Our Spaces: Bunny Bakes

Universal Design Meets Neighborhood Cafe

Bunny Bakes is a neighborhood coffee shop and bakery that employs individuals with disabilities. From the very beginning, our cafe was designed using universal design principles, intentionally going beyond ADA requirements to create a space that works for everyone. A design task force made up of community members with and without disabilities helped shape every detail of the space, from selecting furniture that would be comfortable and accessible for individuals with physical disabilities to ensuring thoughtful table and chair heights. Our bathrooms include an adult changing table, a rare feature in Pittsburgh’s food service industry - and lighting and sound levels can be adjusted upon request to support customers with sensory needs, with tabletop cards explaining these options. Seating was selected with flexibility and comfort in mind, including chairs that allow gentle movement for those who benefit from it. The result is a space where no corners were cut: high-quality materials, thoughtfully commissioned artwork by artists with disabilities, and a café experience where the coffee and pastries meet the same standard as the mission itself. At Bunny Bakes, inclusion isn’t an add-on - it’s built into the design, the experience, and every sip and bite.