Chef Alan’s and Twins Sisters Team Up to Provide Good Food Service

When most folks are hitting the snooze button on their alarm clocks, Stephanie and Elizabeth Ioannidi are already hard at work.   These twin sisters, both employed by Chef Alan’s, begin their workday at 6:30 A.M.

With the support of a private, non-profit agency, AHEDD, and the Berks County Mental Retardation Program, the 27-year-old women found work in two different cafeterias in the same building.  Both of the restaurants serve professionals lunch and cater various events. 

The twins’ mother, Fran Ioannidi, strongly believes the jobs have helped her daughters tremendously.  “I’m so proud of them.  I think it is great.  I’m really happy they found something they can do, and they are proud of doing it.  They are really great kids, and to find a place they like to work is a great blessing.”

Elizabeth Ioannidi worked with AHEDD first, and almost 2 years ago, had accepted a position as a utility person at Chef Alan’s of Penske Restaurant in Reading, Pennsylvania.  Before this current position, Elizabeth had worked at several restaurants.   Her manager, Debbie Klingler, reports that Elizabeth has used that experience to improve the quality of service at Chef Alan’s of Penske.  “I see her showing and teaching things that she has learned in other places.   So, she has been a teacher, too.”

During her two years on the job, Elizabeth has continued to request additional duties.   Currently, she helps the chef, catering staff, deli and sandwich makers, serves customers hot and cold food, and delivers coffee to one of the clients daily.  Manager Klingler, is impressed by her willingness to learn and try new things.  “I’ve learned to go by Elizabeth, and her capabilities and desires to do things.  I let her lead me.  She’ll come to me and tell me that she wants to try things.” 

After the family realized Elizabeth had achieved success through AHEDD, they recommended their daughter Stephanie also become a participant.  Soon, AHEDD helped Stephanie to also find a job at Chef Alan’s of Green Hills Corporate Center. 

Stephanie is a prep person, dishwasher, and helper with several other essential duties throughout the day.   Manager Julie Shabrach is quick to confess that “without her, I don’t know what we would do.  We love her very much.” 

Stephanie has become part of this “staff family”, but Manager Sharbrach admits they did have some initial concerns. “People were a little afraid, what can she do?  What can’t she do?   But, no one was intolerant.  We took her in like she was one of us.”

Now, Sharbach would offer this advice to any employer who has concerns about hiring people with disabilities.  “You just can’t go wrong.  You’ll be very happy you did it.  Once you do, you’ll never look back.  It was definitely not a mistake.”