Set to open soon, Judy’s Beach Café offers ‘meaningful employment’ for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities

By ABBY RUSSCHEN

As a tribute to her late sister Judy Shannon, who had Down syndrome, Donna Shannon Paterson and co-founder Leslie Grant are opening Judy’s Beach Café on Queen Street East, dedicated to hiring and supporting adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

“The whole concept behind it is to provide a safe and welcoming place where individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities can find meaningful employment with the appropriate levels of support that they need,” said Grant.

It’s an all-too-common reality for disabled adults that, once they graduate from high school, finding employment becomes a real challenge, said Shannon Paterson.

“So often their world comes to a bit of a standstill,” she said. “We didn’t have to look very hard to find potential candidates – they found us.”

Judy’s aims to reduce employment barriers for its staff and inspire more businesses to hire adults with disabilities.

Judy Shannon, who passed away in May 2024, had worked at a flower shop in her adulthood, where she found joy and independence in doing her own thing.

Years later, her sister and Grant, both retired teachers, are carrying on that spirit by creating fulfilling employment for others who need it.

For their opening, Judy’s has hired 10 staff members with disabilities, spanning a range of ages. They also have a management team and a strong volunteer base to monitor and support Judy’s employees to ensure their needs are met.

Opening by the end of this month, with their grand opening on Monday, Sept. 1, (including a ribbon cutting at 2 p.m.), Judy’s is much more than a new coffee shop. Those visiting can expect delicious drinks, a variety of food and dessert options, as well as alcoholic beverages.

“People can come in and have a glass of wine instead of a coffee,” said Grant. “It’s five o’clock anywhere.”

From salads and sandwiches to donuts and croissants, Judy’s sources its goods from local distributors. “We’ve got a great lineup of specialty beverages and delicious food,” said Grant.

Taking over the location previously occupied by the plant-based establishment Tori’s Bakeshop at 2188 Queen St. E., Judy’s will continue to serve Tori’s baked goods to maintain plant-based and gluten-free options.

With the soft opening approaching, Judy’s Beach Café is ready and eager to begin this experience.

“We are all going to be so happy to greet people coming through the door,” said Grant. “We hope to please everybody.”

For more information on Judy’s Beach Café, please go to https://judysbeachcafe.com/