HERKIMER — A ribbon cutting ceremony for the grand opening of the Copper Cafe will take place at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 10, according to an announcement by the Arc Herkimer and the Herkimer County Chamber of Commerce.

The Copper Cafe, located within the Arc Herkimer Mall in Ilion, opened its doors in late June, serving breakfast and lunch selections to the local community.

As a new venture of Arc Herkimer’s Career Connections division, the eatery is an interactive training space for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to develop restaurant and hospitality skills, the announcement said.

“At the Copper Café, people supported can expand job readiness skills in cooking, food prep, food safety, customer service, and point of sale,” said Kevin Crosley, Arc Herkimer president and CEO.

“This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity not only for these individuals to gain hands-on experience to prepare for future employment at other local restaurants, but also for the agency to continue our vision of building community,” Crosley added.

The grand opening celebration will give community members the opportunity to sample sweets, sandwiches, and smoothies, tour the café, and interact with the eatery’s chef, employees, and people supported, the announcement added.