08/14/2026
Bitty and Beau’s is closing on Annapolis City Dock.
Near the end of 2017, Starbucks left 124 Dock Street, next door to Storm Bros. Ice Cream Factory, and moved to Main Street. My employees and I were really excited when two years later we learned Bitty & Beau’s, a coffee shop chain that employs people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, was going to move into the empty spot. Our city government didn’t exactly give them a warm welcome as it wasn’t until February of 2020 they were allowed to open. The city demanded a multitude of expensive and time-consuming changes to the location. None of us could figure out how and why the city could give a coffee business replacing a coffee business such a hard time. But unfortunately, that’s the way it is here in Annapolis.
For us there was no other place in town to buy coffee than right next door. Bitty & Beau’s Coffee is a human rights movement disguised as a coffee shop, where people with intellectual & developmental disabilities are valued in the workplace. It’s a place where diversity isn’t just appreciated, it’s celebrated.
83% of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are unemployed in the United States. Bitty and Beau’s employees gained a sense of independence and were enabled to grow in ways they and others may have thought previously out of reach. As well as earning an income, they experienced inclusion and enjoyed a greater connection to the world around them. Their workplace accomplishments built within them a sense of confidence as they received recognition from supervisors, peers and customers.
Bitty and Beau’s employees enriched our City Dock workplace and sent a powerful message to all that everyone, regardless of their abilities, has something valuable to contribute. They confronted outdated notions of what individuals with disabilities could achieve and highlighted the talent and gifts they have. For all they brought to us, we are truly grateful.
This is a horrible loss. Make no mistake, they are closing due to the hardship caused by the construction down on this city dock. This is a bitter pill for everyone to swallow with the exception of our city government. Prior to the City Dock project ever starting, the city met multiple times with those of us with nearby businesses. Assurances and promises were made that have never come to fruition. Politicians say one thing but do another, as they are willing to say anything to win you over and make you believe that they care. We all wanted to believe them but, given their history, we were doubtful. Our suspicions have become truth.
In a recent article about Bitty and Beau’s closing, our mayor was quoted as saying, “There is no sugarcoating it. Major infrastructure work is disruptive and can be tough on adjacent businesses.”
On July 2nd Fox News visited the City Dock to do a live broadcast for Fox and Friends, their nationwide morning talk show. Jared Littman was in attendance. I used this as a quick opportunity to explain the severe flooding and financial difficulties we were experiencing on City Dock. His quick three word reply was, “That’s too bad.”
Mayor Littman, tell that to the former employees of Bitty and Beau’s!
Sveinn C. Storm
The man in the photo we dearly love! Michael Heup is a beloved cashier and greeter at the Bitty & Beau's Coffee shop in Annapolis, Maryland. Known as the "mayor" of the store for his warm welcomes, he gained national attention in April 2020 when he appeared at a White House briefing to advocate for small business relief and share the shop's inspiring "not broken" message. Michael, you will be missed!
