Prairie Grass Cafe Honored for its Sensory Friendly Hour Program

Prairie Grass Cafe (601 Skokie Blvd., Northbrook) was honored for its Sensory Friendly Hour program at the 18th Annual Disability Matters North America Awards held in Milwaukee April 4. Among winners were Victoria’s Secret & Co., Walt Disney Imagineering, JP Morgan Chase & Co, and others. 

“On behalf of my staff, my partner George Bumbaris and consultant Hannah Rose Higdon, we are honored to have Prairie Grass Cafe recognized by Disability Matters for this prestigious award,” says Sarah Stegner, co-owner/co-chef, Prairie Grass Cafe. 

“This is important to us because it acknowledges our efforts to create a safe space. We hope that other restaurateurs take notice and follow suit,” she said. Disability Matters receives nominations throughout the year from company employees, customers, and friends. 

Earlier this year, Springboard Consulting, LLC, the organizers of Disability Matters, received a nomination for the work Prairie Grass Cafe is doing in terms of mainstreaming disability in the workforce, workplace, and/or marketplace.

The program, Sensory Friendly Dining Hour at Prairie Grass Cafe  started in the fall of 2023 and continues on the last Saturday of the month from Saturday, January 27, 2024, through Saturday, June 29 at 3:45 pm. 

Prairie Grass Cafe Sensory Hour provides an inclusive atmosphere for individuals of all ages and abilities to partake in a meal in a crowd-free dining experience with limited people and contact.  The sensory-friendly hour creates a environment for people with autism, sensory input disorders, sensory sensitivities, or other physical, cognitive, or development disabilities, and their families, friends, and caretakers.

"We want to give neurodiverse restaurant patrons a positive dining experience in a welcoming environment. Patrons can bring fidget objects, noise-reducing headphones, and other sensory tools or devices. Noise will be limited and lights will be dimmed. Our staff provides efficient service with minimal contact but is always available if you need extra assistance. Chef Sarah designed a special limited menu that eliminates long wait times."

At 5 pm, the servers will provide all guests with their checks and alert them that when the restaurant opens for regular business at 5:15 pm, customers will begin arriving, lights will be turned up, and the music will go on.  Guests are welcome to stay as long as they like.