Brewing Purpose with Every Pod: The River Inn Partners with Butler Coffee Lab to Create Inclusive Jobs
- Kayla Burkholder
- 57m
- 4 min read
When guests settle into their rooms at The River Inn in Washington, D.C., they’re greeted by more than just comfort and charm—they’re invited into a deeper story of impact. Through a new partnership with Butler Coffee Lab, The River Inn is now serving up exceptional in-room coffee with a meaningful mission: creating inclusive employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
This collaboration, made possible through the Procure Impact marketplace, has already helped Butler Coffee Lab hire two new employees, Jake and Brianna, whose stories embody the heart of the company's mission.
A Shared Vision for Impact
“We had been looking for a coffee partner for well over a year that would align with our values, is a small business and offers an exceptional product,” said Ashlee Harper, Director of Operations at The River Inn. “When I was searching through Procure Impact and saw Butler Coffee Lab, it was exciting to finally have an option that fit all of these needs.”
She continued, “Once we were able to try the product—coming from a coffee snob—it made sense to move forward with Butler Coffee Lab. Meeting the Butler Coffee Lab team and understanding that making a purchase with Butler Coffee Lab is providing a quality product and coffee experience to our guests but also giving back to a marginalized community makes all the difference.”
Today, Butler Coffee Lab pods customized for The River Inn are stocked in every suite at The River Inn, delivering a warm, personalized experience that guests can enjoy from the comfort of their rooms.
“Our guests appreciate having a quality brew that they are able to enjoy in their room at their own convenience and is complimentary,” Ashlee added. “Guests are putting a lot of thought into where they choose to stay and spend their money, and when they choose The River Inn, we want them to have a comfortable experience but also support businesses that give back and align with their personal values.”
"Meeting the Butler Coffee Lab team and understanding that making a purchase with Butler Coffee Lab is providing a quality product and coffee experience to our guests but also giving back to a marginalized community makes all the difference."
-Ashlee Harper, Director of Operations at The River Inn
Brewing Jobs, One Pod at a Time
For Terry Kaiserman, Managing Director of Butler Coffee Lab, this partnership has been more than just business—it’s been a catalyst for impact.
“Partnering with Procure Impact and The River Inn has been a meaningful and energizing experience for Butler Coffee Lab,” said Terry. “Not only has it expanded our reach by placing our coffee in the hands of more guests, but it has also strengthened our mission to provide inclusive employment for people with disabilities. The increased demand from the partnership has allowed us to provide more consistent hours and job stability for our workforce, boosting both morale and productivity.”
This demand translated directly into two new jobs—opportunities that have changed lives.
“Jake and Brianna joined Butler Coffee Lab earlier this month and have already become invaluable team members,” Terry shared. “With their permission, we’re proud to share a bit about their journey. Jake previously struggled to find employment that accommodated his communication style and provided the structure he needed. At Butler Coffee Lab, he has flourished in his role in packaging and inventory, gaining confidence and independence.”
Jake’s family had long searched for a place where he could thrive. “He is high functioning and capable of learning so much more than other places could offer,” his mother shared. “If only given the patience, time, guidance, and positive or constructive feedback to learn how to do a job.”
Now, Jake is finding fulfillment and belonging.
“Brianna came to us with a strong attention to detail and a quiet determination. Before joining, she had limited work experience due to accessibility barriers, but she now plays a key role in packaging,” said Terry. “Both have expressed that this job has brought them a sense of purpose, routine, and community, and we’re thrilled to have them on board.”
Looking Ahead: Growing the Mission in 2025
Looking toward the future, Butler Coffee Lab has ambitious goals—and partnerships like The River Inn’s are a key part of achieving them.
“In 2025, Butler Coffee Lab aims to expand our impact by increasing production capacity, growing our retail presence, and creating at least five new inclusive job opportunities,” Terry explained. “Each partnership helps us reach new audiences, build sustainable sales channels, and invest in job training and development for our employees. By working together with hospitality partners, we can continue to break down employment barriers and prove that inclusive business models can thrive.”
"By working together with hospitality partners, we can continue to break down employment barriers and prove that inclusive business models can thrive."
-Terry Kaiserman, Managing Director of Butler Coffee Lab
Hoteliers: Turn Your Coffee Program into a Force for Good
At Procure Impact, we believe your hotel can be more than a destination—it can be a driver of opportunity. The story of The River Inn and Butler Coffee Lab is a powerful reminder that even a morning coffee can create meaningful change.
By partnering with Butler Coffee Lab through Procure Impact, you’re not just serving up premium in-room coffee—you’re brewing possibility.
Butler Coffee Lab’s signature Hot Pods® go beyond the average pod. With custom options and unique coffee blends that feature light, medium, dark and espresso roasts with different additives such as non-dairy creamer, sugar, cinnamon, Carolina Reaper pepper, turmeric and more, they deliver both bold flavor and bold impact. Every pod supports inclusive employment for individuals with disabilities and fuels a nonprofit mission rooted in dignity and innovation.
When you stock your rooms, lobbies, or amenity bars with Butler Coffee Lab pods, you're elevating your guest experience and extending a hand to someone ready to thrive with the right opportunity.
Because in hospitality, even the smallest details—like a morning cup of coffee—can carry the great purpose. Meet with a Procure Impact Concierge for a free consultation today!