What’s it like to deliver pizza in a winter storm? Domino’s drivers faced ice and negative temps

CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – As the winter storm took shape last week, most people planned to stay indoors and off the dangerously ice-covered roads. However, that didn’t include everyone.

Whether you were expecting a package from Amazon or a pizza from Domino’s, wait times were higher than usual as delivery drivers went head-to-head with the snow and ice. Mitchell Hosea and Robert Richardson were two of those drivers.

Ready for weather

Hosea, 25, has been with Domino’s for about four years, delivering pizzas from the location on Highway 48. That experience proved useful when delivering pies during the frigid Christmas weekend.

“Driving was kind of the same as every day; you know, pay attention; better safe than sorry; know what your car can do; but the traffic really escalated in terms of being reckless when the weather hit,” he said.

Aside from the traffic, the cold played a factor in getting orders from the oven to the doorstep. However, Hosea informed Clarksville Now he was ready for the weather. “Domino’s is nice. They do provide us with jackets and whatnot. I threw on my gloves, threw on my beanie and my jacket. I was good to go.”

Richardson, 32, has been with Domino’s for five years and described the experience as “amazing,” noting that it felt good to get food to people who may not have been able to get out on the roads themselves.

“Our delivering could have been the only time they got food the whole day,” he said.

Thank you

While Hosea and Richardson were both ready for the storm, even they had to make a call based on their own safety.

“There comes a point when you have to make that decision. I did end up calling out at one point. Once the roads are actually fully covered, I know my car doesn’t have the tires for it. It’s rear-wheel drive, it’s light, and that’s when I had to draw the line for me,” Hosea said.

Richardson told Clarksville Now the franchise was very understanding when it came to safety and calling it a day when the roads became too much.

“Honestly, it was pretty amazing. Our management staff was all about safety,” he said.

Domino’s management confirmed that they did have to close due to icy roads at one point. While open, however, Hosea said customers were extremely thankful and recognized the work it took to deliver food to homes in negative temperatures.

“There were a couple of people that were just amazing in terms of being appreciative,” he said, noting that people are typically extra appreciative around the holidays. “They did recognize the weather itself, and that was nice to see.”