CORNELIUS, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — A steakhouse in Cornelius has become a leader in autism acceptance.
Amie and Vic Cennamo have become Peninsula Prime regulars with their son, Ryan, who has autism.
When Ryan Cennamo was younger, his parents said it could be hard for them to find restaurants where they felt comfortable.
CORNELIUS, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — A steakhouse in Cornelius has become a leader in autism acceptance.
Amie and Vic Cennamo have become Peninsula Prime regulars with their son, Ryan, who has autism.
When Ryan Cennamo was younger, his parents said it could be hard for them to find restaurants where they felt comfortable.
“Not only were you worried that the staff might not understand the situation, you were worried about the table next to you,” Amie Cennamo said.
She says her son might’ve been louder than other children or have issues with a restaurant’s noise or brightness.
Jim Gordon, the owner of Peninsula Prime, has created an environment that’s intentionally thoughtful of guests with autism.
“Awareness is fine, but I think we’ve passed awareness,” he said. “What we really want now is acceptance.”
Gordon’s own experience with his daughter with autism helped him come up with the idea for sensory kits that are available to any guests who need them.
The kits include earplugs to help reduce stimulation and toys like stress balls and fidget spinners that can have a calming effect.
In the six months they’ve been available, Gordon says dozens of customers have used the kits.
Gordon says employees will also dim the lights, lower the music, or seat families in tall booths to reduce stimulation.
If families with autism call ahead — which Gordon says is typical — the staff now knows to ask about any special requests.
“It’s a safe feeling to be in a place that gets it,” Amie Cennamo said.
Gordon says he wants Peninsula Prime to be inclusive and remove the friction families can feel about eating out.
“The most important thing is the way that everyone, not only me, but the employees, feel when a family leaves and they thank us and hug us,” Gordon said. “It’s everything.”