Our Mission
80% of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are unemployed.
We are changing this.
321 Coffee is a coffee shop and roaster built on inclusion. Based in Raleigh, NC, 321 currently employs over 50 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). They are the ones roasting the coffee, taking the orders, and making the lattes. We are demonstrating the value of an inclusive business model.
The name "321 Coffee" is representative of Down syndrome, which occurs when an individual has 3 copies of the 21st chromosome.
We've intentionally designed many of our branding elements around DNA and chromosome mapping to celebrate and highlight how unique we all are.
The company was founded in 2017 by Lindsay Wrege and Michael Evans. The two met during their freshman year as Park Scholars at NC State University. They had the vision to build a company founded on inclusion. 321 Coffee started with a couple folding tables and a home coffee brewer set up anywhere that would welcome them. These events helped to develop a presence in the community. Raleigh rallied behind the mission and helped 321 grow beyond those folding tables.
Today, 321 Coffee operates multiple coffee shops in the Raleigh area and is actively finding new opportunities to expand our impact. We roast our own coffee, offer a full-scale espresso menu, and partner with over 100 different companies to provide them with coffee. Together, we are building a company that stands for inclusion and doing business the right way.
Attend one of our virtual info sessions to learn more about how 321 Coffee started.
Support the Mission
By purchasing 321 Coffee, you’re creating work opportunities for our team. Find your favorite blend and keep elevating others.
