Autism-friendly restaurant in Cornelius aims to make everyone feel welcome while dining out

CORNELIUS, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Owners of a Cornelius restaurant have made their business what they’re calling “autism-friendly.”

“There is nothing more stressful than going out to dinner with an autistic individual and them having a meltdown,” said Jim Gordon, the owner of Peninsula Prime.

Gordon’s daughter has autism, and now he’s going out of his way to make people like her feel welcome at his Cornelius steakhouse.

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The restaurant makes “sensory bags” available to guests.

Inside, families will find a stress ball, a fidget spinner, a pop-it toy, and earplugs.

“It’s all about sensory, so sound, lighting, touch are vitally important,” Gordon said.

Peninsula also has menus with pictures of the food, which allows people with autism to point to what they want, building independence in ordering for themselves.

The sensory kits don’t have to be returned; they’re for the families to keep. 

Parents and experts applaud what Peninsula Prime is doing.

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“It means a ton to our families to know that this is another place that cares about us,” said Nancy Popkin with the Autism Society of North Carolina.

Popkin’s adult son also has autism. She says their family didn’t go out to eat for five years after his diagnosis.

“A sit-down restaurant is saying ‘Please come have dinner at our restaurant because we’re going to meet your needs…and have a less stressful experience’,” she said. “That’s a gift.”

Gordon says autism awareness is important, but what has to come next is acceptance.

“This is something we’re doing to help this specific community,” he said. “If other restaurants could participate and do it in their own community, that would be a win for us.”