(March 1, 2023, Pittston, PA) — Coffee Inclusive, a new community-based coffee shop in downtown Pittston employing people with diverse abilities, will hold its grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday, March 13 beginning at 10:00 a.m.
Coffee Inclusive is located in the Waterfront Warehouse at 350 Kennedy Boulevard, Suite 12. Guests requiring handicap accessibility, or the use of an elevator should use the building’s alternate entrance at 22 East Street. It employs people with diverse abilities, including intellectual disabilities and Autism, working side by side with experienced baristas and servers to provide a warm and welcoming community coffee shop experience.
Pittston Mayor Michael Lombardo will cut the ceremonial ribbon, joined by members of the Coffee Inclusive and NEPA Inclusive staffs, representatives of the Greater Pittston Chamber of Commerce and elected officials from the greater Pittston area. Emmy award nominated host of WBRE’s PA Live! Chris Bohinski will serve as host and emcee of the event. Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders mascot Champ will join the festivities and pose for pictures with fans of all ages. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend this special ceremony and stay afterwards to enjoy a selection of delicious coffees, smoothies and baked goods.
The first 50 customers will receive a free hot or cold coffee beverage of their choice. Prizes will be given away throughout the event, including baked goods and Coffee Inclusive merchandise.
“We are extremely excited to welcome the community to our new coffee shop. The support we have received, from monetary and equipment donations, to well wishes from the greater Pittston area, have truly been heartwarming to all of us and have a direct impact on our ability to open our doors and provide a great customer service experience,” said Tom Carlucci, general manager, and quality assurance manager of NEPA Inclusive.
The community coffee shop will offer a full line of cold and hot coffees, lattes, espressos, mochas and cappuccinos along with a selection of locally sourced teas and the finest baked goods. In addition, Coffee Inclusive will also serve healthy fruit smoothies and acai bowls. Patrons can place their orders to go or enjoy their food and beverages at one of the many casual seating areas in and around the coffee shop.
“Everyone has been working very hard to make Coffee Inclusive a fun, community coffee shop experience for our patrons. We’ve had experts come in to train our baristas and servers on the menu and how to make the variety of coffee beverages and smoothies we offer. Our goal is to provide a delicious, consistent coffee experience every time in a friendly, welcoming environment,” said Frank Bartoli, CEO of NEPA Inclusive.
In addition, Coffee Inclusive will offer baked goods from Bake Ability, a sweet and savory specialty bakery employing individuals with different abilities who are mentored by professionals. Bake Ability affords individuals with diverse abilities the opportunity to learn a trade, grow and serve the community in the baking industry. Bake Ability is headquartered in Holicong, Pa. in Bucks County.
Dog lovers can purchase bags of dog treats manufactured by Duke’s Delites, a Lehigh Valley healthy dog treats company that employs young adults with Autism and other developmental disabilities.
For more information on Coffee Inclusive, including a full menu, please visit their website, www.coffinclusive.org.