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The original Hugs Cafe location is downtown McKinney closed May 30, a representative of the organization confirmed.
The closure of the cafe’s 224 E. Virginia St. location precedes the planned opening of the organization’s new Hugs Headquarters in East McKinney. A grand opening for the headquarters, which is located at 221 Andrews St., is planned for 10 a.m. July 2.
Until the new location is open, Hugs Cafe is offering catering services during June, according to its website.
The gist
Hugs, the nonprofit organization, was founded by Ruth Thompson in 2013 with the goal to offer inclusive hiring and skills training to adults with disabilities, its website states. Hugs Cafe opened in downtown McKinney on Oct. 13, 2015, with a staff of 24 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The organization expanded its operations in 2018 to include Hugs Greenhouse, which offers a variety of plants for sale while training employees on gardening, retail sales and socialization, its website states. The organization later launched a training academy offering a workforce readiness course, launched an affiliate partner program and opened a second cafe location in Dallas.
The specifics
McKinney City Council members approved a rezoning request that enabled nonprofit trade school uses at the new building in April 2025, and Hugs officials broke ground on the project in May 2025.
The two-story headquarters building will house Hugs Cafe as well as an inclusive training kitchen, four classrooms, a second story patio, administrative offices and more.
Also of note
Lusso Pasta and Market is slated to fill the space vacated by Hugs Cafe, according to previous Community Impact reporting.
The shop will offer pantry items and kitchen goods imported from Italy, a deli counter with aged meats and cheeses, focaccia pizza, pastries, pasta kits and more, owner Megan Lux said. Customers can take items home to cook or enjoy food there at the restaurant, she said.
“You'll also be able to pick up your pasta and your sauce, and either take it home and cook it for dinner, or you can have us make you a bowl of it on the spot,” Lux said.
