Inspiration
Austin's Story
On May 15th at 11.30 a.m. in the Fort Worth Market at the Brik Venue, our intention was to look for Mr. Austin Underwood who is the owner of Austin’s Underdawgs. We had found his story from Disability Scoop, written by Sarah Bahari from the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. His story was so touching, and holds courage for many of us who have strong determination to achieve our dreams. We asked Austin to allow us to interview him for our web program, “Inspiration.”
Austin is another person who proves that barriers can be broken. Even though, he was diagnosed with intellectual disabilities (Down syndrome); his dream of being a chef has never been stopped by the stereotypes associated with the labels of disabilities or special needs. Austin is 37 years old, and he has his rolling restaurant that serves delicious hot-dogs from his own unique recipes such as “the straw dawg” with crispy onions and yummy “dawg sauce”. This day he was also selling his “classic dawg”, a customizable variation of toppings that are Austin's personal touch on the traditional hot-dog with items like sweet relish, dill, and beef chili.
Austin has a strong passion when talking about his personal background, wanting to be a chef, plans for his life long career, and the goal to one day have his own restaurant. He learned how to cook, gained experience in the food services industry, and graduated from the Vocational College in New Mexico. Austin also works full time at the Campisi restaurant, he works there 4 days a week, and the other days he is hard at work on his own food truck business.
Austin suggests that parents can support their children by "letting them find what they love on their own", and "to go out and get the job they want". Austin said, “I’m very proud of myself, I move forward, and this is my life.” Finally, we asked him some hard questions about what he thinks about when people use labels to discribe other people with “Down Syndrome” or “Autism.” He thought for a moment and said, “people can just come out and call us Underdawgs.” Remarkable, it just goes to show that no one should just focus on disabilities, but that all of us have some ability to pursue what we want to be.
More on Austin's Underdawgs
Please visit Austin's website and come enjoy his special menu at his events. The Dwag Mobile will at Rahr Brewery June 25th 2016 for the Cornhole Tournament for The Epilepsy Foundation Camp Program.