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Welcome to Rise Up Cafe
Rise Up Cafe is a charming establishment located at 1534 State St, Sarasota, FL, that offers a delightful blend of exceptional coffee and homemade ice cream. Known for its warm atmosphere, the cafe is staffed primarily by adults with developmental disabilities, fostering a welcoming community spirit. Guests rave about the delicious beignets and the quality of the coffee, likening it to their experiences in Colombia. The cafe also champions inclusion, providing a vital workplace for those who may struggle to find employment elsewhere. With its cute coffee shop vibe and outdoor seating, Rise Up Cafe is a must-visit for anyone seeking great food and a heartwarming experience.
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About
Rise Up Cafe
Welcome to Rise Up Cafe, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Sarasota at 1534 State St, Sarasota, FL 34236. This charming cafe is not just a place to grab your daily dose of caffeine or a delightful dessert; it's a vibrant community hub that lifts spirits and fosters connections through its inclusive environment.
As you step inside, you're immediately enveloped by a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The friendly staff, many of whom are adults with developmental disabilities, greet you with genuine smiles that embody the very essence of Rise Up Cafe. Their joyful energy is infectious, creating a space that's not only inviting but also filled with love and camaraderie.
One of the standout highlights of Rise Up Cafe is their delicious offerings, from homemade beignets to expertly crafted chai. Each sip of coffee feels like a thoughtful embrace, grounding you in the moment. Scott Martin, a delighted customer, remarked on the "truly great beignets and lovely cup of coffee," capturing the essence of what makes this cafe a must-visit.
The gelato is another star attraction, with fresh, in-house concoctions that tantalize your taste buds. As Champagneandpaws noted, the ice cream-making process here is truly special; not only is it extraordinarily delicious, but it’s also created with love, making every scoop a delightful treat. The cafe proudly showcases its commitment to inclusion and community support through its employment practices, allowing those who may face challenges to thrive in a warm work environment.
Beyond just coffee and ice cream, Rise Up Cafe offers a distinct artistic flair. Regular events such as live painting and product displays bring an extra layer of creativity to your visit. The atmosphere fostered here encourages local talent to shine, much to the delight of visitors like Kerry Walsh, who celebrated the unique community vibe.
In a world where delicious food and meaningful connection can often feel separated, Rise Up Cafe weaves them together beautifully. The slight premium on prices is justified by the genuine experience and high-quality ingredients sourced locally, as noted by Gene DellaSala, who compared the coffee to his unforgettable experience in Colombia.
Whether you're looking to indulge in a cute coffee shop experience, savor homemade ice cream sandwiches, or simply enjoy a moment of connection in a dog-friendly space, Rise Up Cafe offers all that and more. A visit here is more than just a meal; it’s a heartwarming journey filled with joy, community, and a dedication to inclusivity. Be sure to stop by for an unforgettable experience that you'll be eager to repeat!
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ In addition to truly great beignet a lovely cup of coffee or chai, the highlight is the heart of this place! You can feel it when you walk in and it floods out from the lovely people working here. Need a hot drink or ice cream while your downtown Sarasota, this is worth the trip. We will be back!!!! ”
“ We were thrilled and honored to make some new friends at this lovely cafe. The ice cream is made fresh in house and is amazing and highly recommended. If this isn’t reason enough to stop by, Rise Up is run by adults with developmental disabilities which is so wonderful. The entire staff was so welcoming and excited to meet my dog (yes, dog friendly as well!). ”
“ Such a wonderful place! They have a cute coffee shop vibe but also ice cream treats. They make home made ice cream samies right on the soot. The staff are mostly special needs, so they offer the opportunities to find employment for those that may struggle. Their was a girl doing live painting and the founder had a display of his products and diamond art! I love this being in our community and what it offers! It’s also super delicious and in the cutest spot near Bricks! A must for after dinner fun! ”
“ This is the most amazing coffee/Ice cream place we've ever been to. The quality of ingredients are top notch homemade and local. I haven't had coffee this good since I visited Colombia! All of the staff are incredibly friendly and helpful and the best part is it's a non-profit. ”
“ What a heart warming experience. I never heard of this company before let alone their mission for inclusion and diversity. The girl who made my coffee was so excited about how she made it look..... it was the sweetest thing ever. The coffee was good....a little pricey but well worth it. The coffee shop itself was cute and outdoor seating available. ”
“ Home made icecream. I had the key lime Manning (YUM!). Mary offered great service. The shop is spotless. The owners make everything in house by Mom and Grandpa. They make it all with love dedicated to inclusion of disabilities. ”
“ I loved everything about my experience here. The staff were supre nice and helpful, the mocha and late' were the best on this road trip so far, and I love their work supporting their values. I also had a double scoop of ice cream and a key lime ice cream sandwich. This place is amazing ”
“ What a wonderful store that delivers both in its great food and atmosphere. From workers that greet you at the door with a smile to delicious desserts and coffees you are in for a treat when you go here. And make sure you try the beignets, the best I have had outside of New Orleans. ”