Neuro-Friendly Restaurant Initiative
The purpose of the Neuro-Friendly Restaurant Initiative is to further community inclusion for those living with an acquired brain injury such as a stroke, traumatic brain injury, brain tumor, or progressive disorder such as Parkinson’s disease. The purpose of this initiative is also to promote healthy eating habits to assist with the prevention and recovery of certain injuries, such as strokes and traumatic brain injuries.
The goal is to provide more options for individuals with “invisible injuries” through restaurant dining. An individual with an acquired brain injury may have mild to severe impairments that often are not seen until interacting with the individual.
Before participation, team members at each participating restaurant are provided with education regarding the communities served to strengthen skills in working with individuals from these communities. Each restaurant that participates in the program will have the following available in their restaurant to meet the criteria:
- Pictorial menu books
- Assistive utensils (at some participating restaurants)
- Thickener for drinks (at some participating restaurants)
- Low traffic hours-hours can be viewed below for each participating restaurant
- Meal options identified in the three following categories.
Meal Categories
Choosing meal options that support heart health, stable blood sugar levels, and brain wellness can support individuals in the recovery stage following a brain injury such as a stroke or traumatic brain injury and/or those seeking to lower their risk of having a stroke or improve their brain performance through food. A dietitian has reviewed the menus at each participating restaurant to determine if menu options fit one of the categories listed below.
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Heart Healthy Meal Options
A heart healthy diet can help reduce cholesterol, manage blood pressure and lower risk of stroke or heart disease.
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Blood-Sugar Friendly Meal Options
Nutrition plays an important role in the management of diabetes and prediabetes, and certain foods can help promote stable blood sugar levels.
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Brain Wellness Meal Options
Certain foods can support brain wellness through nutrition. Brain wellness means improved memory, mood, and thinking skills.
If you are a restaurant owner interested in participating or a community member who would like to learn more, please call (321) 841-4166 for more information.
