Three Food Joints That Support Neurodiversity

Written by Delaney

The Food & Beverage Industry has served as a nurturing ground for individuals who identify as neurodivergent, with numerous opportunities for hands-on work. As a result, this has paved the way in helping them build self-reliance, an essential component of the independent living process. 

With the unemployment rate now at 12.6%, the need to support individuals within this community is more crucial than ever before. However, the food industry has already taken steps in the right direction to achieve that goal. Here are three popular joints across the state of Texas that have given these individuals their chance to shine. 

Crepe Crazy

The tried-and-true French treat takes on a Texas twist with a wide variety of sweet and savory choices perfect for morning, noon, or night. From flavorful Fiesta to smooth and dreamy Nutella Royale, the best of both worlds is yours to enjoy anytime, anywhere.

With locations in Austin as well as Dripping Springs, Crepe Crazy has had quite the history as an inspiration for the deaf community since first opening at the latter in 2014. Founders Vladimir and Inna Giterman immigrated to the live music capital in 1996, having made crepes for numerous host parties using a beloved recipe from Vladimir’s mother, Evelina. Ham and cheese, followed by Nutella and banana were their first original flavors, which they initially sold out of a small food truck downtown in 2007. 

Crepe Crazy is open daily starting at 9:00 am, with closing times varying by location. Visit https://www.crepecrazy.com to find the closest one near you. 

Hugs Cafe

This non-profit in McKinney, Texas offers a multitude of hot and cold sandwiches, with a daily special featured Tuesday through Saturday. Enjoy classics like the 5 Cheese Grilled Cheese or original favorites like the PBLT – same bacon, lettuce and tomato with added pimento cheese! 

Since 2013, Hugs Cafe has enhanced the lives of individuals with special needs through continuous training and employment. Founder Ruth Thompson came to Texas in 2004 with a combined passion for both people and food, first making her mark as a cooking instructor for adults at Market Street. Following a successful nine-year tenure, Thompson searched for new ways to bring her passion to life, eventually leading to her dream of Hugs Cafe becoming a reality. 

Hugs Cafe is open Tuesday through Saturday on 224 East Virginia Street, with delivery and catering options alongside. Visit https://hugscafe.org to show your support.

Howdy Homemade 

End your day (or night) on a sweet note at the most authentic ice cream shop in the Lone Star State, with 18 flavors so good you’ll find it hard to choose just one. Try their Chocolate As All Get-Out for the ultimate chocolate lover experience or for something more on the lighter side, dig into Avocado or their dairy-free Seasonal Sor-Bae. 

Over 240,000 individuals with developmental disabilities across North Texas are seeking employment opportunities. However, Howdy Homemade Ice Cream has paved the way in celebrating this community’s unique abilities through utilization of five core pillars: God, family, co-workers, customers and self. By changing the way businesses hire, train and develop their own heroes, their hope is that someday those heroes become contributing members of their respective organizations. 

Howdy Homemade is open daily with locations in Dallas, Katy and Lubbock. Visit https://howdyhomemade.getbento.com to find the closest shop near you.

It’s Your Turn

These are just three of Texas’s food joints that have helped neurodivergent individuals learn and grow – and will continue to do so in the years to come. So if need inspiration on how you can show your support, dig in at or even better, reach out to one of these joints. You’ll find they have so much to share. 

Editor: Isabella