TAMPA, Fla. — Russell is a barista at Artistas Cafe. He is good at making coffee. He is even better at creating smoothies.
“I just love the whole interaction with customers,” says Russell, who has autism. “When they get that beverage, and they’re just enjoying it.”
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Now more people than ever can enjoy Russell’s concoctions.
The Artistas Café, aka the Bean Mobile, is now a food truck staffed by people with autism.
It is ready to roll all over the Tampa Bay area this week.
The café was previously a brick-and-mortar restaurant housed in a local car dealership. Sadly, they lost that space. After raising funds, the baristas will now be serving up drinks on four wheels.
The café project is part of Autism Shifts, which readies people with autism for the workforce.
To book the Artistas Café food truck, visit www.artistascafe.com/book.
