Operations

Deaf-owned Mozzeria opening in DC

Mozzeria Chef Jeff Perri handles the pies at the brand's wood-fired twin Doppio ovens. (Photo provided)

September 1, 2020

San Francisco's first deaf-owned and operated restaurant, Mozzeria, is opening a second location Friday, Sept. 4 in the nation's capital. The store, 1300 H St. NE, will open for carryout service and online as well as in-store ordering, a news release said.

Deaf entrepreneurs, Melody and Russ Stein opened the San Francisco pizzeria in 2011. In 2017, Mozzeria partnered with the nation's first deaf-led social venture fund, CSD Social Venture Fund, to grow the business.

"Russ and Melody established Mozzeria with the goal of reducing the significant employment disparities faced by deaf people," CEO Ryan Maliszewski, said in the release. "Beyond serving delicious wood-fired pizza to our customers, we're creating career opportunities for our community at Mozzeria, and showing the world creative ways to be inclusive. Mozzeria prepares our employees with the skills to advance in their careers and inspire prospective employers to hire them."

The restaurant was created using DeafSpace principles. These principles incorporate open space design and strategic placement of windows, lighting, and seating designed to maximize the effective visual experience for Mozzeria customers and employees.

And Maliszewski said customers need not know how to sign to enjoy the restaurant.

"Don't know sign language? No problem!" he said. "Mozzeria offers all our customers an inclusive and highly visual dining experience that no other restaurant can match. Our employees are committed to ensuring that our guests feel like part of our community. Come in with an open mind, an empty stomach, and leave with a fresh perspective and even fresher pizza!"

To add incentive to visit the Washington, D.C. location, Mozzeria will give the first 50 patrons to place an order through its website or at the restaurant on Sept. 4 a free branded T-shirt.