Metro School Opens Student-Run Coffee Shop in Uptown Charlotte
Metro School has transformed its coffee cart into a full-service café. Students with disabilities now run this new spot.
In uptown Charlotte, Metro School has transformed its coffee cart into a full-service café. Students with disabilities now run this new spot, which started serving customers on September 4.
"Welcome to coffee crew. Welcome to home living!" student Jaiden Anderson said to guests at the opening, according to WFAE.
The young staff, wearing crisp white uniforms, now manages every aspect of the business. They prepare food, serve guests, and handle daily tasks. Staff members and visitors can buy fresh coffee and baked treats through the Community Based Instruction program.
"It gives an opportunity to show our students what we in the community, how we support them, how we're inclusive, and how they are also inclusive of us, creating spaces for their learning to continue," Principal Fermandi Dysonsaid per WCNC.
Students gain practical skills for future jobs. They master food prep, cash handling, and guest service in a safe space. Short interactions with customers build their confidence day by day.
Local support made the café possible. IKEA and Girl Scouts pitched in with supplies and setup. The new kitchen lets students bake and brew their own items to sell.
"When they're selling the coffee and the bakery products that they create in this wonderful kitchen here, they're able to sell it back to the staff and to generate and sustain the program," Dyson said.
This café marks big progress from their old Coffee Club cart. Staff wanted to give kids real work practice in an actual café setting.
"We want to make it a real-life workspace and not just on a cart because you typically wouldn't buy coffee on a cart, right? You would come to a cafe," Dyson explained.
Parents see fresh chances for their kids' futures. "As a parent of a child with special needs, sometimes you don't know what your child will be able to do," said Catina Jenkins, Metro School PTO president.
"Our kids just need a chance. They just need for someone to show them they are capable of learning. If you give them that opportunity, I promise you they will exceed your expectations," Jenkins added.
The café welcomes Metro School visitors during class hours. Through hands-on practice, students build skills and confidence for their future careers.
