a ripple effect. Local economies benefit from job creation, reduced dependency on social assistance programs, and increased consumer participation from employees with disabilities. When given the opportunity, individuals with disabilities not only contribute – they thrive, inspiring those around them and helping reshape cultural values on a broader scale.
The company’s success is living proof that inclusion elevates everyone. Employees at Bitty & Beau’s aren’t just surviving – they’re thriving. They’ve taught Amy how to be more present, how to find joy in the everyday, and how to redefine success. “Success isn’t about climbing a ladder – it’s about knowing you belong and are making a difference,” she shared.
Even as the company scales, Amy is intentional about preserving the personal mission at the heart of the brand. Every franchisee, manager, and team member goes through extensive culture training, ensuring the company’s values are lived, not just laminated. “Scaling doesn’t mean watering down the message. It means finding more ways to amplify it, without ever losing the personal touch that makes Bitty & Beau’s what it is,” she clarifies.
Frisco’s Bitty & Beau’s location is more than just the latest addition – it’s a sign of momentum. A reminder that businesses can be built on compassion and that a coffee shop can become a catalyst for change. For anyone who walks through the doors, the experience won’t just be about coffee. It will be about connection. About dignity. About hope.
Because at Bitty & Beau’s, every cup tells a story. And Frisco is ready to listen. Frisco’s Bitty & Beau’s location is located at 6560 John Hickman Pkwy Ste 500, Frisco, and opened officially on April 26th. To learn more about Bitty & Beau’s, visit bittyandbeauscoffee.com.
Amanda Baze Hall is a storyteller, creative, and coffee enthusiast who loves Jesus, good conversation, and the occasional witty comeback. She firmly believes caffeine and faith can move mountains – just not before 9 a.m.
