As Stephanie and Mark Cartier began planning for their daughter’s future, they saw a troubling statistic: almost 80% of adults with intellectual disabilities were unemployed. That number wasn’t just data — it was personal. Their daughter, who was born with Down syndrome, was about to graduate from high school and would soon be entering the workforce.
In an interview with Beyondish, Stephanie recalls that stressful time in April 2017. “Mark and I were wondering what would happen to our 19-year old daughter Katie when she aged out of high school. Employment is very difficult to come by for people with intellectual disabilities. Studies show that this group of people are the most dedicated employees and do a great job, yet nobody hires them.” Instead of accepting that reality, they decided to challenge it.
After brainstorming, the couple came up with the idea of opening a restaurant that would employ adults, like their daughter, who also had intellectual disabilities. Just two weeks later, they were watching the news when a story caught their attention. Lester Holt, anchor of NBC Nightly News, featured a segment about Hugs Cafe in McKinney, Texas — a restaurant built on the very concept they had imagined. It was the sign they had been waiting for.
The Cartiers reached out to founder Ruth Thompson, connected over their similar cause, and traveled to Texas to learn more. “There are no coincidences,” Cartier says. “Maybe this idea of ours wasn’t so crazy after all. We worked in the restaurant, met with the manager, met with some board members and spoke with customers. We were so inspired by Ruth and the employees. This restaurant was awesome! We knew that we could do something like this.” When the couple returned home, they got to work.
Three years later, in March 2020, they opened No Limits Cafe in Red Bank, New Jersey. Their daughter and their mission were the inspiration behind the name. “Katie truly has No Limits. And while the world for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) has certainly made strides in many areas, the employment sector has not seen much progress despite the tireless efforts of so many. We shouldn’t need a restaurant like No Limits Cafe, but unfortunately, that’s where we are today.”
For many employees, this is their first job. For others, it’s the first time they’ve been truly empowered in their employment. One example is their employee Matt, who previously worked at a local supermarket collecting carts. Despite asking for more responsibility, he was always denied. But now he has been given the chance to grow, Cartier says, “He was encouraged to push beyond his limits, just like all employees. Each time we raised the bar, Matt rose to the challenge. Over time, his confidence and self-esteem flourished.” In 2023, the cafe expanded to include a catering food truck, and Matt was promoted to Food Truck Manager. He now oversees operations, inventory and training. “Matt, like many other employees at No Limits Cafe, has faced significant barriers. However, as the bar continues to rise, Matt keeps growing and proves just how capable individuals with intellectual disabilities truly are.”
Much of the success is due to the cafe’s internal training program – The Suzanne Hatfield Training Program, a 10-week paid curriculum that prepares adults with intellectual disabilities for work in hospitality. It covers customer service, food preparation, health and safety protocols, self-advocacy, and résumé support. “Every day we receive calls and messages from adults with IDD looking for employment,” Cartier says. “Right now, we proudly employ 37 incredible individuals. We simply don’t have any more job openings. It is rare that an employee moves on to another job. The demand is real, and the need is growing.” Thankfully, local businesses have stepped up. So far, No Limits Cafe has successfully placed 27 adults with IDD in jobs beyond their establishment.
Beyond professional development, the restaurant is also fostering community connection. “The feedback we’ve received from customers about the cafe has been overwhelmingly positive,” Cartier says. Patrons praise the level of customer service, quality of the food, and overall organizational goal. A large part of the team’s work focuses on public education. “Raising awareness about the abilities of individuals with IDD helps break down stereotypes and misconceptions. By showcasing our employees in a real-world work setting, we demonstrate their potential and highlight the importance of inclusivity in the workplace. Educating the public not only fosters understanding but also encourages other businesses to follow suit.”
Fortunately, this is just the beginning for No Limits Cafe. The organization is now working with a university to bring the business model to college campuses. The Cartiers hope this effort will help tackle the 80% unemployment rate head-on. “As of today, students with IDD spend up to 18 years in the educational system, yet their outcomes are significantly worse than their neurotypical peers, who typically spend 13 years in school. By partnering with the next generation of leaders in education and business, we can create a world where a neurodiverse workforce is the norm, not the exception.”
The Cartier family didn’t just open a restaurant — they created a much bigger platform. Their hope? That “the world will finally recognize that people with IDD have no limits and that they belong in the workforce, fully included and valued for their abilities.” No Limits Cafe is a powerful reminder of what can happen when passion and purpose come together.
Interested in supporting No Limits Cafe? You can make a donation on their website here, and follow their journey on Instagram here.
AUTHOR
Meet Becca, a delectable combination of food enthusiast, intrepid traveler, humorous soul, and wordsmith extraordinaire. With a passport in one hand and a fork in the other, she embarks on adventures, savors cuisines, and collects witty anecdotes. She works in media and is a freelance writer.
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