Our Story

Our Mission is to create employment for differently abled people so that they may aspire to all of the same things that most of us adults want. A sense of accomplishment, a sense of community and a sense of autonomy. We are having fun while we are learning skills in the kitchen and working with the public. 

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We started with an ice cream parlor - Jake's Ice Cream - in the Barcroft Plaza Shopping Center in August 2021. This was inspired by the owner's nephew. We make our own ice cream and confections in a dizzying array of flavors and designs. 

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We are expanding in the spring of 2023 with this next venture into the world of making Gourmet Popcorn. We make all of our products in the shop and are proud to present to you the fruits (or shall we say kernels) of our labor!

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We are excited about becoming your favorite snack food place.

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We are looking forward to partnering with other groups within our community to expand the possibilities for fostering independence in the work place. We will continue to work with Arlington PEP from internships to hiring staff for pay. We will continue to work with the Down Syndrome Association of Northern Virginia and the Parents of Autistic Children. 

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A LITTLE BIT ABOUT OUR STAFF

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• Ellen - I have a good sense of humor, a positive attitude and am welcoming to customers.  I am now an assistant manager at the shop after earning my manager level ServSafe Certificate. I like to make chocolate popcorn and oreo cookies and cream popcorn.

• Janmari - Customer service is making sure everyone has a great experience so they will come back.

• Danna - I am a graduate of the Arlington PEP program and work both the front and the back of the shop

• Peter - I am relatively new and learning new techniques all the time. I like MOST of the popcorn flavors and treat myself once a week to a new flavor. I'm getting better at working the register and making change.

• Jessica - I am a graduate of the Arlington PEP program and just starting to work a few days a week. I'm learning new activities every week.

• Josh - I have worked in food service before moving to Northern Virginia. I am enjoying working with new people and learning new skills. I am also taking college courses.

• Xander - This is a great place to work and fun to design new flavors. I am the sommelier of the popcorn flavors and make recommendations for people to try.

• Debbie - I have learned to become independent in making the popcorn and in cleaning the equipment until it shines like new!

• Mesha - I have experience working for a local grocery store deli counter and enjoy organizing the work space for improved efficiency. I enjoy making recommendations for people to try new things.  I'd like to make Peanut Butter Cup popcorn and Chocolate Chip cookie popcorn.​  I designed the Loaded Baked Potato flavor and recommended the Blueberry Muffin Flavor.