Bitty & Beau's Coffee in Annapolis to close, latest in a string of business closures
The Bitty & Beau's Coffee shop in Annapolis has confirmed its plans to close in September. The decision is the latest in a string of restaurant and other business closures to hit the area in recent months.
Bitty & Beau's Coffee is located in the City Dock section of downtown Annapolis. The beloved coffee shop employs people with special needs.
On its website, Bitty & Beau's Coffee describes the company as "a human rights movement disguised as a coffee shop, where people with intellectual & developmental disabilities are valued in the workplace. It's a place where diversity isn't just appreciated, it's celebrated. Bitty & Beau's Coffee proudly employs 450+ individuals with disabilities nationwide."
A spokesperson for the company said its last day of business will be Sept. 14. The company said the closure comes as the shop's seven-year lease comes to an end.
"We are incredibly proud of our employees and deeply grateful to the Annapolis community for embracing our team and our mission over the past seven years," said a statement by the business to CBS News Baltimore. "While we're sad to close this chapter, we're thankful for everyone who has been part of our Annapolis story."
Bitty & Beau's is a regional chain with locations in 11 states.
Community reacts to closure
The news was devastating for the employees and their families. CBS News Baltimore spoke with the mother of a barista off camera, and she broke down in tears.
Customers and people who live in the area also said they're sad to see the shop close.
"For them to close, especially providing jobs for people with disabilities, it's terrible," said Annapolis resident Brian Stodd.
Special education teacher Hannah Isaacs said she makes a point to visit Bitty and Beau's every time she comes to Annapolis.
"As soon as you walk in, you're welcomed. Everybody -- the coworkers, the staff -- they're all really sweet and they work really hard," Isaacs said. "It's just a really good energy, and the coffee is good too."
Isaacs said her heart breaks for the employees.
"People with disabilities are fully capable of working jobs and having fulfilling lives, and it's really important for them to have job opportunities so they can have a sense of purpose," she said.
Other area businesses also close
Other restaurants in downtown Annapolis to close in recent months include O'Leary's Seafood Restaurant, which sat along the Annapolis waterfront. In July, the owner of O'Leary's Seafood said in a statement the restaurant was closing due to the loss of its lease.
In May, the owner of the Annapolis Marine Art Gallery, located on Dock Street, announced the business would close at the end of the year. The owner blamed the need to close on a sharp decline in business and on ongoing construction tied to the city's flood prevention and revitalization project.
Annapolis Marine Art Gallery has been part of City Dock since 1978. Co-owner Samantha Wilkerson said the gallery would not be able to survive the years-long impacts from the City Dock Revitalization and Flood Mitigation project, which is expected to continue into early 2028.
