La Locanda dei Girasole
Italy
Viale degli eroi di cefalonia, 121, Rome, Italy
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English article
Pizza, Pasta, and the Purpose of Life Global Down Syndrome Foundation January 2018 article In Italy, the sunflower represents happiness. So in 2000, when the parents of a teenager with Down syndrome opened a restaurant near Rome with the aim of employing people with the condition, they named it La Locanda dei Girasoli, or “The Sunflower Inn.” The idea was that people with Down syndrome are happy and would bring customers much happiness as well. The restaurant, the only one of its kind in Italy, quickly became a national phenomenon and garnered international press. However, starting a business is not for the faint of heart. During an economic crisis in 2013, the owners were faced with the possibility of shutting down. Luckily, a social cooperative called Consorzio SINTESI was able to take over the restaurant and even expand its r each. Consorzio SINTESI specializes in giving jobs to people who are differently-abled and also manages call centers and tech support services for large companies. People working at The Sunflower Inn have a work contract, and the goal is to employ them for the long-term. They are part of a network of people who are differently-abled whom the cooperative helps in many settings. For those interested and qualified to cook, there is a special program that allows them to learn f rom some of the top chefs in Italy.
A restaurant in Rome where people with Down syndrome work "They also have a lot to teach us" cookist February 2020 Article There is a place in Rome where customers are not only offered excellent foods, but also moments of happiness, well-being and lots of love. Indeed, La Locanda dei Girasoli (The Sunflowers’ Inn) is a restaurant staffed by very special people, all having Down syndrome. The idea originated from 2 parents who wanted to help their son with Down syndrome get a job. Everyone wants to find their place in the world and these people have found not only a job, but also a second family and a way to break down prejudices and show themselves for what they are: cheerful young people who really want to take on a challenge. During rest breaks, these people laugh, joke and hug each other, but when customers flock to the place they are committed to making their visit as pleasant as possible, accompanying them to the tables, serving them the foods and delighting them. The father of one of the young people said: “We understand and see the value of inclusion that this experience brings, and we think this is a good example of how you can build a life together even with slightly different people who deserve respect, have a great dignity and - I assure you - have a lot to teach us, too".
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