Atlanta's Lazy Betty Becomes Sensory Inclusive Restaurant

Lazy Betty, the award-winning modern and inventive tasting menu restaurant from 2023 James Beard Award Best Chef Southeast semifinalists and partners Ron Hsu and Aaron Phillips, announces today its Sensory InclusiveTM Certification from KultureCity. The leading non-profit is recognized nationwide for using its resources to revolutionize and effect change in the community for those with sensory needs. The new certification promotes an accommodating and positive experience for all guests with a sensory issue, no matter their age or ability.

Conducted annually, Lazy Betty’s team training is led by medical professionals and teaches staff how to recognize guests with sensory needs and how to handle a sensory overload situation. KultureCity Sensory Bags, equipped with noise-canceling headphones provided by Puro Sound Labs, fidget tools, verbal cue cards and KCVIP lanyards, are now available to all guests who may feel overwhelmed by this new environment. 

Sensory sensitivities or challenges with sensory regulation are often experienced by individuals with autism, dementia, PTSD and other similar conditions. One of the major barriers for these individuals is sensitivity to over stimulation and noise, which can be a major part of the environment at a location like a restaurant. With its new certification, Lazy Betty is now better prepared to assist guests with sensory sensitivities in having the most comfortable and accommodating experience possible.

Prior to their visit, families and individuals can download the free KultureCity App where one can view what sensory features are available as well as the Social Story, which provides a customized visual preview of what to expect while enjoying a visit to Lazy Betty.

"Lazy Betty is built on people and inclusion, and we are dedicated to ensuring each and every guest feels comfortable and welcome, including people with non-visible needs. They too should have the opportunity to dine out,” says Ron Hsu, Culinary Director & Chef-Partner at Lazy Batty. “KultureCity®‘s mission really resonates with us, and we’re honored to work with them to create a more inviting space.” 

Lazy Betty has received great acclaim since opening in March 2019. Most recently, Chefs Hsu and Phillips were named 2023 James Beard Award semifinalists for Best Chef Southeast, and in 2020, the restaurant was a James Beard Award semifinalist for Best New Restaurant.