'Special Eats' grows from 16 to 50 employees with special needs since 2022

Special Eats, a Tucson food truck business that employs people with special needs, has grown from 16 workers in 2022 to nearly 50 today.

The company was co-founded by William Harman and Tamara Varga after their children, who both have autism, had difficulty finding steady jobs. The business offers a simple comfort food menu, including burgers, grilled cheese and milkshakes.

Employees say the work has helped them build skills, gain experience and prepare for future restaurant jobs. Head chef Greg Mandros has worked with Special Eats for two years, while Josiah Pocase cooks and operates the register across the company’s two trucks.

Special Eats plans to add a pizza truck and open a brick and mortar barbecue restaurant in the coming months. The expansion is expected to create more jobs for people with special needs.