“A Latte Friends” and its Superstars set to open soon

They say superstars are seen in Hollywood on the big screen or on the court during a big game at Madison Square Garden.

But what if you knew that Superstars — 19 of them to be exact — could also be found in D’Iberville?

These Superstars — a more-fitting term for employees — are ready to take on the world at A Latte Friends, a soon-to-be-open coffee shop in D’Iberville that employs young adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

“We’re trying to take the dis- out of ability and make it an ability,” owner Tanya Estep said. “They’re all going to feel a part of things. They’re going to have different roles, and we hope to train them in everything eventually.”

Estep, a retired special education teacher, came up with the idea to open the coffee shop. She and two fellow special education teachers will oversee the shop and help train these Superstars so that they are ready to give back to the community.

“This was just like a dream of mine when I retired, to do something like this, to give back to the community,” Estep said.

From the sounds of it, it sure seems like her Superstars are just as excited to get started.

“Just come by because the coffee’s good tasting, you can believe that the coffee’s good here,” Superstar Gunner Price said as he explained why community members should visit A Latte Friends.

“I’m going to be excited to go to work in three weeks, cause I may love it here,” Superstar Caleb Gonzalez added.

“I like it, it’s really cute in here and stuff like that,” Superstar Latia Williams explained. “I like it here and stuff, because I’m working at a coffee shop.”

A Latte Friends is set to open in the coming weeks.