Welcome to Starbucks’ First Sign‑Language Café
On a sunny Tuesday in northern Washington, a 20‑year‑old deaf student, Ms. Rebecca Witzofsky, and her hearing buddy Nikolas Carapellatti ran into a surprisingly smooth coffee run—and not just because the barista spilled latte foam. It was the grand opening of Starbucks’ very first “signing store” in the United States, right on the doorstep of Gallaudet University, the world’s only university that dedicates a full curriculum to the deaf and hard‑of‑hearing.
What Makes This Café Different (and Awesome)
- Staff Sign‑Speak: Every employee—most of them deaf or hard of hearing—communicates exclusively in American Sign Language (ASL).
- Smooth Ordering: Your name flashes on a screen, so you can skip the “Can you hear me?” guessing game.
- Silence Friendly: Most chatter is silent, so the place feels more like a calm coffee nook than a buzzing Starbucks chain.
- Deaf Culture Highlights: The café features a “sign of the week” (currently a coffee‑grinder‑inspired two‑fist move), special mugs designed by a deaf artist, and a transcription of how to sign the Starbucks logo.
The Story Behind the Idea
This concept started in Kuala Lumpur back in 2016 and now echoes in Washington’s capital. Starbucks says the goal is to make deaf people feel “a space off‑campus where they can socialise, eat, and meet peers and staff alike.” The opening also benefited from a special appearance by Oscar‑winning deaf actress Marlee Matlin, lending extra star‑power to the event.
Voices from the Crowd
Retired couple Albert and Peggy Hlibok were sipping on the patio, chatting with an interpreter. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for all of us,” Peggy explained. “It’ll teach people not to be afraid to communicate with deaf people—showing that it’s just part of who we are, part of our diverse lives.”
Listen (or, rather, Sign) to ‘The Sonic Coffee’
Be sure to try the “sign of the week.” Two closed fists, stacked and spinning—easy for anyone to mimic, and it’ll instantly remind you that a new coffee culture is brewing in America.
