A new cafe in Toronto is serving up more than just freshly brewed coffee.
Lil E Coffee Cafe at Yonge St. and St. Clair Ave. W. opened on July 12, 2023, priding itself on hiring individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This is the empowering cafe's second Canadian location—its first opened in Calgary in 2021.
Founder and Director Paul Constance opened Lil E Coffee Cafe inspired by his daughter, Ella, who has Down syndrome.
More than a coffee cafe, the shop aims to give life skills and opportunities to those with intellectual and developmental disabilities through creating meaningful and productive employment and ensuring awareness in the community. The inclusive new cafe operates on a not-for-profit business model.
Lil E Coffee Cafe is already making waves, with its TikTok announcing the Toronto location having garnered more than 350,000 views shortly after it was posted.
Customers will find classic cafe items such as cappuccinos, hot chocolate, matcha, and chai lattes on the menu. And, bringing some of Calgary with them, Lil E Coffee Cafe's partners are Rosso Coffee Roasters from the city of the Stampede.
Lil E Coffee Cafe notes that all of its other products are locally sourced and partnered. The menu includes high protein and green smoothies, and snacks such as chia bars, pastries, muffins, and hummus and veggie cups.
