An Essex County program is helping students with autism and disabilities learn about working in the food industry.

The restaurant program at Phoenix Center serves students ages 14-21 who have shown an interest in food services. The program teaches students how to work in all aspects of the industry, from purchasing food, checking expiration dates, dishwashing, cashiering, kitchen maintenance and safety.

"These kids work really hard with what they do. They put a lot of effort into this…They love their uniforms. And they have a lot of pride of the work that they put in,” says the Phoenix Center’s Ashley Agresti. “I'm proud of them and I'm glad that they are proud of themselves.”

Students who do not participate in the preparation or running of the restaurant can be patrons and learn valuable skills too.

This is the program's 23rd year at the nonprofit school. The program was put on pause during COVID-19 but started up again last year.