In the News
“Inclusion isn't just inviting someone to sit at your table. It's believing they belong there."
- Mia Carella, writer
Featured on WGN
July 25, 2025
Gerry's Café was featured on WGN-TV - Spotlight Chicago. Our co-founders Natalie Griffin and Amy Philpott were joined by our teammate David to talk about Gerry’s Café!
Featured on ABC 7
July 21, 2025
Gerry's Café was featured on ABC 7. Our co-founders Natalie Griffin and Amy Philpott were interview on the origin of Gerry’s Café and our mission!
Voted Daily Herald Reader’s Choice 2025 Best of the Best Coffeehouse
July 28, 2025
Thank you for all of the votes! We are humbled by the honor.
Featured on a Billboard
July 18, 2025
In honor of Disability Pride Month, our friends at Wintrust are featuring Gerry’s Café on their digital billboard on the East side of the North Avenue exit. As you head for downtown Chicago! We’re incredibly thankful for their support.
Illinois Made Class of 2025
July 9, 2025
Gerry’s Café has been selected for the Illinois Made Class of 2025! We're so proud to be one of just 277 small businesses across the state recognized by the Illinois Office of Tourism for our dedication to community, inclusion, and exceptional service.
Photos with the Christmas Grinch
December 26, 2024
Check out this article in “SuburbTalk” about our Christmas Grinch event!
Creating Opportunities: How Gerry's Café is Redefining Employment for Adults with Disabilities
November 22, 2024
Listen in as our co-Founders speak with @LoveLocalChicagoland about Gerry’s Café.
@gives back is proud to support local nonprofit organizations like Gerry’s Café
October 30, 2024
We are incredibly thankful to our @properties Christie’s International Real Estate friends for their support of our mission.
Gerry's Café Offers a Unique Experience You Won't Find Anywhere Else
October 29, 2024
“We’re proud to partner with Gerry’s Café, where 15 of our District 214 graduates are crafting delicious lattes and building skills for life! Gerry’s is a place where every team member’s abilities shine, fostering independence and community right here in Arlington Heights.” - District 214
Gerry’s Café Brews Up Lattes - and Opportunities.
October 9, 2024
Today, 15 District 214 graduates work at Gerry’s Café.
Schaumburg P.E.O.s learn about Gerry's Café
October 9, 2024
Kiera works at Gerry's Café
September 25, 2024
Take a tour with Kiera who works as a Baker Assistant! Big thanks to GiGi's Playhouse Hoffman Estates for creating this amazing video.
Celebrating Our First Year in Business
August 26, 2024
We are grateful to our wonderful community for the amazing support! We look forward to serving you for many more years to come!
Voted Daily Herald Reader’s Choice 2024 Best of the Best Coffeehouse
July 19, 2024
Thank you for all of the votes! We are humbled by the honor.
Featured in Belle Curve Stories, An Interview with the Cofounder
March 21, 2024
"In Her Words: Natalie Griffin, Changing Lives One Cup at a Time"
Featured on WGN
August 30, 2023
Coffee for a cause at new café at Arlington Heights.
Our Grand Opening August 26th!
August 30, 2023
Missed our Grand Opening Celebration? See all the highlights in this video!
Featured on FOX32
August 27, 2023
Gerry's Café in Arlington Heights provides opportunities for workers with intellectual disabilities
LIVE on WGN Lisa Dent Show!
August 23, 2023
Gerry’s Café owner Natalie Griffin, along with her business partner Amy Philpott, joins Lisa Dent to talk about the grand opening of their new coffee shop in Arlington Heights, Saturday, August 26th!
Awards & Recognition
Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce
2022 Not-for-profit Organization of the Year
"We were truly honored to be recognized by the Arlington Heights business community as the nonprofit of the year. We are so proud of our new venture that focuses on a person’s abilities rather than their disabilities. We are proud to hire, train and employ over 40 individuals who are the shining stars of Gerry's Café. We are proud to take a chance on a new workforce, to say yes to our employees, and we are grateful to receive such tremendous support from our community." – Natalie
Village of Arlington Heights Commission for Citizens with Disabilities
2023 Disability Employment Awareness Award
The Disability Employment Awareness Award is presented to an Arlington Heights Employer who pro-actively recruits, hires, and employs persons with disabilities.
Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce
2022 Community Leader of the Year – Amy Philpott
“Being recognized by my peers as having an impact in our community is quite an honor, thank you. I have been so fortunate over the last 16 years to have incredible mentors and leaders that have set a remarkable example for all of us to mirror and work to emulate.” - Amy
Make a Difference
Gerry's Café is changing lives by providing an extensive training experience that teaches transferable job and life skills. Though we employ more than 40 adults with disabilities, we’d like to do more. With your help, we can expand Gerry’s Café locations and open related ventures, creating more employment opportunities for adults with disabilities.
To donate by check, make payable to: Brewing Opportunities
Mail to:
1802 N. Arlington Heights Rd.
Arlington Heights, IL 60004
