SKOKIE, Ill. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — A restaurant in Skokie called Will's Place is serving up more than pastries and lunch — and it's the subject of this week's Difference Maker.
Will's Place employs about 25 people who don't have an easy time finding work. Jeff Hallagan manages the nonprofit and is cousins with Will, who uses a tablet to communicate with customers.
"Our main goal is to create a safe place for both real work for adults with disabilities, as well as a safe place for people … who have disabilities [to] have lunch, spend time with their friends," said Hallagan.
Jackie has been working there since the cafe opened in July 2023, serving favorites like the fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies and chicken caesar wrap.
"I love it," he said "We have laughs, and we just enjoy each other's company."
The menu started with sandwiches, but head chef Michael Pfeiffer has been adapting it as employees learn.
The menu at Will's Place started with sandwiches but head chef Michael Pfeiffer has been adapting it as employees learn.Patrick Lentz
"The biggest thing we like to focus on is growing and getting better," he said. "In the beginning, it was all cold stuff. A lot of it was prepped ahead. Now, we're starting to get into more butchery and being able to use raw proteins."
Hallagan said relatives tell them the employees are picking up more than culinary and serving skills.
Jeff Hallagan, who manages the nonprofit cafe, said relatives have told them the employees are picking up more than culinary and serving skills.Patrick Lentz
"Us providing the opportunity has given all of them the ability to showcase who they are, what they can do, and the confidence that it has given them — it truly is night and day for some of my guys," Hallagan said.
Those opportunities include Friday night gatherings for employees and their friends to hang out.
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