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People with disabilities need more advocates like Michael Morris, owner and executive chef of Pinecrest’s Draft SZN Sports Bar and Grill. This humble chef helped Hands On Education develop a nationally recognized training program that started in 1998, when he was working for Hyatt Regency Hotels in Tampa.
Hands On @ Hyatt began as a training option for individuals with various disabilities that prevented them from attending traditional colleges and technical schools. Its goal was to create prep cooks and future sous chefs. The program is made possible through a unique partnership with Hyatt and Florida’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. Chef Morris is a strong supporter, and has trained and hired hundreds of Hands On students in Tampa and Miami. He didn’t just give his blessing, he was involved in every aspect of this cool culinary training program. He led by example, so his entire staff was engaged with the individuals we collectively served.
I have personally known Chef Michael Morris since June 21, 1998 – the day we started with our first two students. I watched him teach our students knife handling and employability skills. His leadership created a buzz which led to the expansion of the program to other cities. In 2014, our program was recognized by The White House, and the program is currently operating in 35 Hyatt hotels across the country.
The pandemic forced Chef Morris to think “Outside of the Hotel Box,” and he took a huge leap of faith. His culinary experience included all aspects of upscale food service, and his conceptual rendering was to bring high quality menu choices to a local sports bar and grill – for everyone to enjoy. And when he opened Draft SZN, he immediately contacted me about training and hiring some of our students with disabilities.
In Miami, there are many pubs with tons of taps, and plenty of nice restaurants that have great food. Draft SZN offers the best of both worlds. Chef Morris is the reason the community should frequent Draft SZN. Not only for his culinary expertise, but for the Caring Culture he brings to his kitchen environment. His unwritten message seems to permeate throughout his kitchen: “If you don’t value diversity, equity and inclusion, you are working in the wrong kitchen.”
Draft SZN guests will leave with a smile, a full stomach and a warm heart because Michael Morris is more than a great chef. He’s also an exceptional human being who cares about all aspects of the community. And that’s why I am proud to call him a colleague, an advocate and a friend.
Hands On Education is a state/federally funded training program for individuals with disabilities. Its mission is to help our students explore the world of work, and prepare them for permanent employment. For more information, please visit www.handsoneducation.net.
Draft SZN Sports Bar and Grill is located at 9559 South Dixie Highway in Pinecrest. More information is available at www.draftsznsportsbar.com.
