Mission

Our Mission is to operate a community destination cafe, offering craft food and beverage, prepared and served by employees, twenty-two and older, with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Gerry's Cafe opened in August, 2023 in Arlington Heights, and employs 42 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The exceptional employees prepare and serve delicious food and drink for breakfast and lunch. The hired employees continue ongoing training in all areas of operating the cafe including barista, cashier, sandwich maker, baker, dishwasher, food expeditor, busser and greeter. They are all paid minimum hourly wage as dictated by Cook County in Illinois. The engagement of our employees with the community members results in a feeling of joy and fosters the extraordinary acceptance of everyone.