Bitty & Beau's Coffee is accelerating the expansion of its mobile franchise program, which utilizes 'Cruiser' trailers to reach new communities. The company, which focuses on employing individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, currently operates 13 brick-and-mortar locations and is seeking new franchise owners for its mobile model.
Bitty & Beau's Coffee

Bitty & Beau's Coffee is a mission-driven coffee chain that operates as a human rights movement to provide meaningful employment for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Founded by Amy and Ben Wright, the company has expanded from a single shop in Wilmington, North Carolina, to a national franchise. They operate their own eco-friendly, fully-automated roastery to supply their various locations and online store.
- — Mapache Estate (El Salvador)
- — Sundance Dark Roast
Recent news and media coverage about Bitty & Beau's Coffee, as documented by outside outlets. We link to the original reporting and do not rewrite or endorse it.
The company is actively recruiting new franchise owners for its mobile coffee business model. This expansion strategy aims to increase the brand's national footprint while continuing its mission of employing individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The Bitty & Beau's Coffee location in Annapolis, Maryland, announced plans to close in September 2026. The closure is part of a broader trend of business shutdowns affecting the local downtown area.
Beau Wright, one of the two children who inspired the founding of the coffee shop 10 years ago, has officially joined the staff at the Wilmington location. The milestone coincides with the company's 10-year anniversary celebration.
Bitty & Beau's Coffee introduced a "Mini Cruiser" franchise model, a compact mobile trailer designed to provide a lower-cost entry point for entrepreneurs. This initiative is intended to expand the brand's reach to festivals, schools, and community events.
- https://www.bittyandbeauscoffee.com
- http://www.bittyandbeauscoffee.com/about/our-story
- http://bittyandbeauscoffee.com/espresso-bitty-and-beaus-coffee/2023
- https://wilmingtonncmagazine.com/calling-beer-fans-and-coffee-lovers
- https://www.cnbc.com/2023/07/31/inside-bitty-and-beaus-coffee-shops-run-by-people-with-disabilities.html
- https://www.bittyandbeauscoffee.com/
- https://www.wilmingtonbiz.com/restaurants/2020/10/20/bitty_and_beaus_owners_anno
- https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bitty--beaus-coffee-seeks-new-franchise