SAN DIEGO – A pioneering establishment, Serafino, is set to open its doors in San Diego’s vibrant Mission Hills neighborhood this fall, aiming to transcend the traditional employment landscape for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Spearheaded by a dedicated team with deep roots in both special education and the hospitality industry, Serafino is envisioned as more than just a business; it’s a testament to the potential and capabilities of individuals often overlooked in the workforce. The ambitious project seeks to dismantle long-standing barriers to employment by offering a high-caliber, inclusive work environment where every team member is valued for their skills and contributions.
The genesis of Serafino stems from the persistent challenges faced by individuals like David Cross, founder of the Civitas Living service agency in San Diego, established in 2020. Cross has consistently encountered employer hesitancy when it comes to hiring his vocational education clients, adults who are navigating the complexities of intellectual and developmental disabilities. Despite these initial hurdles, Cross highlights a recurring theme: once employers provide these individuals with an opportunity, the outcomes are overwhelmingly positive. He has amassed a collection of testimonials from business owners who express profound appreciation for the work ethic, dedication, and transformative impact these employees have had on their workplaces, often describing the experience as "life-changing."
"It should be as natural as any other employment situation," David Cross stated, articulating the core philosophy behind Serafino. "We’re not trying to hit a quota. We’re just trying to employ the best person for the job. And we’re trying to make sure that if someone does have a label or needs help outside of work, they’re not overlooked. It’s about giving people a chance." This ethos underscores a commitment to meritocracy and inclusion, moving beyond tokenism to foster genuine opportunities for professional growth and contribution.
A Fusion of Expertise and Vision
The four-member team behind Serafino brings a formidable blend of expertise to the venture. David Cross, a driving force in supportive living and healthcare services, education, and hospitality for over a decade, is joined by his wife, Rebeca Cross, a seasoned high school special education teacher in San Diego with extensive experience supporting students with diverse learning needs.
Michael Di Carlo, who will serve as Serafino’s Chief Operating Officer, also holds the position of Executive Director at Civitas Living. His prior experience includes eight years in management at the esteemed We Olive & Wine Bar in La Jolla, providing him with invaluable insights into the operational demands of the hospitality sector. Di Carlo and David Cross share a lifelong friendship, their connection forged in their native Massachusetts during their formative years.
The fourth pillar of the Serafino team is Amanda Sarich, who will take on the roles of Project Manager and General Manager. Sarich possesses over a decade of leadership experience in wine-centric businesses, having served as Corporate Wine Director at We Olive, and holding prominent positions at Bernardus Winery and Loews Coronado Bay Resort. Her background also includes a foundational study of special education in college and training in American Sign Language, further solidifying her commitment to inclusive practices.
Serafino’s Unique Concept: An Elevated Community Hub
Serafino is designed as an all-day establishment, featuring a sophisticated coffeehouse, a unique Mexican-Italian café/market, and a wine bar. Located in Mission Hills, it aims to distinguish itself from other establishments that employ individuals with disabilities by offering a "luxury, elevated space" where all employees, regardless of their background, are expected to meet rigorous professional standards. This approach aims to dispel any notion of Serafino being a sheltered workshop, instead positioning it as a premium destination that happens to champion inclusive employment.
The establishment’s name, Serafino, holds personal significance for David Cross, being his mother’s maiden name, adding a layer of familial warmth and heritage to the venture. The location itself, on the ground floor of a four-story residential building at the southwest corner of Washington and Albatross streets in Mission Hills, was meticulously chosen. Sarich explained that months were spent scouting various locations across the city before settling on Mission Hills due to its strong sense of community and its demonstrated support for local businesses. The "all-day concept" is a strategic element designed to seamlessly integrate Serafino into the daily rhythm of the neighborhood.
"The philosophy is very approachable, community-driven, warm, welcoming and family-driven entirely, and it will offer curated quiet luxury at the same time," Sarich elaborated, emphasizing the dual commitment to inclusivity and refined quality.
Addressing Employment Gaps and Skill Development
While Serafino will embrace a broad spectrum of talent, the team acknowledges that not all individuals supported by Civitas Living may be immediately suited for the high-pressure environment of a busy café and market. Michael Di Carlo noted that currently, fewer than ten of Civitas’s over 100 clients possess the specific skill sets required for a demanding establishment like Serafino. This recognition has informed the strategic inclusion of a robust coffee program.
David Cross elaborated on the rationale: "Coffee is a repeatable process where you’re working on small improvements. Our folks will tell you how long a brew goes by portions of a second. That obsession over the little things is something that a lot of the folks we work with naturally focus on." This highlights how certain tasks, requiring precision, repetition, and meticulous attention to detail, can be areas where individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities excel, aligning perfectly with the demands of a high-quality coffee service. Customers at a coffee shop expect efficiency and accuracy; a lengthy wait or an incorrect order can deter repeat business, regardless of a venue’s hiring philosophy. Serafino aims to meet these customer expectations while simultaneously providing meaningful employment.
The team has not yet finalized the exact number of job openings or specific wage structures for Serafino, but the commitment to fair compensation and well-defined roles is evident in their planning. Civitas Living, though not an official partner or service provider to Serafino, will offer job coaching services as needed to any Civitas clients who secure employment at the new establishment. This layered support system ensures that employees have access to resources that can help them succeed and thrive in their roles.
A Model for Inclusive Hospitality: Lessons from the Classroom and Beyond
Rebeca Cross draws parallels between Serafino’s vision and her experiences teaching special education. At her school, students operate a successful coffee cart that serves classrooms daily, fostering a sense of responsibility and customer interaction. She observes that even teachers who may not be avid coffee drinkers often purchase a cup simply to enjoy the positive and engaging exchange with the students.
"I think that’s something we want to have everyone experience," Rebeca Cross shared. "You’re going to come and have good coffee, good food and maybe enjoy a glass of wine, but it’s also the person who’s going to know you by name, know where you like to sit, and they might bring your favorite drink." This vision encapsulates the essence of Serafino: a place where exceptional products are served with exceptional, personalized care, fostering genuine human connections.
Broader Implications and Future Outlook
The opening of Serafino represents a significant step forward in the ongoing conversation about disability inclusion in the workforce. By creating a high-end establishment that intentionally integrates individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities into its core operations, Serafino aims to serve as a powerful model. The success of this venture could have far-reaching implications, potentially influencing other businesses to re-evaluate their hiring practices and to recognize the untapped potential within this often-underserved segment of the population.
The initiative addresses a critical need highlighted by numerous studies on employment for individuals with disabilities. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics consistently shows higher unemployment rates and lower labor force participation for individuals with disabilities compared to their non-disabled counterparts. For example, in 2023, the unemployment rate for individuals with disabilities was significantly higher than for those without disabilities, underscoring the persistent challenges in securing meaningful employment. Serafino’s proactive approach, focusing on skill development, high expectations, and a supportive yet professional environment, offers a tangible solution to this systemic issue.
The team’s aspiration to replicate Serafino in other cities, should it prove successful, suggests a scalable model for inclusive employment within the hospitality sector and potentially beyond. This ambition speaks to a broader commitment to fostering a more equitable and accessible job market, where individuals of all abilities have the opportunity to contribute, grow, and achieve their full professional potential. The success of Serafino will not only be measured by its financial performance but by its profound impact on the lives of its employees and its contribution to a more inclusive society.
