At Rosetta Bakery in Bethesda, Maryland, Best Buddies Jobs participant and bakery employee Nikhil is building confidence and developing valuable workplace skills through the Best Buddies Jobs program. From helping customers to learning different aspects of the bakery’s operations, he continues to expand his responsibilities and contribute to the team.

His work includes restocking inventory, serving customers, taking orders and offering recommendations. Each responsibility provides an opportunity to strengthen his skills while helping the bakery deliver a welcoming customer experience. Whether he is keeping supplies ready for the team or helping a guest decide what to order, Nikhil plays a part in the bakery’s daily operations.

He is also learning to use the cash register and work at the barista station, adding new skills to his growing experience. These tasks offer opportunities to practice communication, become familiar with new processes and build confidence through hands-on learning. As he takes on more responsibilities, his role continues to grow.

Through its partnership with Best Buddies, Rosetta Bakery is helping create meaningful employment opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). For Nikhil, that partnership provides a place to put his abilities into action, learn alongside coworkers and contribute his talents in a customer-facing environment.

His experience illustrates the value of an inclusive workplace: one where employees have opportunities to participate, develop their abilities and take on new challenges. Meaningful employment is about more than completing a list of tasks. It is also about having a role on a team, making contributions that matter and having room to grow.

The partnership also brings inclusion into everyday interactions. Taking an order, answering a customer’s question or working alongside a colleague can create opportunities for connection. At Rosetta Bakery, those moments are part of the broader story of Nikhil’s continued growth in the workplace.

In the featured video, Nikhil shares more about his responsibilities and what he is learning. The Rosetta Bakery team also highlights its partnership with Best Buddies and introduces viewers to the bakery ahead of Taste of Bethesda.

Watch the video to see the partnership in action.