Sweet Jordan's
We visited Sweet Jordan's in Paris, Tennessee. We sat down and chatted with Brad and Tommie St John, the owners of this innovative business. Yes they were right, we didn't leave there the same!
History behind the Concept
Sweet Jordan's opened it's door 2 years ago this September. It is a coffee shop, bakery and ice cream shop that sells homemade goodies. The motivation for starting this business is Jordan, their 26 year old son with Down Syndrome. They wanted Jordan to have a place to go to. A place to work and interact with the community. The idea started with Tommie watching Brad and Jordan baking cookies together. Brad bought Jordan a scale to help keep the cookies uniform and Jordan loved the routine of baking. He enjoyed and excelled at it!
Tommie and Brad are Christians and their faith is central to how they live. Tommie will tell you that she can't talk about the coffee shop without testifying to God. They believe that everyone has value and purpose. Yes, they do!
Coffee Shop and Bakery
Tommie describes pulling up to a strip mall on Volunteer Blvd and calling the number posted in the window of a store for rent. She walked around the space and knew that this was the right place. It would have barrier free access and accommodate a kitchen. The building owner suggested they sell homemade ice cream to supplement the baked goods. They didn't know how to make ice cream but that didn't stop them!
Tommie states that they are by no means wealthy but with help from the community Jordan's Coffee Shop and Bakery came to life, with plans of a laundry in the pipeline. In the bakery you will see a Wall of Thanks. This wall represents those individuals that came together to help create the Vision. Jordan's hires over 30 individuals. Brad says the special team member's unconditional love is key to the spirit of this enterprise. It'scustomer service at it's best, they are genuinely happy to see you come in.
Creating real work and inclusion for individuals with disabilities
Tommie brings home an important point. There is an 80% unemployment rate for individuals with disabilities and she is right, this is unacceptable! Tommie and Brad advocate for business owners to give individuals with disabilities a chance to work. This is a largely untapped labor pool and Tommie reports that her special team members are reliable, on time, ready to work and precise with routine oriented tasks.
The Legacy of Sweet Jordan's joins a growing movement of parents who are taking the lead in creating workplaces and opportunities for their children with special needs to go and work...True Inspiration and True Inclusion.