Episode 46: Designing for difference: lessons from two restaurants getting autism inclusion right - a discussion with Will Savell
Published on 19 August 2025 • Hosted by Dr Lisa Colledge
Want to make your team more inclusive for autistic talent?
Let me help you with that.
Book a free consultation and let’s talk about what’s going on.
We’ll cover what you’re seeing, start to diagnose root causes, and explore how inspiration from neuro-inclusion can improve the engagement, wellbeing, and performance of your team.
What does a workplace that ios inclusive of autistic people actually look like in real life?
In this episode, Will Savell shares powerful real-world examples from two restaurants in East Tennessee that are quietly leading on autism inclusion — not through glossy campaigns, but through thoughtful, everyday design choices.
Jeremiah Café and Main Street Café & Catering don’t rely on formal accommodations. Instead, they create inclusive experiences by being clear, consistent, and strengths-focused — for both employees and guests. From structured kitchens to flexible roles, from patient leadership to emotional safety, these businesses are embedding neuro-inclusion into their culture without ever using the word.
We explore:
· How leadership clarity helps neurodivergent team members thrive — and keeps the whole team calm under pressure.
· What strengths-based role design really looks like, from the front of house to the kitchen.
· How inclusion becomes natural when it aligns with core values — and is modeled in every interaction.
· The ripple effect: how customer experience, loyalty, and even relocation decisions can be shaped by these environments.
This episode offers a refreshing, grounded take on what autism inclusion can look like — and what larger organisations might learn from businesses that are doing it, not just saying it.
I originally discussed these restaurants with will during our discussion that you can hear in Episode 43 - ADD in the age of DEI backlash: a real-life look at burnout and belonging, with Will Savell.
You can connect with Will here.
