- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Peabody Today
By the People, for the People
Northeast Arc partners with Salem restaurant to provide job training
Amazing Pizza & More offers internships to help people with disabilities gain real-world experience in the restaurant industry
Mar. 30, 2026 at 11:33pm
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
The vibrant, inclusive work environment at Amazing Pizza & More reflects the restaurant's commitment to providing meaningful job opportunities for people with disabilities.Peabody TodayIn Salem, Massachusetts, the restaurant Amazing Pizza & More has partnered with the nonprofit Northeast Arc to provide job training and internships for people with disabilities. The program allows interns like Erin Ingram and Chase Hunter to gain hands-on experience in various restaurant tasks, from food preparation to customer service. The collaboration aims to build confidence and independence while integrating the interns into the daily operations of the bustling eatery.
Why it matters
The partnership between Amazing Pizza & More and Northeast Arc highlights the importance of providing inclusive employment opportunities for people with disabilities. By offering hands-on training and gradual skill-building, the program helps participants develop practical skills and confidence to pursue jobs throughout the local community, rather than being isolated from everyday work environments.
The details
The internship program typically runs for about six months, introducing participants to restaurant tasks step-by-step, from cleaning and organization to food preparation and customer service. Job coaches from Northeast Arc provide individualized support to help the interns feel comfortable and succeed. Some interns, like Erin Ingram, have even been hired by the restaurant after impressing the staff during their internships. The broader goal is to prepare individuals for jobs across various industries, with past participants going on to work at major chains, government offices, and other roles.
- The internship program at Amazing Pizza & More runs for approximately 6 months.
- Erin Ingram was hired by the restaurant before completing her internship.
The players
Northeast Arc
A nonprofit organization that provides services for people with disabilities across the region, including job training programs.
Amazing Pizza & More
A restaurant in Salem, Massachusetts that has partnered with Northeast Arc to offer internships and job training opportunities for people with disabilities.
Erin Ingram
A Peabody resident who participated in the internship program at Amazing Pizza & More and was hired by the restaurant before completing her internship.
Chase Hunter
A Marblehead resident who has worked at Amazing Pizza & More for 12 years and has enjoyed learning new skills through the internship program.
Jacqui Field
The owner and chef of Amazing Pizza & More, who has emphasized creating a safe and welcoming environment for the interns to learn and grow.
What they’re saying
“We're all just people. We all have different strengths and ways of learning. My goal is to give everyone a safe, happy place to grow.”
— Jacqui Field, Owner and Chef, Amazing Pizza & More
“It's about building confidence. Once they feel comfortable, they grow quickly.”
— Jacqui Field, Owner and Chef, Amazing Pizza & More
“It's how we prevent mistakes and keep everyone safe. Communication is everything.”
— Jacqui Field, Owner and Chef, Amazing Pizza & More
What’s next
The internship program at Amazing Pizza & More will continue to provide opportunities for people with disabilities to gain real-world experience in the restaurant industry, with the goal of helping them find employment throughout the local community.
The takeaway
The partnership between Amazing Pizza & More and Northeast Arc demonstrates how businesses can play a vital role in promoting inclusive employment and community integration for people with disabilities. By offering hands-on training and a supportive environment, the program helps participants develop valuable skills and confidence, ultimately benefiting both the individuals and the local community.
