Case Study: Café Joyeux creates an inclusive café experience with Gensler

Café Joyeux opens first U.S. café with Gensler, creating a 2,500-square-foot inclusive workplace for 50 guests

Café Joyeux, a not-for-profit organization, sought to establish its first U.S. location, a café dedicated to employing and training people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They partnered with the design firm Gensler to provide architectural and design services to create a space that would support their inclusive mission and serve as a functional workplace.

Gensler collaborated with designer Maison Sarah Lavoine to adapt the existing Lexington Avenue space, focusing on functional simplicity and wellbeing. The solution was a 2,500 square-foot café-restaurant designed with a safe, functional layout, vibrant yellow accents, and a blend of modern and cozy aesthetics to create a welcoming atmosphere for up to 50 guests. Gensler delivered a space that successfully embodies the café's "served from the heart" ethos for both staff and customers.

Café Joyeux