SIMPSON, Pennsylvania — Frank's Place in Simpson is known for its huge menu. The owners pride themselves on having something for everyone, and even if there's not, just ask. They also pride themselves on being a place for everyone, and that means a little more to them this month—Autism Acceptance Month.
The t-shirts on display when you walk in the door show the restaurant's relatively new logo—the signature autism puzzle piece. It is the profile picture on the restaurant's Facebook page and what you see when you sign onto the website. It is the brand for the restaurant here in Lackawanna County.
"I can't even say it's hard, it's not," Frank Cerminaro said.
Frank and Kelly Cerminaro own the popular restaurant in Lackawanna County. Their son, Lucca, is a student at Marywood. He was the first person living with autism to be an employee here at Frank's Place, but over the years, the Cerminaros have hired more and more. Now, there are about nine workers living with autism or other disabilities.
"We are here. If your kid needs a job, we are here. And just a total understanding of how people are different," Kelly said.
"It is really nice when someone's daughter or son is 14. They can't wait. They bring them up, introduce themselves, and I give them a shirt like this. They're thrilled, and they can't wait to come up and work," Frank added.
After Lucca came Willy; William Stephens is from Forest City and has been a dishwasher here at Frank's Place for about five years.
"Come follow me," he told Newswatch 16. He showed us what a typical day on the job is like.
Willy can be quiet sometimes, but his co-workers love his dance moves, so he showed us those, too. Both he and the Cerminaros agree this is the perfect job for him.
"I love it here," he said. When we asked if he liked his co-workers, he said, "Yeah, but I like Frank the best,"
The Cerminaros say every month is Autism Acceptance Month at Frank's Place, but April is a little more special for them because it serves as a good reminder for everyone else.
"A lot of people still have this stigma, 'Oh, he's autistic.' They use it as a downside. I wouldn't change my son for anything in the world," Frank said.
The Cerminaros say their son Lucca did not want to miss the interview with WNEP, but he is getting ready for his finals at Marywood. He is a full-time student majoring in history. He started as a dishwasher when he was a teenager and has moved up to host and other jobs at Frank's Place, and the Cerminaros say all of their workers have the same opportunities.
"We really just encourage people and parents who are afraid for their kids to have a job. They are always welcome," Kelly said.