Family-owned coffee truck creates inclusive space, thanks to SPEDA grant support

Editor’s note: This is the second part in a four-part series highlighting the 2025 recipients of SPEDA’s mini-grant program. The program awards four $2,500 grants annually to businesses that aspire to innovate and grow.

For Kelly and Eric Burton, coffee has always been about connection. 

The couple first met in a coffee shop 20 years ago. Three children and two busy careers later, coffee has found its way back into their lives through Sully’s Coffee Co., the family’s mobile coffee truck named after their son, Sullivan.

Sullivan, known to everyone as “Sully,” is 11 years old and has autism. He was adopted at age 3 and quickly became the heart of the Burton family. Naming the truck after him was a natural choice because it gave the business purpose beyond profit.

“People know right away that our truck is different,” Kelly said. “When they meet Sully and see him take orders or run the Square, they light up. It’s not just about coffee — it’s about connection.”

Kelly, a therapist at Cumberland Family Medical, and Eric, a special education consultant, both work full-time jobs. Still, they wanted something that would bring their family closer together. So they launched Sully’s Coffee Co. with their three kids — Willa Kate (12), Sully (11), and Milo (8) — to offer coffee and baked goods at local events.

“All three of our kids pitch in,” Kelly said. “They’re learning skills that will last a lifetime, like networking, serving people, and managing money. And for us, it’s just been a really sweet time together.”

Like any new business, Sully’s Coffee Co. has faced its share of challenges. When the Burtons realized they needed to add blended drinks and more counter space to accommodate events happening in the summer months, the costs quickly added up. Thanks to the SPEDA mini-grant program, a portion of the cost for a new industrial-strength blender with a sound enclosure to accommodate individuals with sensory needs, as well as drink mixes, signage, and counter space, was covered. The work was completed in June.

“The grant was huge for us,” Kelly said. “We were thrilled to be selected. Sully even got to go with us to receive the check, which made it extra special. A little went a long way in our food truck — it made a big difference.”

For the Burtons, success isn’t measured only in sales. It’s also about the connections they make at festivals, private rentals, and community events. Their new banner sums it up: “Come as you are.”

“We want people to know that we love our community and want to be part of their celebrations,” Kelly said. “We’re big on inclusion and bringing positivity wherever we go. We need good vibes and strong connections with each other, no matter where we’re from or what we may disagree on.”

And as for Sully? He already has plans of his own.

“He tells us all the time that he’s going to take the business over when he’s older,” Kelly said. “We have no doubt he will accomplish whatever he sets his mind to. In the meantime, we’re thrilled to share our love for coffee and for the Somerset community with others.”