The INSIDER Summary:
- A woman returned to a Starbucks drive-thru with an apology note and $50 after she snapped at a barista.
- She wrote that "leaving a trail of unkindness like that is not the path I want to reflect."
- The barista, 20-year-old Andrew Richardson, was touched by her gesture.
Rude customers are an all-too-common occurrence for people who work in the retail or food service industries. Rude customers that apologize for their behavior with a handwritten note and a hefty tip? Not as much.
A California woman known only as "Debbie" became frustrated when a Starbucks drive-thru ran out of drink carriers and wouldn't take her trash to throw away. The barista, 20-year-old Andrew Richardson, took it in stride.
"At worst, she was playfully sassy," he told ABC News. "I really didn't think too much of it ... It was not a big deal at all in my eyes. Being in customer service you can experience a lot of negativity and frustration. I try and counter it with positivity and patience. This was an extremely mild interaction compared to other incidents.”
The incident left more of an impression on Debbie, who returned the next day with a card and a $50 tip to apologize.
A woman came through the drive through yesterday and got a little irritated with me because we didn't have drink carriers. Today, she came back and handed me this. from pics
The card reads:
Greetings Starbucks Barista! Yesterday at your drive thru we had a less than cheerful encounter. At no fault of yours, you were out of carriers and said you could not take my empty cup (trash). I was less than understanding & my manner was curt. I need to apologize. The thought of leaving a trail of unkindness like that is not the path I want to reflect. Not for you, not for me. You are a young man, clearly working hard to build a fortune and you should be commended. Keep your attitude of cheer & hope. Stay hopeful no matter what kind of people cross your path (or drive thru). Surely, God has good blessing in store. You taught this ole lady something yesterday about kindness, compassion & staying humble. I thank you! God bless you today and all your todays. Debbie.
Richardson was shocked and moved by her thoughtful gesture.
“This was easily one of the kindest things I've ever received," he said. "I'm very happy to know that there are still good, caring people in this world."