Tiffany Fixter builds a business that offers purpose and skills to people with disabilities
Tiffany Fixter had a career in special education prior to starting Brewability, a Colorado-based pizzeria and brewery that employs individuals with special needs. She says community support was vital during the planning and execution stages of the business; now that it is operational, she enjoys returning the favor.
“The community already existed. I am proud to give it a place where people can be themselves, flourish and feel at home,” Fixter tells Pizza Today. “We are firmly rooted in the disability community in Englewood, and that foundation shaped everything.”
Fixter says she feels honored to host celebrations such as birthdays, baby showers and weddings for groups and individuals who face obstacles at traditional venues due to lack of accessibility. She also grows her community through public events such as guide dog puppy socialization, sensory-friendly events, volunteer meetups and nonprofit fundraisers.
“If something builds connection, celebrates creativity or supports a meaningful cause, we are open to it,” Fixter says. “Brewability exists to create belonging. Everything we do flows from that.”
Over the years, Fixter has learned that saying no is sometimes necessary to protect the staff and culture of the small business, which receives around 15 donation requests per day. In fact, the pizzeria is so popular with the disability community that Brewability has a wait list of more than 900 individuals who want to work there.
Fixter says her background in special education taught her to meet people where they are at. She assumes competence and has high standards for employees, regardless of their diagnosis. She says teaching and running a pizzeria are more similar than most people assume. “Both are unpredictable,” she says. “You have to lead steadily, even when things feel chaotic.”
