Inside Niceville’s Inspiring New Student Café

NICEVILLE, Fla. — The Emerald Coast Autism Center is expanding opportunities for its students in a hands-on way with the launch of a new, student-run coffee shop.

The nonprofit organization announced it will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony for The Carter Café at 10 a.m. on Thursday, April 16. The café is located inside the Emerald Coast Learning Center at 80 College Boulevard East in Niceville. The event will include complimentary coffee and entertainment for attendees.

Following the grand opening, the café will be open to the public Monday through Thursday from 8:45 to 9:45 a.m., serving breakfast items and beverages.

The Carter Café is operated by students in ECAC’s Transition to Work (TTW) program, which focuses on building real-world job skills. Students are responsible for running the café’s day-to-day operations, including managing inventory, taking customer orders, and preparing food and drinks.

The program is designed to promote independence and help students gain meaningful employment in the community. In addition to the café, TTW participants receive vocational training through on-campus facilities such as a commercial kitchen, laundry room, and car wash. The program also partners with Northwest Florida State College to provide expanded job training opportunities.

Community members are encouraged to attend the grand opening and support the program, as well as participate in future ECAC events, including the upcoming ONE Run 5K scheduled for May 2.

Founded in 2009, the Emerald Coast Autism Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with autism and other unique abilities through therapeutic, educational, and vocational services.