According to a recently submitted permit application, a new coffee shop and gluten-free bakery, The Mermaid Cafe, is gearing up to open in San Antonio.
“We will be San Antonio’s first and only disabilities-first coffee shop, where diversity isn’t just welcomed, it’s celebrated in everything we do,” The Mermaid Cafe shares on its Facebook page.
Coming to 14415 Blanco Road, Suite #110, the cafe will land near establishments such as Ito Ramen, Primal Juice & Smoothies, and Rock N’ Rose Salon.
The concept’s co-owner, Drew Meyer — who will operate the business alongside his wife, Karen Meyer, and daughter, Leah Meyer— tells What Now San Antonio that The Mermaid Cafe is inspired by his daughter, sharing, “She has always wanted to have a restaurant.”
He continues, “Our mission is to have our workforce be about 70% people with physical or intellectual disabilities.”
In addition to coffee-based beverages, locals can expect to find baked goods such as chocolate chip cookies — “We’ve got a family recipe that’s been used since my wife was a little girl, modified to be gluten-free,” shares Meyer — crunch drop cookies, pumpkin bread, cinnamon rolls, and chocolate sheet cake with fudge frosting.
“We hope that people will come and feel comfortable sitting and visiting for a while,” Meyer continues.
The Mermaid Cafe on Blanco Road is slated to open in February 2025. Follow the eatery on Facebook for additional updates.
