Anjan Manikumar got the idea for his groundbreaking restaurant from a simple act of kindness.
Manikumar was working as a server at a Boston Pizza restaurant where he often interacted with a deaf man, a regular customer. After disjointed efforts at communication, Manikumar decided that simply pointing to menu items and nodding was not the level of service the man deserved, and thus set out to learn some sign language.
The patron was so overjoyed with Manikumar’s efforts that he started to come in more often, and bring his friends. That’s when an idea struck Manikumar: why not design a restaurant to accommodate both deaf and hearing patrons?
After completing his MBA, Manikumar launched his Signs Restaurant & Bar in downtown Toronto three months ago. A first of its kind in Canada, the restaurant is 70 percent staffed by deaf people and caters to both deaf and hearing patrons. Hearing guests are invited to communicate with deaf servers in sign language through simple instructions in the menus.
