Writes Justin in Salem, Massachusetts: “It was the middle of the recent blizzard and we had gone for a drive in the worst of the weather (because that’s what you do for fun when you drive a Jeep) and decided to stop for a cup of coffee at Dunkin’ Donuts” (because that’s what you do for fun if you’re a New Englander).
Upon arrival, Justin and his companion were greeted with this heartfelt note of congratulations from the Dunkin’ Donuts snowstorm staff (Rick).
![YOU HAVE RISKED YOU'RE [sic] LIFE FOR A CUP OF COFFEE! Congrats xoxo Love, The Dunk's Staff (Rick)](http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5168/5298799114_20737dcd61.jpg "YOU HAVE RISKED YOU'RE [sic] LIFE FOR A CUP OF COFFEE! Congrats xoxo Love, The Dunk's Staff (Rick)")
related: Dunkin’ Donuts Employee of the Month
196 responses so far ↓
#1
nette
You have risked your life for bad punctuation!
I wonder if the coffee was…. fucking delicious?
Dec 27, 2010 at 10:06 pm rating: 29
#2
KST
Wow. I hope this photo was sent directly to the guys’ manager. After all, Rick wouldn’t be getting paid if these addicts weren’t running amok in the middle of a snowstorm.
Dec 27, 2010 at 10:07 pm rating: 34
#3
Melanie
If he had spelled “your” right, I might just respect him
Dec 27, 2010 at 10:08 pm rating: 57
#4
carrie
HEY RICK! why didn’t you call in like everyone else???
Dec 27, 2010 at 10:09 pm rating: 30
#5
mygirlrosie
I think the Dunk’s staff (Rick) might consider risking his life for an education. Or at least an English class.
Dec 27, 2010 at 10:09 pm rating: 33
#6
Shauna
I was at this Duncan Donuts on a east coast roadtrip in August 2010…one of the only places open and within short walk of our B&B. WORST iced coffee EVER!
Dec 27, 2010 at 10:15 pm rating: 3
#7
Mike D
And thank you for risking your life to get to a crummy job at Dunkin Donuts making minimum wage to SELL me a lousy cup of coffee. Let’s call it even.
Dec 27, 2010 at 10:16 pm rating: 28
#8
SP
Awwww, makes me want to go sit there till closing time, sipping away, slowly, on “my are” cup of coffee just to piss off Rick, and then tell him his grammar sucks as I walk out.
Dec 27, 2010 at 10:16 pm rating: 31
#9
trillium
I’ve actually done this myself when I lived in Upstate NY. Totally worth it.
Dec 27, 2010 at 10:21 pm rating: 4
#10
PamIAm
Hey! I risked my life for a donut, not coffee!
Dec 27, 2010 at 10:27 pm rating: 60
#11
lulz
I live in Lynn, MA which borders Salem. People here did act stupid in this storm…..from going to the mall to return gifts or going for a cup of coffee.
People around here go full retard.
Dec 27, 2010 at 10:29 pm rating: 27
#12
jadefirefly
The ridiculous thing is, you really have no choice but to learn how to drive in all manner of snow, living in NE. I took my final drivers ed class in a snowstorm so bad, they cancelled school for two days.
When ya need coffee, ya need coffee. Snow is nothing.
Dec 27, 2010 at 10:31 pm rating: 25
#13
Liz
It looks like he first wrote “You have risked you life …” but then thought again and “corrected” it to “You have risked you’re life…”
Bong! Still wrong, Rick!
Dec 27, 2010 at 10:31 pm rating: 10
#14
Divvitar
Hey it’s not like this is Baghdad or Afghanistan or something. New Englanders are used to this kind of weather, So shut the fuck up, Rick, put on a fresh pot of coffee and give me two Bismarks. Thanks!
Dec 27, 2010 at 10:36 pm rating: 30
#15
Alexis
pssht, it’s not even snowing any more. Since when is that “blizzard” weather.
Dec 27, 2010 at 11:03 pm rating: 3
#16
meri
but the best part is how he sends kisses and hugs, the passive-aggressive grammar fail.
Dec 27, 2010 at 11:18 pm rating: 6
#17
Danielle
I work retail at a mall and have to deal with people coming out in dangerous weather all of the time. What people don’t realize is that if people keep coming in we can’t leave, which tends to keep us at work well into the dangerous parts of storms. So we then have to risk our lives going home because someone needed a pair of jeans right then and there. I don’t want a retail job but it’s one of the only things around in my town with jobs. How would you feel if I came into your office job or what not and didn’t leave forcing you to drive home in awful conditions? We can’t call out or we lose our jobs and for a lot of us that live paycheck to paycheck, that means losing our homes. A little respect to the cashiers, sales people and shops that have to deal with rude customers and work through holidays and awful weather would be nice.
Dec 27, 2010 at 11:33 pm rating: 56
#18
strangelove
Pshhhha. You’re all full on retards for ragging on Rick for his obvious, and all too common grammatical error. Happens to the best of us, especially in haste, and especially when a person has had to drive through a flipping blizzard just to serve a cup of joe to a spoiled jeep-driving idiot out “for fun” because he thinks that’s “what you do” if you’re a dumbass New Englander jerk-off (btw “your/you’re” is not PA, it’s just a bad mistake).
The hubris is proved by his all too smug & poser posting of this evidence of how stupid the people who HAVE to drive in & show up for their job are, just to give poster his flipping cup of coffee. No. Wrong. I respect a Rick who points out the idiotic expectations and self-entitlements of the jackasses who have nothing better to do on a blizzarding night than to show up in their precious 4-wheel jag-off truck and then post on the internet how awful the coffee was.
Rick, at least, showed up for a commitment he made to his responsibilities. Did not call in. That I respect. And he shouted out to the morons …. well…. I hope he wasn’t fired for speaking the truth.
Dec 27, 2010 at 11:35 pm rating: 33
#19
KC
There are always a couple of whiners in every field of employment. Apparently on every comment section too…
Dec 28, 2010 at 12:06 am rating: 13
#20
Canthz_B
I kinda like Rick. His work ethic dictates that, no matter what the weather, he’ll be there when it’s “time to make the donuts”.
Unfortunately, that SOB is always out of chocolate honey-dipped when it’s “time to serve CB!”
Dec 28, 2010 at 12:08 am rating: 2
#21
lagne
Dear god, all the retail people defending Rick. It’s like a bullshit blizzard around here.
News flash: Rick works at DD in a blizzard because that’s a CHOICE he made.
Don’t want to serve coffee in a blizzard? Don’t. Don’t want to work somewhere that expects you to? Don’t.
Yes, it is that simple. Take stock of your life. Go back to school. Get the tools to do what you want to do instead of feeling forced to do what you “have” to do. “But it’s not that easy/simple.” Blah blah blah. It’s never easy. You just shut up and do it.
And if you CHOOSE to stay in a crap job that obviously grinds on your last nerve, scolding your customers for patronizing the business you represent should get you, at least, reprimanded.
Dec 28, 2010 at 12:10 am rating: 17
#22
TippingCows
What if I went to Dunkin’ Donuts for a muffin or a breakfast sandwich? I suppose that is a better reason to risk my’re life than coffee, according to Rick.
I kind of see his point … but if you’re going to be a bitch about something, you should try to be taken seriously. And nobody takes illiterates seriously.
Dec 28, 2010 at 2:09 am rating: 4
#23
The Elf
I’m not driving through snow to get to work, that’s for sure. Even if I had a car that could handle winter weather (I don’t), the other drivers around here don’t know how to drive in the snow. If the public transportation system shuts down, I’m not going anywhere. When my company had a “we don’t close ever” policy, I’d just call in or work from home. They meant that policy, too. They kept open on 9/11, and we work in the heart of DC. (HQ felt nice and safe outside the Beltway, so they didn’t understand why we left.) They stayed open on a federal holiday, when work is always light and the public transportation is on weekend schedules if they run at all, under snow emergency conditions which shut down the Metro and bus systems and then”wondered” why the only person that made it to work that day was the guy that lived within walking distance. Grrrrrrr. No work is going to get done, just close already!
Not everyone can do that. Police officers, nurses, etc. They don’t get snow days or work from home options. But it’s also emergency services, so it makes sense to always have somebody there 24/7 and you know that when you sign on for the job.
But Dunkin Donuts? Would it really hurt business that much to close? And employees – you made the choice to go into work that day regardless. You didn’t have to. Granted, you would lose money as you’re likely hourly. And if your boss is a prick you might lose your job. But you still made the choice. No need to get pissy to everyone else about it.
Dec 28, 2010 at 7:13 am rating: 9
#24
Edwina the Defrocked Nun
Somebody’s cranky with cabin fever.
And I’m not referring to the note writer.
Dec 28, 2010 at 8:26 am rating: 3
#25
Lizzie Birdsworth
I think this worker’s churlish angst should probably have been directed more towards his own site manager.
Dec 28, 2010 at 8:43 am rating: 4
#26
GhostWriter
“Thanks a pantload for signing our name as well,” said the rest of the staff to Rick. “Now we all get a reprimand!”
Dec 28, 2010 at 9:33 am rating: 5
#27
GhostWriter
Here’s the brochure describing Salem’s snow emergency procedures.
Nowhere within it does it describe any ban or restriction on driving during a snow emergency. The strongest wording I can find is, “Remember, driving in winter snowstorms should be avoided whenever possible.”
There are plenty of parking bans, but does declaring a Snow Emergency command that residents stay off roads except for emergencies? In a word, No. There is even mention of how far a driver should remain behind a snowplow- in short, they expect people to be driving around during a snow emergency.
I’m willing to bet that driving on the Massachusetts Turnpike is more hazardous than driving a 4WD Jeep down the road to a Dunkin Donuts.
Dec 28, 2010 at 9:58 am rating: 12
#28
divaandwriter
Only in New England!
Dec 28, 2010 at 10:30 am rating: 1
#29
LAtoLouisi
lagne – absolutely correct: “It’s not ‘If people would just stay home, the store would close;’ it’s ‘if the store were closed, there would be no customers in said store/on the road . . .’”
Retail workers had to manage the shops WHETHER OR NOT customers arrived! What the hell difference does it make if they actually sold something versus sitting on a stool for the entire shift WITHOUT selling something? What an idiotic request – that people should “respect” retail workers by staying home in inclement weather. It is NOT disrespectful to patronize an OPEN SHOP.
Canthz_B – you claim that you’re “educated.” Make me believe it by proofreading before you post. It isn’t “then,” it’s “than.” Too bad I need to get my coffee and donuts right now – otherwise I’d correct the REST of your drivel, from spelling to syntax.
Dec 28, 2010 at 10:32 am rating: 7
#30
oi
I agree it was dick move to put such a sign there but he had balls to sign it. I kinda like that. He is willing to face the consequences. Just saying.
or may be other staff members signed it for him, then not so much.
Dec 28, 2010 at 10:55 am rating: 7
#31
Kir
I love all you assholes implying that people who work at DD have no education. Because taking what work I can get to pay off the loans I accrued earning my master’s — which has netted me only a part-time position in a state with an obscene cost of living — means I’m a philistine. Charming.
I worked that DD job during this blizzard, when my other job closed for two days in a row. I shut my goddamn mouth and did my job because I can’t afford time off. If my cheapass boss would rather pay us to be in a near-empty store and lose money for the day than close and risk any loss of revenue, it’s no skin off my nose.
At least the plowmen were grateful.
Dec 28, 2010 at 11:07 am rating: 22
#32
Sarah Ashley
THIS is why I get my coffee at Starbucks.
I had to be out during this storm, as I work at a newspaper. If I stopped along the way home to warm up with a nice cup of coffee, you bet your ass I would be emailing this photo to corporate.
Shove it, Rick.
Dec 28, 2010 at 12:54 pm rating: 8
#33
Stephizzal
I totally agree with danielle. all the people getting shitty have probably never worked in retail. it really goads me that the head office staff are allowed to ‘work from home’ in bad snow, yet we have to risk our life to limp in to work to sell stuff that isn’t necessary to people who don’t really need it, or risk getting fired. its not because we’re lazy, or whiney, or don’t appreciate our wages- but whether or not you and managers do, i consider my life to be worth more than a day’s minimum wage. but its hard to take this stance when you’re threatened with disciplinary action for not turning in. and it doesn’t make us bad drivers either- snow is DANGEROUS- really dangerous, EVEN for experienced and professional drivers, and the more cars on the road, the more dangerous it becomes. when the met office says ‘essential journeys only’ that’s exactly what they mean. buying jeans is hardly essential. retail staff are human beings, not slaves who should be grateful for any bit of pocket change at any cost to their safety. and we wouldn’t have to do this if imperious assholes like some of the ones on this page didn’t demand it, and encourage it, by making non-essential journeys in the snow.
Dec 28, 2010 at 4:01 pm rating: 9
#34
Deenie
Anyone who has lived in New England for more than a year and is afraid to move about in a snowstorm needs to move somewhere else.
Dec 28, 2010 at 4:15 pm rating: 5
#35
kc
Hello!!?? Buy a pound of coffee and make it yourself! Not too hard.
Dec 28, 2010 at 4:30 pm rating: 3
#36
Danielle
To cover all comments at me:
I work 44+ hours a week. There are in fact customers that are far more rude then you think. I’ve been spat on, punched, threatened to be stabbed, cleaned up poop and all bodily fluids and have had my tires slit. I watch people treat my sales floor as a trash can, throw merch. on the floor and verbally attack us. We as retail/service workers are treated as less then human. All we ask for is a little respect. On a day to day basis I love my job. It’s not my end goal in life but a way to pay the bills till bigger things. I come in early and stay late, work 6-7 days a week and am alway on call. Asking that my life is as valued as the next isn’t asking to much. Yes if my company saw no one coming into my store on a snow day we would close. If this became a trend we wouldn’t open at all on snow days. But the people who insist on coming out gum up the works. If your work says “no stay home it’s to bad out”, why can’t we get treated the same? Are you saying that what ever office you work at does less important work then we do? I don’t think they do, but your life is more important then the job. Everyones job is important, but your life is more important. Just common sense and kindness go a very long way.
Dec 28, 2010 at 8:19 pm rating: 9
#37
bliffit
To paraphrase JFK, “We choose to make these trips to Dunkin’ Donuts in the snow, not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win, and the others, too.”
Rick isn’t criticizing his customers, he’s awestruck; and his sign shows an appreciation for those who take great risks for uncertain rewards. Congrats, your huge gamble paid off. Now come on in and get that well-deserved cup of joe.
Dec 28, 2010 at 9:18 pm rating: 21
#38
meethinks
Rick,
I’m a nurse on her way to work a 12 in the ER. Quit whining and please give me 2 dozen assorted doughnuts and one of those cardboard boxes full of coffee. It’s gonna be a long night, and everyone at work will appreciate your being open so we can enjoy this treat.
Dec 29, 2010 at 4:04 am rating: 11
#39
Canthz_B
Reminds me of a Steven Wright joke, something like:
I went to a 24 hour store, and the manager was locking the door. I pointed to the sign that said “Open 24 hours”, and he said, “Yeah, but not in a row.”
Is Dunkin’ Donuts a 24/7 operation still?
Dec 29, 2010 at 5:17 am rating: 6
#40
Jenn
I know a lot of places around my town (not too far from Salem) were closed due to this storm. Rick just wanted to be among them. I was also working. I can sympathize. Hopefully he’s saving up to pay for some sort of schooling.
Dec 30, 2010 at 3:15 am rating: 1
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