Brewing Inclusion and Connection at Rose Cat Coffee

Stop in for a visit, grab a cup of coffee with a friend, and see how everyone, regardless of ability, can find purpose and joy, one cup of coffee at a time. 

Rose Cat Coffee Company & Reading Society
5600 S. 48th St., Suite 120

Rose Cat Coffee Company & Reading Society is more than just a coffee shop. It’s designed to support inclusion and connection, particularly for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This safe space is the vision of Brenda Kasaty, who has taken her passion for coffee and brewed up a community where team members feel seen, valued, included, and loved.

Brenda’s inspiration for the shop comes from her experiences as a social worker and a paraeducator for an IDD classroom. “I saw firsthand the gap in opportunities for IDD students, especially those who’ve aged out of the school system,” said Brenda. The name “Rose Cat” is a tribute to a family friend, a young girl named Ellia, who had a muscular degenerative disorder and created the alter ego “Rose Cat” as a playful and empowered persona. Ellia’s spirit continues to inspire Brenda’s mission to create a space where those with IDD feel valued and empowered! 

A Family Focused Business

Running the café as a wife and mother of three, Brenda certainly has seen the rewards that come from the challenge of balancing it all. Her husband and three daughters love to help out with the shop. “It’s a family business, and we are there for each other – for better or for worse,” Brenda shared. Through balancing her many roles, she’s seen firsthand the positive impact Rose Cat Coffee has had on her employees and the community. This was shown at the Lincoln Young Professionals Group Awards, where Rose Cat Coffee won the Diversity and Inclusive Excellence Award. “The whole team got to come up on stage, and they received a standing ovation,” Brenda proudly shared. 

Opening Doors for IDD Employment

Rose Cat Coffee shows Brenda’s personal and professional journey working with individuals with varying abilities. Over 80 percent of individuals with IDD are unemployed, and Brenda is committed to challenging stigmas limiting their employment opportunities.

At Rose Cat Coffee, employees with IDD are supported with training and accommodations that allow them to thrive. “When given the right tools and support, I know my employees are just as capable as anyone else,” shared Brenda. 

Community Support

Since opening in March 2024, the café has received generous support from the Lincoln community, including a visit from Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird. Brenda highlights the importance of customer engagement in fostering an inclusive environment. 

“We want everyone to feel comfortable here and get a chance to connect with our team, and the support we’ve received shows we’re off to a great start.”

Looking to Grow

Rose Cat Coffee has big plans for the future, including expanding the business and creating more job opportunities for individuals with IDD. “We have over 30 applicants who want to work here,” Brenda shared.

The goal is to grow the cafe’s reach and continue offering meaningful employment while creating more programs for the community, such as book clubs and fun reading challenges.

A Team Like Family

Courtney Roth, a barista at Rose Cat Coffee, is one of the many team members who has found a sense of belonging in the café’s welcoming environment. Courtney enjoys the positive atmosphere and the connections she builds with regular customers. “It’s a place where you feel supported,” she said. As Courtney has learned new skills, she’s gained confidence in ways that make her feel valued.

Business with Purpose

Their community-focused efforts are changing the way we think about disability, employment, and inclusion.

Rose Cat Coffee offers a variety of coffee and teas, including seasonal drinks featuring house-made syrups. Love the coffee? Sign up for the monthly subscription service that delivers coffee to your door. While enjoying your favorite drink, explore Rose Cat Coffee’s breakfast menu, which features a selection of breakfast burritos, pastries, and desserts.