Worker with autism finds family at Del Taco

POST FALLS — Mitch Loisel looks forward to going to work.  

He tells his mother, Kelley Loisel, "I have a lot of work to do tomorrow," before his scheduled shifts as a lobby attendant at Del Taco. 

Tuesday was his work anniversary at the 3 Brothers Restaurant chain, and both he and his coworkers celebrated his milestone with small gifts.  

His coworkers got him balloons, and he brought desserts with the number 10 precisely placed in the center of each one.  

Loisel arrived early to put the finishing touches on the cupcakes.

“It’s 10 years I’ve worked here,” he said.   

Mitch has autism. Kelley said she never thought he would find a place outside of school where he could build connections on his own.   

The Loisels learned about Project SEARCH, a job training program for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to build up experience, independence and confidence.  

After graduating from the program, he briefly had a job coach but has been working independently for three days a week at Del Taco ever since.  

At his job, he’s known for his punctuality. In a decade of working at the store, he’s averages missing only two days of work a year.

As a lobby attendant, he cleans and replenishes supplies. He likes keeping things in their proper places and enjoys taking out the garbage since it keeps everything regimented and orderly within the fast-food restaurant. 

Although Mitch loves working at Del Taco, he doesn’t eat tacos, preferring a hamburger and French fries off the menu after finishing a shift.

“He felt like he was like a typical person able to go into the community and contribute and they have just taken him under their wing. He’s developed a rapport with them, and he doesn’t want to be anywhere else,” Kelley said. 

    Mitch Loisel on his first day working at Del Taco 10 years ago.
  

    Mitch Loisel shows off the cupcakes he brought to share with coworkers and the balloons he received before starting his shift at Del Taco on Tuesday.