Jake always loved to bring coffee to his dad at his record store in Norristown, PA. As his interest in coffee grew, he started researching the process of making coffee and learned about all the types of beans, blends, temperatures, and milk needed to make good coffee. When the pandemic hit and the record store closed and Jake couldn’t follow the routine he had set for himself, he started a curbside coffee cart outside the record store through which he got overwhelming support from his community. During the enforced shutdown, Jake and his family were able to hold two curbside coffee cart fundraisers. With the donations, he constructed a custom cart called “Coffee Closet with Barista Jake” which now permanently stays inside Vinyl Closet Records, his parents’ record store.

Jake started making different types of coffee and recently got a license to serve food as well. Jake’s business now employs other young people with disabilities. And Jake’s mother helps them with resume preparation, mock interviews and prepares them to join the workforce. The Coffee Closet is also helped Jake find the social side of himself through interactions with his coworkers.

Watch the video below to learn more about Coffee Closet with Barista Jake.

Jake can also be found on TikTok as baristajake.

@baristajake #FYP #SHEINcares #autismoftiktok #specianlneedysyoungadult #worklife #baristajakesteam@theskilledbaratone @fawnonthem00n ♬ The Hustle – Van McCoy

Source: CBS News