It’s the perfect location.

Roots are opening their second Cork cafe exactly where people need coffee most; on University College Cork’s main campus.

Roots cafés train adults with an intellectual disability in barista skills, customer service, communication, and cash handling.

Their first coffee shop opened at Beech Hill Garden Centre in Montenotte in 2018, serving Java Republic Fairtrade coffee, local goodies from The Natural Foods Bakery and a range of herbal teas, drinks, and snacks, with the second location due to open in the coming weeks in the UCC Student Hub.

Many of the current young people on the staff at Roots are students at the Cope Foundation’s Bonnington Training Centre. Working at the café helps staff who have learning difficulties to develop their confidence, learn customer service skills and progress to secure other jobs in similar businesses.

It’ll be an eco-friendly spot too; Roots @ UCC will only serve hot drinks in reusable coffee cups to minimise waste and reduce its carbon footprint. You can bring your own cup or buy a Roots coffee cup and get your first coffee free.

“We will follow the same ethos and standards of the original Roots and will focus on training and employment for the people Cope Foundation support.” Roots manager Rowena Mattock told Yay Cork.

Follow the Roots UCC Facebook page for updates.