Today we’d like to introduce you to Wesley Trump.
Wesley, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Our story began with a simple but powerful idea — that meaningful employment changes lives, and that everyone deserves a workplace where their abilities are recognized and valued. We started WhirliDogs as a small café and training center with a dual mission: to serve great food and to create pathways for people with disabilities to thrive in the hospitality industry.
In the early days, we focused on building inclusive systems — everything from communication tools to workflow design — that made it possible for all team members to succeed. Over time, we’ve grown into a community hub and a model for inclusive employment, partnering with local schools, agencies, and businesses to show what’s possible when inclusion is intentional.
Today, WhirliDogs isn’t just a café — it’s a training ground, an employer, and an advocate for changing how the world sees disability in the workplace. Our journey continues, but our purpose remains the same: to prove that inclusion isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s the smart thing to do.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. One of our biggest challenges came right at the start — we launched our fundraising efforts just before COVID hit. Trying to raise money for an idea, especially during a time of uncertainty, was incredibly difficult.
But what happened next became a defining part of our story. Our community stepped up in a big way. Through their generosity and belief in our mission, we raised over $300,000 to transform a historic building and install a full commercial kitchen. That’s why we proudly call it “the Café the Community Built.”
What makes it even more meaningful is that we accomplished all of this without any government grants. Every dollar came from individuals, businesses, and organizations that shared our vision for inclusion and opportunity. That support not only made WhirliDogs possible — it continues to remind us why our work matters.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a National Board Certified Teacher in Exceptional Education, and my career has always centered around helping every learner succeed. Over the years, I’ve taught nearly every grade level and also served as a Behavior Specialist, supporting teachers and students through individualized strategies that build confidence and independence.
That same passion for learning and inclusion is what inspired WhirliDogs Café and Training Center. We created a place where young adults with disabilities can gain hands-on experience, earn industry-recognized credentials, and develop the confidence to work in the community. Our café operates like a classroom — just one that happens to serve great food. We’re known for our out-of-the-box hotdogs, grown-up grilled cheese sandwiches, homemade soups, mac & cheese, wicked baked beans, and hand-dipped ice cream. Every process, from food prep to customer service, is designed for clarity, consistency, and success.
Since opening, we’ve trained and certified more than 40 young adults in ServSafe Food Handler, and several have already transitioned into competitive jobs in the community — which is exactly our vision. What makes WhirliDogs unique is that it’s not just a café; it’s a model for inclusive employment and education in action.
What I’m most proud of is seeing our teammates discover their abilities and realize they truly belong in the workforce. Along the way, we’ve also maintained four perfect 100% inspection scores and were voted among the top three restaurants in the Wilson Times Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Soup, Best Hotdog, and Best Café/Deli. Those honors mean a lot because they show that inclusion and excellence can — and should — go hand in hand.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me right now is sustainability — not just keeping WhirliDogs running, but ensuring that our mission continues to thrive long into the future.
We’re also working to build a strong team of part-time managerial staff who share our mission and heart for inclusion. While many of our current team members are newly retired adults with backgrounds in education, special needs support, or food service, we welcome anyone who wants to make a difference. We provide training in food service safety and sanitation, along with the guidance and structure needed to help our teammates and trainees thrive. These roles are perfect for people who value purpose, teamwork, and seeing others succeed.
Equally important is making sure that everyone in our community knows about the opportunities we offer. We want to reach all ethnic and cultural groups, so our team and our guests truly reflect the diversity of the community we serve. Inclusion has always been at the center of what we do — and building sustainability through diverse, committed people is how we’ll keep that mission alive.
Contact Info:
- Website: whirlidogs.com
- Instagram: @whirlidogs
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whirlidogs/
