Local Business Spotlight | Athens, GA
At 5Market Realty, we like to spotlight and support other businesses in our community whenever possible. In the February issue of Stroll 5 Points, we spotlighted Bitty and Beau’s coffee which is owned and operated by Mike and Diana Langhorne. Located on Lumpkin Street between campus and 5 Points, Bitty and Beau’s location is close to anyone living in the 5 points area. It has quickly become a favorite coffee stop for people in our company. We asked Mike and Diana a few questions about their business and what brought them to Athens.
Bitty and Beau’s is not your average coffee house. It has bigger vision and purpose. Can you share that vision and purpose along with the how and why you brought it here to Athens?
No, it’s definitely not your average coffee shop. With over 80% of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities unemployed in this country, Bitty and Beau’s was started to create employment opportunities for those with disabilities to be employed, included, valued and accepted in local communities. The city of Athens with its inclusive environment in the University of Georgia and the community itself is the perfect location to share the vision of inclusion.
You are still a relatively new business here in Athens. What would you say has been the most difficult part of starting a new business and what has been the most enjoyable part of operating the new business?
Like many small businesses, our biggest challenge has been creating the awareness of our location, our services and the vision for our employees with disabilities. The most enjoyable part of our day is witnessing the interactions with our customers and employees and knowing each of them are better off for it
Your location is filled with many new businesses in the 5 Points area. What made you decide on 5 Points as your location? So far, who is your typical customer?
We wanted a convenient and accessible location for both the student population as well as the local community and neighborhood. Our business model is built around an in person customer experience for those that want to sit down and see for themselves that those with disabilities are capable of doing so much more than one might think. We felt the 5 Points area offered the perfect location for that experience. Our customer base is a mix of students, visitors to Athens and the local Athens and 5 Points communities.
What do you love about Athens? What are the best parts of being a business owner in the neighborhood?
We love the small town feel of the Athens area and all the University has to offer. We have been overwhelmed by the support of our employees and the acceptance of them into the local workforce. We feel very fortunate to have found a location for Bitty and Beau’s in the 5 Points neighborhood. All of us at Bitty and Beau’s Coffee love to see our repeat customers from the neighborhood, the personal interactions with our employees and the support of our vision of inclusion for our work force in the community.