Coffee shop’s ingenius pricing policy inspires people to be kind and polite to service workers

Editor's note: This article was originally published on March 29, 2023. It has since been updated.

Being kind and polite to those around us are crucial traits that can have a powerful impact on our relationships and interactions with others. When we are kind, we show compassion and consideration for others, and we can help make someone's day a little bit brighter. Speaking politely is essential as it shows respect and consideration for the person and this is particularly important when interacting with service workers. A coffee shop in Grandin Village, Roanoke Valley, garnered people's attention a few years ago for a sign that urged customers to be polite and called out those who don't even say "hello" or "please," reports WDBJ. 

The board outside CUPS Coffee & Tea read, "'One small coffee' $5.00, 'One small coffee, please' $3.00, 'Hello, I'd like one small coffee please' $1.75." People absolutely loved this signboard that signified the importance of being kind and polite to service workers. Austin Simms, who wrote the sign, said that he was just trying to be funny and did not anticipate that people would appreciate it online. He joked, "I decided because I need to solve all the injustices of the world to start charging more for people who didn't take the time to say hello and connect and realize we're all people behind the counter."

The simple act of politeness, such as saying "hello" and "please," may seem insignificant, but they can have a profound effect on someone's day. They can bring a smile to someone's face and make them feel appreciated and valued. The sign outside CUPS Coffee & Tea is a powerful reminder of the importance of treating others with respect and kindness. Also, it inspires people to be more thoughtful and considerate in their daily interactions with others.

In another such example of kindness towards service workers, a family from South Carolina raised more than $250,000 for their 72-year-old Domino's delivery driver, Barbara Gillespie. She was injured while delivering their order on February 3, 2023. The video of the fall was recorded on the family's home security system and quickly gained widespread attention, amassing more than 3 million views on TikTok.

Upon answering the door, Kevin Keighron, the owner of the house, discovered Gillespie attempting to get up after dropping off the food, and she apologized for the mishap. Keighron offered reassurance that it was not an issue, and he and his spouse, Lacey Klein, established a GoFundMe campaign to provide financial support for Gillespie.

Gillespie expressed her amazement at the generous donations made by strangers, while Domino's expressed gratitude towards their kind-hearted customers who helped significantly improve Gillespie's life. Gillespie submitted her resignation to Domino's on February 8 and planned to retire. The incident initiated a broader discussion on how several Americans have to continue working beyond their retirement age to meet their living expenses.

GoFundMe reported a "ripple effect" in the number of fundraising campaigns aimed at assisting individuals in attaining their retirement goals. However, the kindness of this family towards this elderly service worker helped her retire and plan the rest of her life.