Paper Planes Cafe — Restaurant in Richmond

I wandered into Paper Planes Cafe with some time to waste before I had to leave arrivals. I hadn't paid any attention to the signage or the company's mission, so I was pleasantly surprised to see what was happening behind the service counter as a work placement opportunity for Autistic individuals to gain experience. The quality of the food was above the standard expectation for airport quality and the coffee was lovely. Where I must give some feedback is with the training manager. She was using a "tough love" approach with the gentleman learning food prep and was VERY strict with an abrupt tone. As a neurodivergent person myself, I found this training technique to be quite jarring, since loud, stern, and at times upsetting delivery is not appropriate for autistic and neurodivergent people. She was saying this like "how do you expect to have a job if you can't do xyz?" This type of demoralizing doesn't work on anyone, let alone those with higher support needs. That said, I do think that the core values of this non-profit deserve the higher...

Walked in at 6:15pm and sat down at an empty bar. The two staff walked by us three times each without saying anything. When they did say something it was to tell us we could not buy a drink at the bar that we have to get up and walk to the cash register. Apparently a wireless POS terminal is too much for this place. Got two drinks for $40 and the only other interaction was to tell us when they are closing (7pm). Got the feeling they wanted to close the place early. Other customers walked in and walked out after being ignored. We at least had a fruit fly to keep us company. They have the location next to baggage check and that's all they have. Don't...

Inexpensive coffee, great atmosphere, and really friendly staff. Not sure if the cafe is operated by the organization that also runs the building, the pacific autism network, but some of the cafe staff have autism and yet to work at this little coffee shop. Great set up. Food is glass case baked goods and sandwiches, nothing fancy and a bit pricy. The coffee is really good, great price, and the building itself is beautiful. If you like architecture, check this place out. I also have no connections to autism, just happened to be biking by, and I felt totally welcomed by all while hanging out in the...