PARK CITY, Utah – As the Sundance Film Festival transforms Park City into a hub of creativity and collaboration, one local business is finding deeper meaning in the bustling atmosphere. Lucky Ones Coffee Shop, known for its inclusive hiring practices, has become a focal point for festival-goers, providing not just coffee but also a unique opportunity for individuals with disabilities to showcase their skills. Located just a stone's throw from the festival venues, Lucky Ones Coffee Shop has made a name for itself by employing 38 neurodiverse baristas. The shop's executive director, Katie Manhart, emphasizes that their mission goes beyond serving coffee; it is about empowering individuals with disabilities through meaningful work experiences. “We employ and empower individuals with disabilities,” Manhart said. “They work on cash handling and customer interactions, coworker interactions, and social skills.” This mission resonates deeply, especially during the bustling festival days when the shop sees an influx of about 500 customers daily. Employee Brian Pepito, who has been with Lucky Ones for some time, shared his excitement about the festival atmosphere. “Just really seeing all the people coming in to see all these films and having good, small chats with them every now and then, when I can, is fantastic,” Pepito remarked. For him, the festival is not just about the increased foot traffic; it represents a chance to connect with visitors from all walks of life. To accommodate the surge in customers, Lucky Ones has taken significant steps to adapt. The coffee shop has extended its hours during the festival, opening at 7:30 a.m. and closing at 6 p.m. “We grow our menu just a little bit, we increase our staffing, and then we have a large pool of volunteers,” Manhart explained. This proactive approach ensures that the shop can handle the high volume of customers while maintaining the quality service that has earned them a loyal following. In addition to extending hours and menu options, the shop has also adjusted its pricing during the festival. “Supply and demand” is a driving principle behind this decision. Manhart noted that their experience from the first two years of the festival taught them the importance of adjusting prices to better manage the overwhelming demand. “All of the revenue that we have here goes back into our program, so no one really complains too much,” she added, highlighting the community's understanding of their mission. The economic impact of Sundance is significant for Lucky Ones Coffee Shop. Manhart shared that a substantial portion of their winter revenue is generated during this two-week festival. “We make most of our winter money in these two weeks,” she said, stressing the importance of this period for the sustainability of their operations and programs. However, the festival's impact goes beyond financial gains. Manhart has observed that many festival-goers leave with a newfound appreciation for the shop’s mission. After interacting with staff, some visitors have expressed interest in starting similar initiatives in their own communities. “We have a lot of people that email us or talk to us after Sundance is over, that have come in here and got to speak with our employees,” Manhart noted. “They want a Lucky Ones, or something very similar in their community.” This ripple effect underscores the broader implications of the festival, as it fosters awareness and inspires change beyond Park City. For Pepito, the experience at Lucky Ones has been transformative. “It really showed that I was capable of little things. I actually didn't think I was going to be able to make drinks or paninis,” he reflected. The supportive environment at Lucky Ones has not only helped him develop essential job skills but has also instilled a sense of confidence in his abilities. “Lucky Ones here really helped pull me through that,” he added, referring to his personal growth. As the festival continues, Lucky Ones Coffee Shop stands as a testament to the power of community, inclusivity, and the transformative potential of employment for individuals with disabilities. The bustling atmosphere of the Sundance Film Festival, combined with the shop's mission, creates a unique intersection of art and advocacy, proving that every cup of coffee served is not just a drink but a step toward greater acceptance and understanding. With the festival drawing to a close, both Manhart and Pepito recognize the lasting impact it has had on their community and the opportunities it opens for their employees. In the end, while Lucky Ones Coffee Shop thrives during this peak period, it is the connections made and the lives changed that truly encapsulate the spirit of Sundance, reminding us all of the importance of community and inclusion in every facet of life.