Oakville Cafe Empowers People with Disabilities Through Meaningful Jobs

A new Oakville cafe and market is breaking barriers by creating meaningful job opportunities for people with disabilities, proving that inclusive employment is not just possible—it's profitable.

A Cafe Built from a Need for Opportunity

BU Cafe & Market, located at 77 Lakeshore Rd. W., opened in January 2025. It was co-founded by Karen Drexler and her son Jacob Stretton, who has Down syndrome. The idea came after Jacob struggled to find work despite having the skills and desire. "The one thing he always wanted was a job like his sister's. He loves being a barista," Drexler told Now Toronto. After applying to "many, many jobs" with no callbacks, Drexler decided to create a space where people with disabilities could work, learn, and build confidence.

Creating Support That Leads to Independence

During the pandemic, Jacob discovered candle-making and launched BU Candles in 2021, a hand-crafted soy candle business that promotes inclusive employment. The brand's motto, "Be You," became the foundation for the cafe. BU Cafe & Market serves coffee, baked goods, sandwiches, and specialty drinks, while its market features products from entrepreneurs with disabilities, including candles, T-shirts, and artwork.

A Community Space Centred on Inclusion

The cafe's mission is to make inclusion part of everyday work. Drexler emphasizes understanding each employee's learning style and providing tailored support. This approach is crucial given that Statistics Canada reports only 46.4% employment rate for persons with disabilities compared to 66.2% for those without. Drexler believes stigma and lack of understanding are major barriers: "I think employers just don’t understand or realize the capabilities people have."

Since opening, the cafe has seen tremendous community support, with repeat customers building relationships with staff. Drexler says the cafe proves that people with disabilities are capable of working, learning, and contributing when given the right support. "Just because you have a disability does not mean you’re not capable of working," she said.