Charleston Buzzes After Noah Kahan’s Visit to Local Coffee Shop!
CHARLESTON – The cozy streets of Charleston were alive with excitement recently as singer-songwriter Noah Kahan, known for his hit album “Stick Season,” made a special appearance at a beloved local gem – Bitty & Beau’s Coffee. This wasn’t just another celebrity sighting; Kahan’s visit held a deeper meaning, as he supported a cause that brings joy and opportunity to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
A Star on a Mission
While Kahan may have two Grammy nominations adorning his mantle, it’s his five-star rating for Bitty & Beau’s that truly has everyone talking. The coffee shop, located on Church Street, has become a cornerstone of the community since opening in Charleston in 2019. Owned by Amy and Ben Wright, the café provides an inclusive work environment that embraces and employs individuals with disabilities – a mission close to the Wright family’s heart.
When fans learned Kahan was in town for a recent concert at The Riviera Theater, everyone had their eyes on social media hoping for glimpses of this rising star. The concert was held on Small Business Saturday, sponsored by American Express to raise money for local businesses, but Kahan made it his personal mission to spend time with locals and explore their passions.
A Heartfelt Connection
His first stop? Bitty & Beau’s! According to Amy Wright, when Kahan was asked where he wanted to go in Charleston, he immediately chose their café. “He knew what we were all about and wanted to support our mission,” she exclaimed, welcoming Kahan’s warm presence into their shop.
During his half-hour visit, Kahan connected with the staff, learning the intricacies of the ordering process and swapping stories. He didn’t shy away from jumping behind the counter to whip up a Candy Cane Frappe for himself, exclaiming, “This looks incredible,” after taking a sip. The singer was clearly impressed, stating, “Five stars, and the service was excellent!”
A Lasting Impact
Wright shared that Kahan was thoughtful and engaged, remembering the names of each employee he interacted with. And let’s not forget about Bitty, the Wrights’ daughter, who has Down syndrome and was absolutely “starstruck” to meet the famous musician. “Noah was such a nice person, so relatable and down to earth,” Wright recalled fondly. “He was genuinely interested in learning about our employees and what they do.”
But Kahan’s visit wasn’t just a fun afternoon for the café staff; it carried a bigger message. By shining a light on businesses like Bitty & Beau’s, he has the potential to reach a wider audience, raising awareness about the importance of employing individuals with disabilities. Wright emphasized, “The ripple effect is enormous. He’s reaching a lot more people than we could ever dream of with what we’re doing.”
Expanding the Mission
Bitty & Beau’s is not just a Charleston fixture; it has expanded significantly since its inception in Wilmington, where the first shop opened in 2016. With over 400 employees across 19 locations from the Southeast to the Mid-Atlantic, and stretching out as far as Colorado and Texas, the Wrights plan to open new locations in early 2025, including one in Cambridge, Massachusetts. What a wonderful way to bring even more smiles and opportunities to countless individuals looking to make their mark!
With Kahan’s uplifting visit, the vibrant community of Charleston continues to show its heart, underlined by a deeper commitment to inclusivity and support for local businesses. Here’s to many more interactions that bring together stars and their communities, proving that sometimes, it is the little coffee shop moments that make the biggest impact!
