Non-profit Employing People with Disabilities Opens Restaurant

OKLAHOMA CITY - July 10, 2013 - PRLog -- Dale Rogers Training Center (DRTC) (http://www.drtc.org/) – a local non-profit that trains and employs people with disabilities – is celebrating the grand opening of its first Papa Murphy’s (http://www.papamurphys.com/Home) – the largest take ‘n’ bake pizza chain in America – from July 11^th-14^th in Oklahoma City. The grand opening will boast specials, prize drawings, a live radio remote with Jake FM and one lucky customer will win pizza for a year!

DRTC is the first non-profit in the country to become a Papa Murphy’s pizza franchisee. In addition to providing job opportunities for people with disabilities, the new store, located at 2220 NW 23^rd in Oklahoma City, offers high-quality pizzas featuring fresh ingredients, premium meat toppings, and veggies chopped daily.  

The business opportunity – serving as a test model for future non-profit/Papa Murphy’s ventures – will increase the number of jobs for people with disabilities, helping teens and adults who are trying to gain work experience. Employees have the opportunity to prepare the handmade pizza dough and fresh toppings, greet customers, take food orders and assemble pizzas.

“Dale Rogers Training Center has always been an entrepreneurial non-profit,” said Connie McGoodwin, Executive Director of DRTC. “Because of our mission, we are able to go beyond hosting fundraisers and asking for donations, by actually creating products and services – Everyone wins. We raise awareness and support abilities, our clients gain the pride and independence of earning a living, and companies find enthusiastic, capable employees. Operating a Papa Murphy’s store is the perfect way to meet our mission in a new and exciting way.”

New Papa Murphy’s employee, Julie Lambert, has been employed through a DRTC program for six years. She was ready for a new challenge that would provide the opportunity to learn new skills.

“Making the dough is my absolute favorite. It’s like a science. I love science and you have to get the dough just right,” said Lambert. “I can’t tell you how much I love working at Papa Murphy’s!”

“Our Papa Murphy’s restaurant is unique because our mission is to hire people with disabilities. We have the same standards as expected from every other Papa Murphy’s store and crew members,” said McGoodwin. “A sign by the door lets people know that the franchise is owned and operated by Dale Rogers Training Center.”