Back in 2020, during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, a heartwarming story emerged from a Dunkin' Donuts in Concord, California, providing a positive outlook during one of the darkest periods of history.
Gilbert "Gil" Walker, an 81-year-old retired educator, became a beloved figure at his local Dunkin' as he forged meaningful connections with the staff and owner, Matt Cobo.
For years, Walker frequented coffee shops to engage in light-hearted banter with his retired friends. "We used to get around and tell lies, or whatever," he shared during an interview, reflecting on the camaraderie he found among his peers. However, when COVID-19 forced everyone to stay indoors, Walker sought solace in his truck, and soon turned to the town's Dunkin' branch, where the staff quickly became his family.
Instant Family
"They were the nicest people ever," he recalled, establishing a routine of daily visits that allowed him to connect with the staff and enjoy his coffee in peace. As the pandemic unfolded, Walker learned that the Dunkin' was struggling to keep its employees, with Cobo facing the harsh reality of reduced hours for his staff. This revelation sparked a desire within Walker to lend a helping hand.
In an act of much-needed kindness, Walker handed Cobo an envelope containing $280, offering $20 for each of the 14 employees. This gesture touched the hearts of the staff, who began to call him "Grandpa affectionately." "I never did introduce myself; they just started calling me 'Grandpa,'" Walker chuckled, embracing his newfound title.
Cobo reflected on the pandemic's emotional toll on the community, saying, "There was this feeling, this emptiness, this uncertainty of what was going to happen." Walker's generous contribution provided more than just financial assistance. "What Grandpa did was so much more than a gesture of kindness. He made us feel like things would be OK," Cobo said.
Grounds For 'Termination'
As the relationship blossomed, a delightful back-and-forth of kindness emerged. Walker's family would alert the staff to upcoming events, such as his anniversary or birthday, turning their interactions into a playful contest of generosity. Cobo even put up a sign instructing his team not to accept any money from Walker - saying it would be grounds for 'termination' and creating an amusing game of how they could maintain this cycle of giving.
When Walker celebrated his 62nd wedding anniversary, the staff organised a beautiful surprise. They decorated the store with memorabilia from his wedding and provided a spread of Dunkin' treats, including heart-shaped maple bars.
"They set up a whole table inside the building, pictures of our wedding, a dozen white roses, and food," Walker marvelled. The joy and connection among them only deepened.
In September that year, the Dunkin' staff went above and beyond for Walker's 81st birthday, throwing him a surprise party with gifts and even a heartfelt rendition of "Happy Birthday." Cobo noted, "When you see that, you're just like, our work here is done. No one can deserve it more than him."
The crew also named a drink after his wife, Virginia "Ginny" Walker, who was always with 'grandpa' during his visits - Iced Chai Latte with almond milk and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar which has been dubbed "The Ginny".
Walker, who has a large family but is distanced from them, found a new sense of belonging within this community. "Those kids kind of reminded me of my family," he shared, appreciating the warmth and kindness he received from the young staff members. They, too, felt a connection, considering him a part of their family. "Maybe not technically family, but we'd love to fill in as his local grandkids," Cobo said.
Want To Be Part Of The Community?
Aside from the heartwarming story of camaraderie and kindness among the crew, grandpa, and the branch management, it also put a spotlight on the work experience at Dunkin. In Indeed's Work Happiness survey, which queried over 33,246 current and former employees, respondents strongly agreed that they felt fairly compensated for their work.
Additionally, the survey examined paid sick days, with responses indicating that employees received an average of paid sick days, and only 17% of respondents noted that their sick days reset each year.
The findings regarding overtime policies are less than encouraging; over 18,497 employees reported that the most common response was that there is no overtime, with 57% indicating they did not receive any overtime pay. These insights suggest that while Dunkin' fosters a nurturing community, significant concerns regarding employee compensation may need addressing.
If you want to be part of a family-like atmosphere at Dunkin', consider applying today! Crew members earn an average of $14.03 per hour, while general managers make approximately $19.11 per hour.
