The proprietor of Pizza Inn in Greenville, South Carolina, responded to a customer’s complaint about an employee with autism by placing a sign on the restaurant’s front door, detailing its inclusive hiring practices. In 2018, a customer objected to the policy of employing individuals with special needs, insisting that a sign be displayed outside the establishment. Despite clarification from the pizzeria’s manager that it wasn’t the employee’s designated duty, the customer remained adamant. In a demonstration of excellent business management, Amanda Cartagine, the owner, chose to accede to the customer’s request.
Undoubtedly, her employees hold immense value in her eyes, and she adamantly rejects the notion of them being treated discourteously, as suggested by the customer. Cartagine was determined to convey that impolite and entitled behavior would not be tolerated. Creating a sign emerged as her initial solution.
For those unwilling to extend patience and acceptance toward her staff, she found no justification for tolerating their rudeness. While Cartagine desired to address the issue, she aimed to articulate her perspective with maturity, avoiding any semblance of hostility.
“These individuals are like my own, and it angered me. I wanted to communicate my stance in a way that was not confrontational but still effective,” she stated.
On the restaurant entrance, Cartagine displayed a sign proclaiming her commitment to hiring “ALL of God’s children!”
Make sure to watch the complete video at the end of this article.
As reported by WYFF4, Cartagine disclosed that 63% of her kitchen staff has functional needs. Regardless of the circumstances, the pizzeria owner has consistently exerted effort to foster inclusion and emphasize the importance of every team member. When dealing with employees primarily having functional needs, Cartagine noted that after providing instruction on their tasks, a bit of practice was all it took for them to excel.
“If you have the patience to allow them the time to learn at their own pace, when the breakthrough happens, they become unstoppable,” she remarked.
In a show of support for her staff, Cartagine erected a sign that conveyed her commitment to being an equal opportunity employer, stating, “We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and hire ALL of God’s children!”
The news of Cartagine’s remarkable sign resonated across social media, with many acknowledging the customer’s rudeness and praising the pizza shop owner for adeptly handling the challenging situation.
Addressing potential customer loss, Cartagine told WYFF4, “If he is not comfortable with that, then I’m comfortable with him not returning. That’s a dollar that I don’t need.”
In June 2020, the owner reaffirmed her pride in supporting her staff through a heartwarming Facebook post featuring a photo of the team with the caption, “Service that feels just like home – that’s what we’re known for.”
It’s evident that Cartagine’s mature handling of the situation resonated positively with customers and individuals from various backgrounds, showcasing a commendable approach to such moments.
What are your thoughts on Cartagine’s approach to the situation? How would you have dealt with it? Share your opinions, and be sure to share this heartening story with your friends and family to spread the love.
