Cary Coffee Shop Named Among Top 10 Cafes in US

Esteamed Coffee, a non-profit coffeehouse that employs people with disabilities, ranks 6th on list of best women-owned cafes.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Esteamed Coffee, a non-profit coffeehouse in Cary, North Carolina that employs individuals with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities, has been named one of the top 10 women-owned cafes in the United States. The café earned a 4.92-star rating on Yelp and was recognized for its mission of providing meaningful work opportunities for people with disabilities.

Why it matters

This recognition highlights the growing trend of social enterprises and mission-driven businesses that are creating inclusive workplaces and opportunities for marginalized communities. Esteamed Coffee's success demonstrates that businesses can thrive while also having a positive social impact on their local community.

The details

Esteamed Coffee was ranked 6th on a list of the top 10 women-led cafes in the US, compiled by online business lender OnDeck. The analysis looked at over 12,500 women-owned small businesses across 431 cities, focusing on cafes with at least a 4-star Yelp rating. Esteamed Coffee earned a 4.92-star rating from customers, who praised the café's welcoming atmosphere, quality coffee and baked goods, and commitment to employing individuals with disabilities.

  • Esteamed Coffee opened its doors in December 2020.
  • The OnDeck report that ranked Esteamed Coffee was published in the fall of 2025.
  • Esteamed Coffee was one of five North Carolina cafes named to Yelp's Top 100 Coffee Shops list in September 2025.

The players

Esteamed Coffee

A non-profit coffeehouse in Cary, North Carolina that provides employment opportunities to people with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities.

Angie Hudson

Co-founder of Esteamed Coffee.

Tamara Lapsley

Co-founder of Esteamed Coffee.

OnDeck

An online business lender that published a report identifying the top 10 women-led cafes in the US.

Yelp

A platform that ranked Esteamed Coffee as one of the top 100 coffee shops in the US in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“Know your 'Why' when starting your business journey as it will motivate you and sustain you on the hard days. Keep doing the next right thing towards your goal/dream, especially on the hard days when you want to give up.”

— Tamara Lapsley and Angie Hudson, Co-founders, Esteamed Coffee (OnDeck)

“Not only is the vision amazing, but their coffee was great. It was piping hot, came with the whipped cream, and the aroma of the chai tea latte was nutty and spiced. It was perfectly balanced and not overly sweetened!”

— Rosie N. (Yelp)

“The cottage was bright, welcoming, and bustling. As we waited in line, an employee greeted us, presented the menu, and answered our questions. The walls around us were adorned in beautiful paintings. The line moved at a steady rate and soon we were enjoying our drinks and pastries at an indoor table.”

— Jillian S. (Yelp)

“Great location in the heart of downtown Cary. The inside and outside of the cafe is super cute and super clean. The staff was very welcoming, helpful and friendly. There is plenty of seats to enjoy your cafe drinks and pastries.”

— Tania N. (Yelp)

What’s next

Esteamed Coffee plans to continue expanding its mission and workforce, providing more employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities in the Cary community.

The takeaway

Esteamed Coffee's recognition as a top women-owned café in the US demonstrates the power of mission-driven businesses to create positive social impact while also achieving commercial success. This story highlights the growing demand for inclusive workplaces and the ability of small businesses to lead the way in building a more equitable economy.