A new pizzeria has opened in Prague’s Smíchov district with a mission that goes far beyond food.

Pasta Fidli, located on Štefánikova Street, is operated by the Etincelle Group, a network of Czech social enterprises that has spent the past twenty years helping people with mental and physical disabilities enter the workforce.

According to Etincelle director Jakub Knězů, Pasta Fidli is the first pizzeria in Czechia specifically designed to employ people with disabilities. The restaurant currently provides jobs to twelve staff members in supporting roles.

“The space is quite large — we also have a confectionery and bakery in the back, where we prepare desserts for this pizzeria, our café, and other establishments around Prague,” Knězů said at the opening.

The Etincelle Group — whose name translates from French as spark — runs a broad network of businesses: cafés and bistros under the Mezi Řádky brand, a bakery called U Dvou Rohlíků, a coffee roastery in Šumava, a farm in Ledce, and even a guesthouse named Mezi Lesy.

The organization employs over 200 people with disabilities, including individuals living with mental health challenges.

In 2023, Etincelle took over Pasta Fidli, a social enterprise known for producing fresh chilled pasta in Mníšek pod Brdy. “We were supplying pasta to several outlets, including Globus hypermarkets,” Knězů explained. “Then we realized we could open a restaurant serving our own pasta — and from there, it was just a small step to add pizza.”

 

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Creating Real Jobs for People with Disabilities

Visitors to the new restaurant, which previously operated as a pastry shop, can also enjoy freshly made tiramisu, panna cotta, and about thirty other desserts, all prepared daily on-site.

At the opening ceremony, Petr Lachnit (ANO), Prague 5’s deputy mayor for social affairs, recalled his decade-long cooperation with Etincelle. “I first met the team more than ten years ago, when we helped them find a space for their first café here in Smíchov. They employ people with mental disabilities who often struggle to find jobs. I’m glad they’re expanding opportunities,” he said.

Knězů added that despite progress, people with disabilities still face major barriers to employment. “That’s why social enterprises like ours exist — to provide a protected work environment with social workers, psychologists, and trainers who help our employees build confidence and habits for long-term success on the open job market.”

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