With a heartfelt celebration, ribbon cutting, and slicing of cake, Uptown’s newest cafe is officially open and serving treats with a big mission.
Why ‘Cakeable’? The word literally autocorrects to capable — something the staff and team are proving. and so much more.
Cakeable is a nonprofit workforce development program. Adults living with intellectual and developmental disabilities are hired and provided help to achieve their potential through an inclusive work environment.
The cafe employs 25 people. Four to six month paid internships offer vocational training and career development while cultivating confidence in the workforce. After graduation, Cakeable helps locate career opportunities with partners like Compass Group .
You’ll find messages of inspiration and belonging on the interior of the cafe.
Photo by CLTtoday
“Cakeable Cafe creates an opportunity for our team to develop new skills such as customer service and sales transactions to better prepare them for other jobs and roles across the city,” said Renee Ratcliffe, Cakeable co-founder.
The cafe at 401 N. Tryon St. is beautifully decorated and features indoor + outdoor seating. You can order your favorite latte, hot coffee, tea + sweet treats. Editor’s note: there are labels outside the pastry case displaying who proudly baked the daily goodies.
You can also support the team’s artists, who have candles and other handmade items on sale along with comfortable apparel.
Cakeable Cafe also has a variety of sweatshirts, shirts, hats, and tumblers ready to be purchased.
Photo by CLTtoday
“We are thrilled to open Cakeable Cafe in Uptown in hopes it will not only be a gathering place and go-to coffee shop for Charlotteans, but even more so that it will give life to a community and inspire businesses to consider the benefits of disability inclusive employment,” said co-founder John Ratcliffe.
Cakeable Cafe is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Pro tip: There is a parking garage at 401 N. Tryon St. Bring your parking ticket inside to be validated up to two hours.