When Covid hit the spring of 2020, Hugs Café, along with other McKinney businesses, was forced to close its restaurant operations. Hugs experienced a drastic 60% drop in revenue, and the Hugs team members were worried they would lose their jobs. In response to their concerns, Director of Development Lauren Smith said, "That is not even an option. We are not going to let that happen." And she quickly got to work with the Hugs Team to pivot from food service to online gifts.
Providing meaningful work for team members is what Hugs Café is all about. Its mission of enhancing the lives of adults with special needs through training and employment, drives every business decision. With otherwise limited professional opportunities, Hugs team members get to engage in meaningful work that is invaluable to these adults and the community.
The launch into an online gift business began with existing products such as mugs, t-shirts, and Hugs' famous peach chutney. But more products were needed to make up for the lost revenue. While searching for additional ways for team members to create unique gifts, local boutique owner Jessica from Jasper and Petals approached Hugs to offer help. Before the Covid shut-down, Jasper and Petals offered in-store jewelry making classes for its clients. The pandemic restrictions did not allow the classes to continue, and that left available space and materials unused. Jessica offered the space and materials to the Hugs team supplying them with the necessary resources to create beautiful jewelry and candles.
Hugs' expanded gift business has reduced the total drop in revenue to 30%. But even better than that are the incredible stories coming from this new venture. One story involves two team members, one with cerebral palsy and the other with autism. Individually, they could not make a piece of jewelry because of their limitations. However, by leveraging their combined skillsets, they are making bracelets together. It's been inspiring to watch their teamwork.
Another story is of a young man who created a comic book series in his mind called Elemental Warriors of the Universe. One day when he came to work in his new jewelry-making job, he enthusiastically began creating earrings. He shared with Lauren that he made earrings representing the characters in his comic book series. Usually a man of few words, he excitedly described in detail his creations. Where Lauren saw beads, he saw an outlet. Jewelry-making became a way for him to express his ideas in a way that nothing else could.
Lauren marvels at how this new business venture has helped grow the Hugs team's skills and beliefs. It's been transformative. When someone purchases these individuals' work, they invest in a product that teaches these adults that the community values what they are doing. Their work is worthwhile, and that is empowering for everyone involved.
Just in time for the holiday gift-giving season, Hugs' online product line includes four flavors of jarred jam and chutney, plus Hugs' famous pretzels. Cookies and pies are available for in-store purchase and pre-order. In-store and online jewelry selections include earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and a variety of bracelet-earring gift-sets. Hugs Café t-shirts are available in both short and long sleeve options. And for the kitchen and home, there are mugs and candles.
Hugs also operates a greenhouse where customers can purchase poinsettias for the Christmas holidays and seasonal plants for the spring and fall planting seasons.
Located just off McKinney square at 224 E Virginia St, the Hugs Café restaurant is now open again for lunch Tuesday through Friday, 11 am – 2 pm, and Saturday, 11 am – 3 pm. Purchase gifts for friends, family, and coworkers in-store or online at www.hugscafe.org.