Kindness always wins, no matter how many rude people would try to ruin that.
In a world where we often hear about conflict and disrespect all the time, it’s easy to lose hope.
But despite all the dark days, we know that a bit of kindness always wins and will create a ripple towards others to do the same.
That’s exactly what Pizza Inn’s owner did when people disrespected her staff.
Amanda Cartagine treats her staff like family and, as their “matriarch,” she feels it is her role to protect them, especially when customers are disrespectful and rude.
When a customer complained about her staff with special needs, she knew she had to step up.
That customer asked one of the staff to refill the salad bowl, but he didn’t do as asked.
The customer called the manager’s attention to complain, but he did not get the response he had hoped for.
The manager explained that the staff he called, Ryan Mosley, has Down Syndrome, and while he works in the restaurant, that wasn’t his role by the salad bar and that he was trained for something else.
Irked, the customer said that the restaurant should put a sign outside to make customers aware.
Aware of what exactly? We’re not sure, but Amanda got angry when she learned about this.
She said she treats her staff like her children, and she felt compelled to protect them.
So, she thought of doing exactly what the customer suggested as retaliation, but she wanted to do it kindly but still get the message across.
This was the sign by her door: “We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and hire ALL of God’s children.”
A perfect clap back, isn’t it? Amanda was and is proud to welcome people of all colors, backgrounds, and walks of life as part of her team.
She said 63% of her kitchen staff have special needs, and she ensured to encourage them to reach their full potential despite their limitations.
She told WYFF News 4:
“If you have the patience to let them take their time and learn at their pace, when the light bulb comes on, they are unstoppable.”
Angie Mosley, Ryan’s mother, was disappointed when she heard about the complaint but was glad Amanda stood up for her son.
She shared how Ryan loved having a job and seeing money in his bank account from his paycheck, which he planned to buy his video games.
Only a few establishments welcome and employ people with special needs in their workplace, so it was disheartening to hear customers complaining about it.
She added that it’s always been a challenge for them as parents of children with special needs to try and let people understand that they are just as capable as anyone.
Every barrier or stigma they break is an achievement, like how Ryan got his job at Pizza Inn.
As for losing customers? Amanda doesn’t mind losing that one.
“If he is not OK with that, then I’m OK with him not coming back. That’s a dollar that I don’t need,” she said.
Watch the video below, learn about Amanda’s kindness, and let it resonate in you!
