Approximately 70% to 90% of adults with autism are unem-
ployed. Special Treats, a new chocolate shop in the Timberlyne Shopping Center, employs those with special needs.
Chapel Hill local Dan Friedman opened the chocolate shop on August 1 after retiring from his previous job.
“I had been an investment manager for 26 years. I was retiring and looking for something to do,” Friedman said.
Friedman has an adult son with autism and knows how hard it is for adults with disabilities to be employed. He wanted to provide opportunities for adults with disabilities in the community.
Friedman’s son helped get the store open and worked at the store before he moved out of state. In addition to Friedman, three other people with various disabilities are employed at Special Treats.
“They enjoy doing it. They’re out in the workplace meeting people,” Friedman said. “We sell chocolate; our customers are happy. It’s not like other jobs where you’re dealing with people who are upset.”
Currently, the store does not make its own chocolate since it does not have enough space for a kitchen. All chocolate is sourced from non-profit organizations that employ people with special needs. However, Friedman would like for Special Treats to start making its own products by using a rental kitchen.
The store also features an art wall to display the work of artists with special needs. “It gives them the chance to see their stuff out on display and a couple of them have sold,” Friedman said.
Friedman commented on the positive response from the
community. “The community has been very supportive. Some
people come in, and they know about our story and want to support what we’re doing. Other people just want good chocolate,” he said.
