PLAINFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. -- For those who didn't want to venture out during Sunday's snow but still wanted to eat, there's a good bet your local pizza delivery driver wasn't taking the night off.
Super Bowl Sunday, already the biggest day of the year for deliveries, proved to be a bit treacherous for drivers as heavy and persistent snowfall fell for most of the day across West Michigan.
Football's biggest night translates into a big night for the bottom line at local pizza joints like Flo's Pizzeria, 4494 Plainfield Avenue in Plainfield Township. General manager Alex Garcia said sales are usually triple when compared to an average night.
“It’s the second biggest day, which it means it’s the second biggest money for us, and we’ve got to be ready for it," Garcia said, adding the busiest day for their business is actually Halloween.
Super Bowl Sunday, however, still reigns supreme for their busiest delivery day, he said. “I’ve got three people on the phones, two people on oven, two people on dinners, two people on pizzas and three drivers."
But its his drivers who are bearing most of the brunt when the weather turns dicey as it did this weekend.
“They face all the elements, you’ve just got to be prepared and willing to do whatever it takes," Garcia said. “I’ve even had drivers get stuck and walk the food the rest of the way, dedication at its fullest.”
Kilian Lancaster is one of those drivers. He said he actually enjoys working in inclement weather, because it usually translates to more generous tips from customers.
“Sometimes we do run a little late, and we’ll have to call them and apologize," he said. "But most people are real understanding, especially in this type of weather."
The extra tips usually make up for the extra struggle.
“Rain, sleet or snow we’re there, we’re there," Garcia said. "Nothing can stop us."
