Torani Launches Barista Training Program For Adults With Disabilities

SAN LEANDRO, CA— Torani is a 100-year-old Bay Area flavor company, that you may not have heard of, but you've likely consumed repeatedly in cocktails, coffees, teas, and desserts at restaurants.

The family-owned San Leandro company prides itself on never laying off employees in its century of history.

Now, the company has partnered with East Bay Innovations to launch a barista training program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The pilot program aims to provide hands-on experience and workplace skills to help participants secure jobs in cafés across the East Bay.

Torani is hosting a pop-up café inside its “Flavor Factory” headquarters from March 4-7, where barista interns will put their new skills into practice.

The four barista interns will begin 12-week paid internships at local, independent East Bay cafés, where they will continue to develop their skills with the goal of securing long-term employment. Torani is currently working to identify four local café partners to participate in the program.

"At Torani, we believe that businesses can and should create more opportunities for everyone, and this partnership with East Bay Innovations and local cafés allows us to do just that," said Stacy Cooper Dent, VP of Purpose at Torani.

Tom Heinz, Executive Director at East Bay Innovations, emphasized the broader impact of the initiative, "This program is not just about learning barista skills—it’s about fostering confidence, independence, and a pathway to employment in our community."

The company is located at 2000 Marina Blvd., San Leandro. It has a café, tasting area, and tours open to the public.

The Torani factory can produce 60,000 cases of syrup a day.