Back in December 2019, former Straight staffer Gail Johnson shared the inspiring story of Gabi & Jules.

The owners of the bakery and café in Port Moody didn't just talk about inclusion, they practised this in way that went far beyond the norm.

At the time, Johnson reported that 10 of the business's 36 team members were on the autism spectrum.

"This is about meaningful employment," co-owner Lisa Beecroft said. "We want to see a society that sees that everyone has something to offer and every job is a valuable job."

One of her own daughters, Gabriela, has autism—and Beecroft was determined to promote greater kindness and acceptance by naming the company after her and another daughter, Juliana.

But then, the pandemic hit, which didn't make it any easier for Beecroft and her husband, Patrick.

Yet they soldiered on with grit and determination. And this Saturday (June 4), they will open their second Gabi & Jules location in Burnaby at 4568 Hastings Street in their former sister business, Caffe Divano.

Like the Port Moody shop, this Gabi & Jules outlet is also bright and colourful, with pink tiles and funky wallpaper.

“We’re so grateful for our incredible team and for the community who have always been so supportive but especially over the past two years,” Beecroft said in a news release. “We’ve always loved the Burnaby Heights community so we’re thrilled to be able to bring Gabi & Jules to this neighbourhood.”