The Inclusion Revolution is alive and well and flourishing in downtown, Sarasota.

Located at 1534 State Street, Rise Up Cafe is a coffee and ice cream shop and food spot that  draws patrons there for many reasons, one of which is the staff. The cafe is staffed by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and the cafe provides secure, successful employment opportunities for these individuals.

The idea of  Rise Up Cafe was established by Sarasotans Beaver and Erin Shriver of The Shriver Group, who partnered with two nonprofits, The Haven and Easterseals, to help with job skills training and staff transportation. The cafe is about inclusion, acceptance, and opportunity for all. It took a vision and a village to establish and cultivate the coffee and ice cream shop. Rise Up Cafe provides great coffee, ice cream, and food in an inspiring, uplifting environment. The cafe is known for its people and is dedicated to serving locally-roasted USDA organic coffees and delicious food prepared fresh daily, all served by their awesome team members. Note: No artificial colors or flavors. Gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options.

Beaver says,  “At Rise Up Cafe, we provide secure, successful jobs which in turn help our employees form meaningful friendships with their peers; live independently; improve their public speaking, develop self-advocacy and communication skills; and feel valued and included by society. We celebrate and honor their special abilities.”

If You Go:

Service options: Dine-in · Takeout. Phone: (941) 217-6449
Address: 1534 State St, Sarasota, FL 34236
Rise Up Cafe is closed on Mondays, and open from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. On Sundays, the cafe is open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
See their menu here

The Great Ice Cream Eating Championship Nov. 4

The best $20 fee you’ll ever spend! Power Through the Brain Freeze and join Rise Up Cafe for their Fall 2023 fundraising Great Ice Cream Eating Championship. November 4th. 11:00am. The winner of the adult category will receive a $100 gift certificate from Brick’s Smoked Meats along with a deluxe bag of Brick’s goodies including some Sweet Heat Rub, 8 ounces of amazing Brick’s BBQ Sauce, and a slick drink koozie (donated by Meghan Croke and our fine friends at Brick’s). Two runners-up will receive Rise Up Cafe $20 gift cards and a t-shirt. The Younger group winner will create and name his / her own ice cream and be a “Celebrity Scooper” for the ice cream’s debut. Two runners-up will receive Rise Up Cafe $20 gift cards and a t-shirt.

A $20 fee (supports Rise Up’s nonprofit, Inclusion Revolution) gives contestants the opportunity to win an array of spectacular prizes along with the pride of being named Sarasota’s Ice Cream Eating Champ.

~ Andrea Mastrocinque-Martone