The Grateful Mug Cafe To Operate From Chamber Building

HARWICH PORT – The Grateful Mug Cafe will open in the chamber of commerce building following approval from the planning board.

A local initiative to provide workforce training for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, the Grateful Mug concept was put together by Shana Grogan, who teaches individuals with moderate and severe disabilities in the Monomoy Regional School District. Grogan is also a certified autism fitness trainer who operates Special Abilities Fitness in Harwich Port, where she works with more than 20 athletes.

The development program will have minimal impact on surrounding businesses, traffic, parking and pedestrian safety, said Planner and Community Development Director Christine Flynn. No changes to the building or parking area will be required, and there will be no commercial kitchen. Interior changes will be minor; there will be two counter top areas, a coffee area and a wash sink. There will be no seating, and food will be prepackaged off site.There will be no more than six workers and instructors on site at any one time.

 “The workforce development program is a great opportunity for the town of Harwich, chamber of commerce and especially the participating clients in need of workforce experience in a safe and supportive environment,” Flynn told the board.

The planning board waived the need for a site plan review special permit and issued a fast food takeout special permit to the cafe.

 “We need to be a part of this, it’s an amazing thing to be a part of,” said Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Cyndi Williams. “As a chamber we do things to help our town as well as our members. [Employees] will get to go into the workforce, helping our chamber members as staff.”

 The property is owned by the town, part of the public parking facilities at 1 School House Rd. Town Administrator Joseph Powers told the planning board that the town was the primary applicant and site owner.

 “I’m here on behalf of the greatest possible use and greatest group of people in our community,” Powers said. “I’m here to support the application we submitted, and I urge you to look favorably on it.”

 “This is truly a pleasure to speak in support of this incredible venture,” added Select Board Chair Jeffrey Handler. “The select board has voted unanimously in favor of this project.” He praised Grogan and the “amazing people” involved in the project. “What’s happening here is nothing short of exceptional. This is what makes a good town great.”

 Williams said the plan is to hold a soft opening of the cafe during school vacation in April. She is working with chamber members who can provide the cafe with prepackaged products. Brenda’s Cakes For All Occasions will be doing cupcakes and whoopie pies and other specialty items she offers. They also have access to the commercial kitchen at the Pilgrim Congregational Church to prepare baked goods. Members of the chamber have been reaching out to help, she said, adding that several restaurants have committed to assist with startup supplies.

The workforce has shown a lot of interest in the project, including 10 individuals in the Monomoy Regional High School post-graduate program and another seven students in the high school’s program, Grogan said. 

 “Our mission is simple yet transformative: to provide meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” said Grogan. “By fostering a work environment rooted in support, respect, and inclusion, the Grateful Mug aims to empower its employees to grow, thrive and take pride in their contributions.” 

 The number of staff on the premise is capped at six. Williams said there would be one member of the workforce and a supervisor operating the cafe, and an instructor training up to three staff members in a side room.