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People Make Fun Of Special Needs Workers At Pizzability, Heartbroken Woman Asks People For Help
Pizzability in Denver is a pizza joint with a difference: it is completely staffed by individuals with disabilities. It was founded by Tiffany Fixter, a former special needs education teacher who saw a niche in the community for jobs and training for adults with mental and physical disabilities.
RELATED:
Image credits: Tori Mason
The small business, located in the Cherry Creek area, has a great concept and location but is struggling to survive in a world of massive restaurant chains with a convenient and super speedy delivery service.
“Everybody on my staff has an intellectual, developmental or mental disability,” Fixter told Denver 7 news. “We have people that are blind and deaf. They have autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy.”
Even though the restaurant, that’s all about inclusiveness, has a big impact on the local community, business is business, and Pizzability needs to fight to make ends meet. “People think we’re really successful, and that’s great,” Fixter said. “But I don’t know if we’re going to make it.”
The attitudes of some rude people certainly don’t help matters, as highlighted by local journalist Tori Mason. The CBS4 Denver reporter was “ heartbroken and disgusted” to find that people have been heard saying, “that’s where the retards work,” and hanging around outside, afraid to come in.
Image credits: Tori Mason
What a crappy attitude towards a place that is promoting an inclusive society and welcoming to everyone, giving disadvantaged people – who might otherwise be overlooked in the labor market – the chance to earn a dignified living in a great environment!
Image credits: Pizzability
Pizzability follows another of Fixter’s businesses, Brewability Lab. Brewability employs six beertenders, and since most can’t read, the day’s selections are designated a color, both on the taps and on the menu. “I wanted something where they could feel purposeful,” Fixter told craftbeer.com.
The craft beer brewery opened in October 2016, and some of its beers can be tasted on tap at Pizzability. Craft beer and great pizza? What more could you ask for!
Image credits: Pizzability
The reviews for Pizzability are flawless, 5 stars all round. “Amazing food! Huge slices with tons of flavor! The staff are incredible, so genuine and helpful, makes you feel very comfortable!!!” Is the latest example.
“You won’t find better customer service at any other restaurant out there! 10/10 would recommend to anyone who lives near or visits Denver! You can’t miss out on this gem!”
Image credits: Pizzability
So what are you waiting for, Denverites? Delicious pizza, tasty beers, friendly staff and a small business that makes a huge difference to the local community. Go get yourself a slice or 2!
Image credits: Tori Mason
Here’s what people had to say about the inclusive and open-hearted restaurant
People also went to facebook to share their recommendations:
What do you think ?
Full Name 6 years ago
Not saying this to troll. Honest question: if Donald Trump and a child molester and a nazi made your pizza, would you care?
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Stina Kolling 6 years ago
I wonder if business has picked up for them with all the media coverage. The world needs more businesses like this.
Full Name 6 years ago
I hope so. In the Canadian Prairies there is a big recycling outfit that only hires people with disabilities and it's great.
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Elise Pimenta 6 years ago
As a job coach, we need more places like this. There are two small businesses that I live near who hire individuals with disabilities. And I'll tell ya, these individuals are some of the hardest, happiest employees I have ever seen.
Pretty Pangolin 6 years ago
One of the clerks at our neighborhood supermarket is on the Autism spectrum and it's been so cool watching him blossom. I make a point to get in his check-out line because he is super capable - when you unpack your groceries you will never find the caned food on top of the bread, LOL.
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Loki’s Lil Butter Knife 6 years ago (edited)
It breaks my heart to hear about the rude comments, because nobody should ever be discriminated against based on disability. I am sure all the workers pour their hearts and souls into what they do. Kudos to the owner and all the amazing people working there.
Omar A 6 years ago
That reminds me. There is a bakery up a ways from me called "Special Kneads" It was started to give the child of the founders a place to earn a living after he aged out of the local support programs. Now, they hire all with disabilities. I feel like a Muffin.
Geoffrey Holland 6 years ago
You may feel like a muffin, but you sound like a hero.
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Non-New-Toni-An 6 years ago (edited)
I have nothing but compassion for ppl with disabilities and think this place is great but I also don't blame some people who are ignorant for worrying about getting second rate pizza. Some ppl take pizza very seriously indeed, perhaps if there were good deals on certain days it would encourage the apprehensive customers to try the pizza and they will find out how good it is, also it will educate them when they come inside and meet the staff. I hope the restaurant succeeds long term.
S 6 years ago
People who take pizza that seriously need better priorities IMO.
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Andres Tejeda 6 years ago
As long as they make a good pizza I am good. I love that they hire people with disabilities, I mean seriously just because they have disabilities that does not mean they are useless.
Sinister Murder 6 years ago
Agreed. People with disabilities deserve as much a burnout and/or a mental breakdown as the next guy.
Load More Replies... Full Name 6 years ago
Not saying this to troll. Honest question: if Donald Trump and a child molester and a nazi made your pizza, would you care?
Load More Replies... Stina Kolling 6 years ago
I wonder if business has picked up for them with all the media coverage. The world needs more businesses like this.
Full Name 6 years ago
I hope so. In the Canadian Prairies there is a big recycling outfit that only hires people with disabilities and it's great.
Load More Replies... Elise Pimenta 6 years ago
As a job coach, we need more places like this. There are two small businesses that I live near who hire individuals with disabilities. And I'll tell ya, these individuals are some of the hardest, happiest employees I have ever seen.
Pretty Pangolin 6 years ago
One of the clerks at our neighborhood supermarket is on the Autism spectrum and it's been so cool watching him blossom. I make a point to get in his check-out line because he is super capable - when you unpack your groceries you will never find the caned food on top of the bread, LOL.
Load More Replies... Loki’s Lil Butter Knife 6 years ago (edited)
It breaks my heart to hear about the rude comments, because nobody should ever be discriminated against based on disability. I am sure all the workers pour their hearts and souls into what they do. Kudos to the owner and all the amazing people working there.
Omar A 6 years ago
That reminds me. There is a bakery up a ways from me called "Special Kneads" It was started to give the child of the founders a place to earn a living after he aged out of the local support programs. Now, they hire all with disabilities. I feel like a Muffin.
Geoffrey Holland 6 years ago
You may feel like a muffin, but you sound like a hero.
Load More Replies... Non-New-Toni-An 6 years ago (edited)
I have nothing but compassion for ppl with disabilities and think this place is great but I also don't blame some people who are ignorant for worrying about getting second rate pizza. Some ppl take pizza very seriously indeed, perhaps if there were good deals on certain days it would encourage the apprehensive customers to try the pizza and they will find out how good it is, also it will educate them when they come inside and meet the staff. I hope the restaurant succeeds long term.
S 6 years ago
People who take pizza that seriously need better priorities IMO.
Load More Replies... Andres Tejeda 6 years ago
As long as they make a good pizza I am good. I love that they hire people with disabilities, I mean seriously just because they have disabilities that does not mean they are useless.
Sinister Murder 6 years ago
Agreed. People with disabilities deserve as much a burnout and/or a mental breakdown as the next guy.
Load More Replies...
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