Frigid weather mans big tips for delivery drivers

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East Lansing was peppered with the polar vortex the week of February 3rd, leading to school closings and Governor Gretchen Whitmer declaring it a state of emergency. That meant one thing, delivery drivers taking home hefty tips.

Ryan Collins

Dominic Famularo, 22, has driven for Pizza House East Lansing since August.

“It was crazy this week,” said Pizza House delivery driver Dominic Famularo. “I was getting tips I’d never dream on,” said Famularo.

Famularo is a Lansing Community College sophomore who started driving for Pizza House this fall.

“I’ve never seen that many orders, in all my time driving at Pizza House,“ Famularo said. “Orders doubled this week.”

The 20-year-old said he averages two orders per delivery run but this week due to heavy snow and cold temperatures he had four orders at least. Famularo said it was the most tips he’s made all year.

In a college town like East Lansing, food delivery is always  prevalent, but the industry has exploded even more with online services like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub.

According to a study by the Cowan Investment firm, the U.S. food delivery business is projected to increase by 79 percent. Food lovers are able to order their favorite restaurant chains like McDonalds, Subway, and Chick-Fil-A on these services especially when the weather is inclement.

Ryan Collins

Dominic Famularo, 20, as he completes a delivery for Pizza House East Lansing.

“I ordered Taco Bell twice this week from GrubHub,” said East Lansing resident Mitchell Genslak. “I often use online food ordering but the weather encouraged me this week.

Regardless if it was Pizza House or DoorDash, the weather didn’t just keep people inside, it got people a little heavier.

“I ordered-in four times this week,” said East Lansing resident Victor Wagner. “The weather puts you in the mood to just eat.”

 

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