Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: In a major step toward inclusivity, Pizza Hut, in collaboration with Americana Restaurants, has opened a groundbreaking restaurant in Riyadh, fully operated by team members with hearing and speech impairments. The initiative, launched during the International Week of Deaf People 2024, aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and is part of Pizza Hut’s global “Opportunity4All” programme.
A Landmark Initiative in Inclusive Employment:
The new outlet marks the first of its kind in the Kingdom. Operated entirely by individuals with hearing and speech challenges, the restaurant embodies Pizza Hut’s mission to provide “an equal slice for everyone.”
The initiative promotes empowerment and inclusivity by creating meaningful job opportunities for people of determination. It also represents the beginning of broader expansion plans across Saudi Arabia and the Middle East.
A Celebration of Talent and Collaboration:
The launch event was held at the new store in Riyadh and brought together key stakeholders. Attendees included representatives from:
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Sa3ee for Rehabilitation & Employment of Disabilities
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The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD)
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Yum! Brands and Americana Restaurants
A ribbon-cutting ceremony and sign language-interpreted panel discussion underlined the programme’s strong message of inclusion.
Supporting Local Talent with Purpose:
The recruitment and onboarding process was carried out in collaboration with Sa3ee, a local NGO dedicated to integrating people with disabilities into the workforce. The MHRSD formally endorsed the programme, recognizing its alignment with national development goals under Vision 2030.
Americana Restaurants played a pivotal role by upgrading store infrastructure and adapting training materials for better accessibility. This ensured a supportive environment for both staff and customers.
“Launching this restaurant on such a meaningful day reflects our commitment to diversity,” said Nadine El Hadad, Chief People Officer at Pizza Hut Global Franchise Markets.
“We are proud to celebrate the talents of our new team members.”
Voices from the Community:
Amarpal Sandhu, CEO of Americana Restaurants, noted:
“This initiative builds on our purpose of ‘Building Communities Around the Joy of Food’. Having already launched similar projects in Egypt, we are thrilled to bring this to Saudi Arabia.”
Marzouk Bin Amria, Chairman of Sa3ee, emphasized the impact of public-private cooperation:
“This partnership sets a powerful example for the private sector to lead in workplace inclusivity.”
Fawaz Al Malki, Director General at MHRSD Riyadh Branch, added:
“We fully support projects like Opportunity4All, which help create a diverse and empowered national workforce.”
Vision for the Future:
The newly opened Riyadh branch is located at Andalusian Plaza, 4034 Salman Al Farsi Street, Al Nahda. It serves as a model of inclusion, with all staff trained in sign language and supported by senior team members.
Pizza Hut and Americana plan to expand this initiative throughout the Kingdom and the broader Middle East. With government support and NGO partnerships, the brand aims to build more inclusive environments where people of determination can thrive.
This pioneering restaurant welcomes everyone to dine and support the Kingdom’s vision of a more inclusive, empowered society.
Source: TN Media News – https://tnmn.tv
