MIAMI-DADE, Fla. (CBS12) — At No Limits Coffee Shop in southwest Miami-Dade, the entire front and back-of-house operation — from greeting customers to bussing tables — is run by workers with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and learning disabilities, a team that has spent the last six months proving exactly what its name promises.
February 8 marked the shop’s half-year milestone. For many of the 15 employees, including 21-year-old Peter Bradford, who has Down syndrome, it’s their first job and their first chance to show their skills in a supportive workplace.
“I love doing this,” Bradford said while clearing tables and chatting with guests. “It’s part of my job, and I love having my job and have everybody come in.”
No Limits Coffee Shop in southwest Miami‑Dade marked six months since opening by continuing its mission to employ and empower adults with disabilities, showcasing an inclusive workplace built for opportunity and visibility. (CNN Newsource)
The café was founded by owner Khia Lopez, a longtime special education teacher who grew frustrated with the lack of employment opportunities available to her students after graduation.
“When they graduated, there really wasn’t much out there for them,” Lopez said. “We looked for jobs for them. We tried to get them internships, but I felt like the community wasn’t really ready or understanding of how amazing the special needs community is.”
No Limits Coffee Shop in southwest Miami‑Dade marked six months since opening by continuing its mission to employ and empower adults with disabilities, showcasing an inclusive workplace built for opportunity and visibility. (CNN Newsource)
So she opened a breakfast and lunch spot designed to highlight their strengths and help them grow.
“I want to show them kindness and come here with joy,” she said.
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Bradford says the job has brought both confidence and camaraderie.
“My crew are together,” he said. “We share a bond and happiness and stuff like that, and I’m very happy to have you here.”
The Miami-Dade community has embraced the mission, with families traveling from across South Florida to support the shop.
No Limits Coffee Shop in southwest Miami‑Dade marked six months since opening by continuing its mission to employ and empower adults with disabilities, showcasing an inclusive workplace built for opportunity and visibility. (CNN Newsource)
Lopez says she receives applications every day from adults with disabilities hoping to join the team — but she needs more customers before she can expand.
Six months in, No Limits Coffee Shop is showing exactly what can happen when a workplace truly lives up to its name.
