The Buzzin’ Bean café on Holland St. has just been opened on May 17. ~Photos by Jeffrey Shwom.

By Jeffrey Shwom

Serving up eclectic vegetarian food and with a plan to empower folks with autism, Jayashree Venkataraman opened a new vegetarian cafe The Buzzin’ Bean on May 17. Per her website, she is “passionate about creating flavorful and diverse dishes,” with a menu of salads, sandwiches, bowls, handcrafted pastries, and coffee and tea “influenced by global cuisines.”

The menu is infused with worldly influences, like a mediterranean caprese, the Hummus Heaven, and the peri peri paneer quesadilla, which combines African, South American and Asian flavors. No entrée is more than $13. The place is “mainly vegetarian,” though Jayashree shared “a lot of things have cheese. Some things can be made vegan … we will try our best to accommodate.” They make all the masalas and blend spices there and fresh cut vegetables every morning.

When asked what influenced the multi-continent quesadilla, Jayashree explained, “I know peri peri is a big thing right now. Paneer goes well with the bread. We do not have enough room for putting a tandoor here to make naan. So, we wanted to see how well we could get the taste of the sauce. Quesadilla is something we all like and we wanted to see how we could get it all together. It is easier to eat (a quesadilla) instead of the naan you get at restaurants.” 

The former information technologist and a coffee industry veteran who loves to cook started the cafe because of her autistic teenage son. “I want to do something to help him and kids like him.” Her son, whose nickname “beans” was given by his sister, has autism. Even as a Lexington mom, “I have seen there is not much available for kids on the (autism) spectrum.” She really wants to create an environment where folks can “generalize their skills.”

That, in behavioral terms, is getting individuals to apply a learned skill or behavior across many different environments and situations. For example, “if they like to peel carrots, they would be happy to peel in a safe environment,” Jayashree explained. However, if they go to their friend’s house, they might not even touch the same peeler,” because it is a different environment with new people. 

She expressed her love for supporting kids and their parents and being a patient, helpful business owner. “People do not give opportunities to them. I don’t blame them…people are running businesses. They have budgets.” She educated us that most individuals with autism are “looking for a place to contribute meaningfully and do something in the community.”

This goal will take time, as she figures out her business plan on-the-go. “We started the coffee shop,” Jayashree told us, but “the whole business is mainly trying to see how we can help the community.” She has even started talking to nearby 3LPlace, a program for adults with autism and other developmental disabilities.

On the wall of the cafe, Andrea Krieg (@akreigstudio on instagram) painted a mural declaring, “We are all stars and deserve to shine.” As I waited to chat in the early afternoon, a neighbor was getting acquainted with the new spot. The customer shared an enthusiastic congratulations and a smile. As I was leaving, a department of public works employee was watering flowers along the street. She noticed Jayashree’s potted plants in front and in an act of kindness, watered them and gave her a big smile. It seems like everyone’s trying to brighten up and lift up this thoughtful business.

Buzzin’ Beans, 237 Holland St., is located next to PJ Ryan’s and across from Angelina’s Pizza and the Teele Square fire station. Open 8 am to 8 pm, except Mondays.

Note: this interview has been edited and condensed for clarity and brevity.