Esteamed Coffee

Esteamed Coffee is a coffee shop in Cary, NC, operating as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to lower the unemployment rate and increase the quality of life for adults with intellectual, developmental, communication, and/or visual disabilities. The shop provides meaningful employment, social opportunities, and community integration through its cafe operations, featuring a team of staff members with disabilities, rotating artwork by local disabled artists, and inclusive programs such as social events and volunteer initiatives. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Esteamed Coffee serves the Cary community with a focus on dignity, inclusion, and connection. While it currently has no verified reviews, its 4.90 rating reflects strong community recognition and support.

The shop was founded in 2017 by Angie and Tamara, who were inspired by personal and professional experiences to create a space where adults with disabilities could thrive. After nearly three years of fundraising, training, and renovations, Esteamed Coffee opened in December 2020, becoming a beacon of inclusion in downtown Cary. It now employs 14 individuals with disabilities, supports over 30 volunteers, and hosts events that foster belonging. The organization also runs programs that include job training, scholarships, and community gatherings, all rooted in the belief that meaningful work and social connection benefit everyone.

Located at 114 S Academy St in Cary, NC, the coffee shop sits on a central street in the heart of downtown, within walking distance of the Cary Arts Center and the historic downtown district. Its location supports accessibility and visibility, making it a natural gathering point for residents and visitors alike.

Esteamed Coffee has earned national recognition, including being named one of the top 100 best cafes in the country by Yelp users and honored as a top women-owned business in the nation. It has also been celebrated as the "Cutest Coffee Shop in the Triangle" by WRAL, reflecting its unique and uplifting presence in the local community. These accolades underscore its impact as a model of inclusive entrepreneurship.

Esteamed Coffee stands as a powerful example of how a local business can drive social change, transforming the coffee shop experience into a platform for dignity, opportunity, and community in Cary.