Cape eatery is first of its kind in SA

Brownies & Downies Cape Town is a coffee shop and lunchroom that is opened under Our Second Home as a Non-Profit Organisation to the public, tourists and businesses. Picture: David Ritchie

Brownies & Downies Cape Town is a coffee shop and lunchroom that is opened under Our Second Home as a Non-Profit Organisation to the public, tourists and businesses. Picture: David Ritchie

Published Feb 8, 2016

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Cape Town - There were smiles and laughter at the opening of the Brownies and Downies restaurant in Cape Town on Friday night.

The Long Street spot is not like any other restaurant – it is the first establishment in South Africa to train and hire mentally challenged staff.

The restaurant, an extension of the successful chain in the Netherlands, aims to help its staff become employable in the service industry.

Beyond that, it hopes to spread awareness of mental disabilities around the country.

The manager, Wade Schultz, hopes the restaurant will educate more South Africans about working and interacting with people with mental disabilities.

“South African culture is very accommodating of people with physical disabilities, but not so much mental disabilities. I had never interacted with anyone with Down syndrome before my work here. I hope this restaurant shows the public that people with these handicaps are like us and can accomplish whatever they set their mind to.”

Schultz said they plan to open more restaurants across the country. He said the main aim was to bring patrons in to enjoy a meal and interact with staff.

“We will have pamphlets at each table to educate people on the many mental disabilities and how to best interact with the people who have them,” he said.

The restaurant’s founder, Wendy Vermeulen, said: “One of the biggest things I want to change is the opportunity these people get. Our staff members are dedicated and hard-working and are excited to be given the chance to learn new things and work like anyone else.”

The restaurant’s blue-clad staff handed out sparkling wine for the speeches, followed by samples of meals offered on the menu.

One diner, Tapiwanashe Mativenga, said the food was great and he was excited to see a restaurant like this in South Africa.

“It’s a very special thing to see business owners who aren’t all about profit; they actually want to help others. I think if more people hear about this they would be happy to support it.”

Cape Argus

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