A non-profit coffee shop that employs individuals with intellectual and developmental delays and other special needs is planning to open a second West Michigan location.

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Brody's Be Cafe opened in Ada in 2019. Founder Jenny Cole wanted to provide work experience to people with special needs, including her son Brody. According to their website, the cafe's mission is:

To create a place of acceptance for all people in the community; a place to receive, and give back. Brody’s be Cafe will provide an opportunity for people with, and without special needs, to work together. This cafe will provide a place where everyone can come together to feel purpose, importance, and to realize that we aren’t all that different on the inside.

Brody's Be Cafe serves coffee brewed by Uncommon Coffee Roasters, based in Saugatuck/ Douglas. The menu includes latte, cappuccino, machiatto,  iced coffee, chai, hot chocolate, and smoothies.

WZZM-13 reports that Tracy Beemer, who was moved by her experience at Brody's, is now planning to open a sister location in Hudsonville.

Beemer tells, WZZM-13,

We are modeling after Brody's and we do have a site and we are currently in the build out and hopefully opening in the Spring.

According to a post on Brody's Be Cafe's Facebook page, the new location will be called Maggie’s Be Café and will be located 6490 28th Ave in Hudsonville:

David and Tracey Beemer have been dreaming and working and planning for a Brody’s Be Café in their town.

We decided together to make it “Maggie’s” in honor of their dear friend.

We are so excited to announce that Maggie’s Be Café, at 6490 28th Ave in Hudsonville, is finishing its reconstruction phase. Exact opening date to be announced so stay tuned!

The cafes are individually owned and operated but we have the same great coffee @uncommoncoffeeroasters, a warm inviting atmosphere, and most importantly, the same fantastic mission. Maggie’s Be Café is also a 501(c)3 nonprofit business.

 

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