Who Is Special Eats?
Empowering Individuals with Special Needs Through Employment
Special Eats was established in 2022 to serve delicious grilled cheese sandwiches from our mobile food truck. Since the beginning, our mission has been to employ individuals with special needs.
Throughout 2023 and into the first half of 2024 we have seen phenomenal growth as we have expanded our operations to include over 50 individuals with special needs whom we proudly call our special team. In addition, we’ve added a new storefront and launched a second truck just for desserts. We could not have done this without the fantastic and generous support of the fine folks of Tucson and all the wonderful, surrounding communities.
Our special team oversees a growing food service concern, managing the complete operation from beginning to end. They are developing marketable skills in provisioning the business, inventory management, food preparation and sales. They track all events, keep accurate calendars for such, and operate 2 fully functioning websites. You can see their talent on both of our food trucks in the go-to bags used on the trucks for food delivery, designed by our special team, the best grilled cheese in town, prepared and served by our special team, and the best in unique sweet items. You are always guaranteed service with a smile.
Our special team is responsible for the creation and deployment of advertising campaigns, and 5 social media platforms used to launch those campaigns. They operate 2 storefronts and an online store offering home decor, candy, drinks, and one-of-a-kind gifts for all occasions, which are designed and built the way you love them. You can even get the ever popular Special Eats swag you seek.
Special Eats was founded by Tamara Varga and William Harman, both of whom have children with special needs. Their goal is to create a company where their children would be proud to work. We are committed to that goal.
The Hearts Behind The Eats: A Little Bit About Our Owners
owner
Tamara Varga
Tamara, has worked in the disability field for 10 years, working as a Division of Developmental Disabilites (DDD) support coordinator. She is currently the Director of the Group Supported Employment Program at Tucson Community Connections. a licensed fiduciary for individuals with special needs, and a caretaker. Tamara is truly dedicated, believes in what she does, and lives it each and every day. Tamara has 3 children, a son with autism, a daughter with selective mutism, and a son with Down syndrome. Her passion for employing individuals with special needs stems from wanting to create an environment she would be proud and blessed to have her children work in. Additionally, she and her talented husband Jeff oversee a foster home for individuals with special needs. For many years, folks of all ages have enjoyed the warmth, safety, and delightful hospitality found in their home. We who are blessed to work with her truly believe she is the best boss in Tucson.
owner + chef
William Harman
William has been a chef for 20 years. He has helped open multiple restaurants. He has traveled the world cooking in different kitchens. His food has been featured on multiple shows on the Food Network. William has a daughter with autism and loved the idea of starting a food truck that benefits the special needs community. He felt it was very important to have gourmet quality food to go with our special mission.
owner
Jeffrey Varga
Jeffrey has worked with individuals with disabilities for 16 years. Additionally, he has worked many years in the food industry, hitting the ground running in his first job as a 16-year-old working for Eegees. He hasn’t slowed down since. Jeff is now a top-notch, licensed contractor, the “go-to” guy to which all other “go-to” guys go… to. With his wide body of knowledge in all facets of construction and his quest for turning out the highest quality work, Jeff is uniquely qualified for, and takes great pride in, training individuals with disabilities for gainful employment in the construction industry. He oversees our 16-year-old training program, helping teens learn the job skills that will carry them through productive and rewarding careers. Jeff is the proud father of three special needs children and oversees an adult foster care home with his lovely wife Tamara.
