Disabled Individuals “Make a Splash” at the Mermaid Cafe

By Allie Benegar

Children have many different ideas of what their future is going to look like. These ideas change for most as they grow up and discover their passions. But for Leah Meyer, a disabled individual, the dream that she had for her future was a constant that never faded. As a child Leah wished to own a restaurant and  worked hard to develop skills needed to do so. When her parents saw that this dream was significant and permanent they decided that it was time to open The Mermaid Cafe in San Antonio, Texas. This disability run cafe has changed the lives of many for all who are connected to the cafe in any way. The Mermaid Cafe was a dream that is now flourishing in reality. 

Since their opening in May 2025, the cafe has shown people all of the amazing things that people with intellectual or developmental disabilities can do. The goal when the cafe began was to have seventy percent of workers be individuals with special needs. The Mermaid Cafe began with an initial hiring of sixteen disabled employees. Currently there are eighteen special needs staff members, passing their goal percentage. Now eighty percent of the crew are individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. 

One of the stand out features of the cafe is that everything made is gluten free. The Mermaid cafe does not only have a positive impact on the IDD community but the gluten free one as well. Leah Meyer uses The Mermaid Cafe to make the people in these communities know that, “they are not alone” [1].

The Mermaid Cafe has given meaningful employment to so many that have not been given opportunities, such as this one, before. Employees learn many skills that they will take with them throughout the rest of their lives. The equipment in the cafe is user friendly and there are straight forward guides and programs which set the employees up for success on the job. Interacting with customers on a daily basis helps employees improve social skills that can be used in all areas of their lives. The Mermaid Cafe provides a space for individuals with disabilities to show the world how they are capable of doing great things in society, “spread[ing] awareness of special needs” [1]. 

Meyer’s has made the cafe a place where people of the community can feel safe and spread joy. They have become a place known for the inclusion of all types of people. There have been multiple celebrations and parties held at the cafe, showcasing the joy that is given to others by The Mermaid Cafe. This place has become a point of pride for members in the community. 

What the Meyer’s cafe has done for the IDD community is significant and inspiring. They have received a great deal of support from friends, family and members of the community. They see the hope that they give to people with disabilities and their family members. As they reach people all throughout the world, Leah Meyer shares her message that, “it doesn’t matter that we’re different” [1]. Sharing that whether someone is, “small or tall” and no matter their ‘shape and size” [1], people with disabilities are just as capable of success as others. The Mermaid Cafe has changed the lives of its employees for the better and continues to spread happiness in San Antonio, Texas. 

[1] Leah Meyer, Karen Meyer and Drew Meyer. The Mermaid Cafe. San Antonio, Texas. 2025.