Esteamed Coffee, Inc.

Esteamed Coffee is a nonprofit coffee shop and cafe on South Academy Street in downtown Cary. Its mission is to lower unemployment among adults with disabilities and improve their quality of life, and 14 of its employees have disabilities.

The counter runs like any other coffee shop, with the coffee doing the fundraising under the banner Coffee for a Cause. Work by 19 North Carolina artists with disabilities is featured in the shop, and customers tend to describe the place as one they love everything about.

What to know

• The shop is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
• More than 30 volunteers take part in the mission.
• An annual gala called Brewing Opportunities raises money for the work.
• Financial sponsors are being sought for the 2026 gala.
• Gift cards, donations and an online shop are other ways to help.