A coffee shop named Brownies and Downies has just moved into Cape Town & is providing a unique service.
Cape Town, South Africa – It wants to provide training, along with a sense of independence, to youngsters with special needs.
Brownies & Downies was first begun in 2010 in Veghel, the Netherlands, when two friends, chef Teun Horck and special-needs school teacher, Thijs Swinkels, wanted to create job opportunities in hospitality for people with disabilities.
The pair then successfully launched Brownies & Downies, a non-profit coffee-shop concept with a focus on quality food, awareness, and offering training experience and employment for the intellectually challenged.
The company has since opened almost 30 stores in the Netherlands and, on 8 February 2016, a branch in South Africa’s Mother City.
Brownies & Downies Cape Town offers a happy and bright space for guests to enjoy cafe-style eats and delicious brews by Truth Coffee. The dishes on the menu are prepared, cooked and served by the enthusiastic staff as a training programme for them to learn the ins and outs of the hospitality business, with a view to open up future opportunities for them in service, food preparation and management.
The owner and founder of the new branch, Wendy Vermeulen, made her way from the Netherlands to complete a social work internship in South Africa during 2010 and decided to stay in the city after completing her degree.
Like the two founders, Wendy realised that there was a lack of facilities for people with intellectual disabilities in South Africa, with these youths often completing school at the age of 18 and struggling to find employment after that.
Wendy became increasingly aware of the fear and stigma around interacting with people with intellectual disabilities and searched for a solution, and so Brownies & Downies Cape Town was born.
“Our mandate is to improve the quality of life for the intellectually challenged, and to evolve the South African societal views and acceptance of these individuals into society. We want to create welcoming atmosphere of love and acceptance in every outlet, and provide exceptional quality of food and dining experiences to our customers.”
From the looks of things, Brownies & Downies Cape Town is well on the way to achieving its aims, and that the staff are happy and proud to work there. Manager Wade Schultz and Wendy are hands-on with running the restaurant alongside the team, assisting with training and encouragement.
The name might seem controversial but its more than just a talking point…
“The name is actually created by parents of people with Down syndrome, the whole reason why they did that, is because no one cares about people with Down syndrome so they needed to create the awareness.”
“It might be controversial, but its a name you will never forget.”
The Brownies & Downies menu offers a range of breakfasts, sandwiches, light lunches, burgers and pastries. Office workers in the area are also welcome to place orders for takeaway lunches.
Bruce Muller posted a photo on Facebook of his cousin who had found work for the first time which is quickly gaining traction & raising even more awareness for the fantastic restaurant.
“So proud of my cousin and his first job! Please support this fantastic initiative if you’re in the Long Street area – it is a restaurant and coffee shop that provides workplace training and employment for young adults with down syndrome and other learning disablitilies.”
We cannot wait to visit this fantastic restaurant & wish Brownies & Downies only good things!
For those wanting to support this inspiring business and training centre (aside from becoming a regular, that is), there are a number of ways to do so. Head over to their website to find out more: www.browniesdownies.co.za
by 
I work with young adults who have an intellectual disability and assist them in finding meaningful employment. Reading this article and hearing about Brownies and Downies has made my soul sing. Together we can break the barriers that are preventing people with disabilities from attaining a quality of life that we all want for ourselves.
I live in Somerset West Cape Town. I have a daughter with Epilepsy who is struggling with regection and cannot find employment. She stays in her room all day. Every day. Do you perhaps know of any help I can get for her in this area? Very grateful for any ideas from anyone. 0710697652. CHERYL.
Hi There,
I would like to point out the fact that your article is factually incorrect, the first type of restaurant of this nature is Coffee Time at the Astra Centre, this is located in Gardens, Cape Town.
I have attached some links for your perusal
http://www.astrajse.com click on coffee time.
Have an enjoyable evening further
regards
Wow. Thank you guys. What an amazing concept. I have a special needs daughter and shall visit you soon. Xxx
I have a special needs grand-son and would like to do something to help. He is only 6 years and attends a special school in Johannrsburg
Carol there is a new Cafe in Joburg that is setting up at the moment – Special Kneads Cafe in Fourways. They could do with your help. https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/new-cafe-special-kneads/?fb_action_ids=10156286730098623&fb_action_types=og.comments
Carol there is a new Cafe in Joburg that is setting up at the moment – Special Kneads Cafe in Kyalami. They could do with your help. https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/new-cafe-special-kneads/?fb_action_ids=10156286730098623&fb_action_types=og.comments
Thank you! In future, when I am in Cape Town, this will be the place I will visit.
Please put an actual address in your article. Would love to visit and give them some business but the article doesn’t say exactly where it is located. Locals may know but what about us visitors?
Hi Cheryl. The aanhou wen club ( contact the Heldderberg Dutch Reformed church) is a place where disabled young people can go daily. It gives them an opportunity
to socialize at least. You could perhaps find a job for her through the church or ministers there. They are very empathetic and helpful. Good luck.
Malinda
Hi I’ve also a daughter with special needs and I would be really interested in maybe starting a bench in JHB, I’m aslso a pastry Chef and I have my city and gulids