After 26 years in the field of education, an idea began to unfold: Two Businesses- One
Vision.
Hickory Trading Company is an artisan gift and coffee house located in the heart of Great
Bridge. We feature the talented works of many local artists while serving a variety of
sandwiches, paninis, salads and the best locally roasted coffee in town. This beautiful,
rustic coffee house might be small but it serves a big purpose.
Hickory Trading Company exists to support our non-profit, The Hitching Post
Educational Center that serves those with special needs. Our older students job coach and
learn life skills by working in Hickory Trading Company alongside specially trained job
coaches and educators. Hickory Trading Company is proud to host events such as
Tabletop Thursdays (Game Night for Teens and Adults), sip and paint classes and other
workshops along and many other community events.
Our mission is to provide a place and opportunity for those with special needs to learn
employment and life skills critical to living an independent life. Hickory Trading
Company and The Hitching Post Educational Center work hand-in-hand to provide
opportunity, training and support to this vital population while bringing awareness to our
very supportive community. Our customers can't help but to leave with a smile on their
faces and uplifted spirits as they are greeted and served by our amazing job coaching
crew.
We invite you to come on out and Sip, Shop and Support!
Patti Howell
Executive Director
The Hitching Post Educational Center
The Hitching Post Education Center, 2019