For those with autism, eating out at a restaurant can be an overwhelming experience. At peak hours, the clanging of silverware, the clamor of table conversations, and bright lights can be a hailstorm of sensory overload.
But in Cornelius, North Carolina, Peninsula Prime steakhouse owner Jim Gordon has made a point of offering an autism-friendly dining experience.
He told Queen City News that he and his staff began making sensory bags available to guests, filling them with stress balls, fidget spinners, pop-it toys, and earplugs.
“It’s all about sensory, so sound, lighting, touch are vitally important,” said Gordon, whose daughter is autistic. He also recently added an illustrated menu with pictures of food items, so that guests who are non-speaking can order with autonomy.
“It means a ton to our families to know that this is another place that cares about us,” said Nancy Popkin, a resource specialist with the Autism Society of North Carolina. After her adult son was diagnosed with autism, they avoided eating out at restaurants for five years.
“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 encouraged other restaurant owners to join him in making their dining rooms more accommodating, saying that a few extra steps make a world of difference.
“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.”
Peninsula Prime is located at 19918 N Cove Rd, Cornelius, NC 28031.
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A version of this article originally appeared in the 2026 Mental Health Edition of the Goodnewspaper.
Header image via Matheus Bertelli/Pexels
