Music with your Munchies

Shayna Olerio’s love of food, music and people inspired her family to establish a place where “she could flourish,” says her brother, Matt Jr. Though Shayna, 24, has Down syndrome, she keeps hundreds of songs in her head, beats anyone in a “Jeopardy” music category and has notebooks filled with song lyrics dating back to her childhood.

“She has a real touch for what music is appropriate for people—she understands the dynamics,” adds Matt.

The Olerio family opened a breakfast and lunch café with a DJ booth for Shayna two years ago called, appropriately, Shayna’s Place (“a dream come true,” says her dad, Matt Sr.). This eatery has gained a loyal following in Wickford and beyond for its attention to dairy-free and gluten-free items, its vegan smoothies, hormone-free/antibiotic-free meats, local veggies (from Our Kids Farm), full range of coffee drinks (beans from New Harvest Roasters), raw juices, inventive salads and friendly and helpful staff.

In addition to menu items currently popular in health trends, Shayna’s Place also offers classics, such as Vinny’s Kitchen— ”Best RI Grinder,” from USA Today—which you can order with chips and a Coke.

The sandwiches and raw juices that have names attached refer to Matt Sr.’s mother, Vincenza (Vinny); Coach Lisa is for one of Shayna’s coaches (she has competed in both basketball and swimming, winning three gold medals in swimming last year in the Rhode Island Special Olympics); Dr. Sig is for the author of a book on Down syndrome.

The café is definitely a labor of love and a family effort for Matt Sr. and wife, Margie; Matt Jr. and his wife, Joanna; and his brother James. Matt Sr. has been an entrepreneur all his life: Shayna’s Place has been the most special of all his endeavors because it has allowed his family the opportunity to work together in their community.

Open daily. 45 Brown St., Wickford. 401.294.8740; ShaynasPlaceRI.com