Georgia Trend. March 2025.

While many restaurants are struggling to fill in open positions, Brightside Café in Buford says it has a waiting list of workers. The owners go above and beyond when making a job offer – with balloons, signs and cheering because they believe that every person should be celebrated. And getting a job is a pretty big deal, especially for some of us.

Friends and business partners Jennifer Elinburg (a special education teacher) and Carrie Walton (who worked at a healthcare corporation) opened the brick-and-mortar café in January. Prior to that, they had been running it as a pop-up at festivals and events.

When you walk into the cheerful space that seats 40-50 people, you can see a colorful map of the United States, a pair wings that people pose in front of, and pictures that showcases their journey of founding Brightside, as well as quotes on love, hope, peace and opportunity.

You can also “feel” the joy in the space. “I explained to a customer who randomly walked in for a cup of coffee, what we were doing here, and he almost started crying. He said he didn’t realize it but now will be regular!” says Walton.

The mission of Brightside Café is to create a place where adults and teens with special needs can feel successful, find purpose, and connect with the community. “We want them to feel like they belong and be a part of the society,” says Elinburg. The café employs special needs adults and teens from 16-58 years of age and mentors to help supervise. Employees range in ability, and may have Down syndrome, autism, traumatic brain injury, or use a wheelchair.

It can be difficult for people with disabilities to get a job because not every place is designed to accommodate their needs. “It takes them a little bit of extra time to fully understand their job, but once they do, they work extra hard and really soar,” says Elinburg, who offers guidance and mentorship to help them be more confident. The employees learn life skills, social skills, and how to handle difficult situations appropriately. “These guys are able, willing and can work. They are the best workers because they are always happy and loyal. Their take on life is that I want to belong so I will do whatever it takes. We need to give them a chance!” she says.

Brightside serves freshly made smoothies, coffee (sourced from Night Sky Coffee Roasters in Winder), cupcakes, muffins, bagels, croissants, hot sandwiches, egg bites, Choc Corn, which is white chocolate covered popcorn provided by Lawrenceville’s Special Kneads and Treats, Inc. and more.

The Brightside Forever Foundation focuses on empowering people with special needs. It is hosting an inaugural 5K Brightside Forever Bunny Run on Saturday, April 19, as well as community events throughout the year.

There are a few other establishments around Georgia that hire people with special needs –Special Kneads and Treats, SliceAbility, Puzzle Piece Pastries and Mend Coffee and Goods, to name a few. If you choose to go into such an establishment, please try to be kind and patient, and know that you are helping make a difference.