It’s a move not driven by profit, but a unique partnership with a purpose that is likely to pique your interest. Stella Nova, an Oklahoma-based modern coffeehouse brand known for its polished interiors and consistently brewed coffee, has handed over the keys to all four of its metro locations to Not Your Average Joe (NYAJ), a nonprofit café built around inclusion, community and exceptional coffee. This is not your average merger; it’s a game-changer.
“The generosity of this gift from Stella Nova will enable us to blend the best of both worlds,” said Tim Herbel, founder and executive director of NYAJ. “The elevated community experience and intentional efficiency of Stella Nova with Not Your Average Joe’s exceptional coffee. This gift will help us continue dispensing caffeine and hope across Oklahoma and the world.”
The handoff—valued in the millions—includes locations in downtown OKC, Norman, Crown Heights and Edmond. And for Not Your Average Joe, the move is not just growth. It is a leap forward in its mission to make workspaces more inclusive.
Founded in 2019, Not Your Average Joe may look like a typical neighborhood coffee shop, but is also a nonprofit that exists to provide meaningful employment opportunities to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Walk into any NYAJ location and you will find warm, welcoming staff serving hand-crafted drinks and baked goods, all in a space where everyone is treated like they matter—because they do. “At Not Your Average Joe, we’ve created a space where people of all abilities belong, and not just belong; they’re valued,” Herbel said.
The merger now makes NYAJ the largest coffee chain in Oklahoma, with over 200 employees, more than 150 of whom are neurodivergent. But this is not a charity model. These are trained baristas, shift leads, bakers and cashiers who contribute to a high-quality customer experience.
NYAJ supports local businesses and suppliers, featuring roasts and blends that rival any upscale coffee shop. Menu favorites, such as the lavender honey latte or cold brew with house-made vanilla, are just the beginning. The shops’ baked goods are fresh; their branding is charming without being gimmicky; and their service is personal. This is coffee made with care, and for a reason. When you walk into a NYAJ location, you’re not just a customer, you’re part of a community.
For Stella Nova regulars, the transition has been surprisingly seamless. “If you are used to going to Stella Nova, you probably won’t notice much change,” Herbel said. “Your wait time is going to be about the same. You’re going to see a lot of the same faces.” What you will notice, though, is the feeling. There’s something undeniably hopeful about seeing someone who once struggled to find employment now confidently crafting your cappuccino.
The partnership has also inspired Blend Ability, a short documentary that shines a spotlight on NYAJ’s team and mission. Filmed in vérité style, it skips voiceover narration and lets employees share their own stories, unscripted and unfiltered. The film has already won five international awards, been nominated for a “Best Social Impact Documentary” award and continues to spark conversations across the country. “The stories we captured were raw, moving and deeply human,” said director Valentina Gutierrez of VGM Visual Storytelling.
This merger is about raising the bar on what community-focused entrepreneurship can look like. Stella Nova built a respected coffee brand rooted in consistency and quality. Not Your Average Joe is building a movement—one inclusive cup at a time, inspiring hope and a sense of possibility in the community. This is a story of inspiration and possibility, a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together.
And in a world that often celebrates profit over people, it’s refreshing to see a merger that’s brewed from generosity, trust and shared purpose.
