A new nonprofit specialty beverage and sweet treat shop, featuring employees of all abilities, officially opened Wednesday in Brandon.
Buddies & Co. is a place where “people with disabilities are valued, find meaningful work and connect with the community they love,” the business’s website states.
The business began with a group of three moms (Kristin Knutson, Krista Halseth, Carin Griffith), and two educators (Victoria Orren, a special education teacher at Brandon Valley High School, and Sarah Andera, a teacher of the Deaf and a sign language interpreter). Griffith said the group saw a need in the community for a transition program and supportive working environment for their children. These moms and teachers now serve as the board members of the nonprofit.
“Our mission is to have a great community in Brandon that’s so accepting and inclusive of our individuals with different needs,” Carin Griffith said.
Kristin Knutson’s son Andrew Knutson, 20, who graduated from BVHS in 2023; Krista Halseth’s daughter Anna, 24; and Carin Griffith’s daughter Rylee Griffith, 20, who graduated in 2024, were the first three staff members at the business and are now part of a team of 19 employees.
The business idea started about a year ago, Carin Griffith said. From there, staff was hired, a space was selected, purchased and renovated with help from community members, and staff were able to train and get ready with soft openings in June and July. The business had its grand opening Wednesday.
Carin Griffith said each of their children are in different stages and ages in life and in a transition period after graduating high school where they need employment.
Rylee Griffith said the business’s grand opening had gone “pretty good” so far. She said she found her new job fun because she gets to see her friends and teachers come into the shop and order a drink or treat, which she hand-delivers to the tables.
Andrew Knutson worked at Subway, Pizza Ranch and Eastway Bowling before starting at Buddies & Co. He said he likes seeing all the people come into the business that he knows, like his family members, friends and teachers, and staying connected to the community.
Kristin Knutson said she appreciates that the business keeps her son Andrew Knutson and his coworkers connected to people they miss from high school.
Laura Sheppard, 19, graduated from BVHS in 2024 and worked at County Fair as a cashier before this, but said she likes making the different drinks at Buddies & Co. and loves the welcoming, cheerful atmosphere and cooperative environment at her new job.
Buddies & Co. is “important because it allows for a place that’s accepting and welcoming,” Sheppard said. “It’s available for those who may have trouble getting a job in other places.”
Buddies & Co. offers drinks like smoothies, Italian sodas, energy drinks and coffee, and snacks like ice cream from Family Treats and Flyboy Donuts.
Buddies & Co. will be open this summer from 7 to 11 a.m. and from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays, at 1309 East Cedar Street in Brandon.
This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Nonprofit sweets and drink shop Buddies & Co. officially opens in Brandon
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