Hatpöttyös Restaurant

Hatpöttyös Nonprofit Kft., also known as Hatpöttyös Restaurant, is a pioneering social enterprise based in Székesfehérvár, Hungary. Founded in 2012 by Veronika Hermann-né Nagy, Hatpöttyös is only the second restaurant in the country to prioritize employment for individuals with disabilities, providing meaningful work opportunities for those with intellectual, visual, hearing, and mobility challenges. Known for its commitment to social inclusion and environmental sustainability, Hatpöttyös serves around 200 daily lunch customers and offers catering services for events up to 200 guests. The restaurant is well integrated into the local community, valued for both its culinary offerings and social impact, and currently employs a team of 16, most of whom are workers with disabilities.

Audi Hungaria

Audi AG is a German automotive manufacturer of luxury vehicles headquartered in Ingolstadt, Bavaria, Germany. A subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group, Audi produces vehicles in nine production facilities worldwide.  Audi Hungaria Zrt. is one of the production facilities. 

The Partnership 

The partnership was initiated through HCSE's Social Procurement Pilot Project, which introduced Audi Hungaria to various social enterprises as potential suppliers. Following this structured collaboration, Hatpöttyös provided catering for Audi Hungaria's prestigious 30th anniversary event, marking a milestone in the company’s history and the launch of a new generation of electric motors. The team of six from Hatpöttyös, including four disabled employees, managed the catering service, which received high praise from attendees for its quality and execution.

The partnership with Audi has provided Hatpöttyös with invaluable visibility and a high-profile platform to showcase the skills and dedication of its employees. Working at Audi’s anniversary event was a significant achievement for the Hatpöttyös team, instilling pride and confidence among staff members and opening doors for future opportunities. Since the event, two additional regional companies have reached out to Hatpöttyös for catering services, broadening the restaurant’s client base and reinforcing its reputation within the local business community.

Lessons Learned

From Hatpöttyös:
"Being selected as an official catering provider for Audi is a remarkable achievement for Hatpöttyös Restaurant. After going through a thorough vetting process, we are proud to be included in their trusted list of suppliers. This accomplishment not only validates the high standards of our service and the dedication of our staff but also emphasizes the importance of inclusive business practices. The partnership allows us to sustain our mission of providing meaningful employment to individuals with disabilities while showing that social enterprises can meet the rigorous demands of major industry players like Audi."

Veronika Hermann-né Nagy, Founder, Hatpöttyös Étterem

The Impact:

Employment and Inclusion: Out of 16 employees, 12 have various disabilities, benefiting from long-term job security and income stability, which has a positive impact on their families.These individuals have been provided with permanent positions and a stable source of income, which is crucial given their challenges in the traditional labour market.
Health and Well-being: The supportive work environment fosters mental and emotional well-being, offering a sense of purpose and belonging.
Societal Perception: By integrating individuals with disabilities into its workforce, Hatpöttyös helps to change societal perceptions. This is demonstrated by the increasing number of guests in their restaurant and the increasing demand for their catering service.