SOUTH DAYTONA, Fla. — A Taco Bell drive-through employee was given a $6,000 holiday tip from a group of strangers in a Florida community who have been touched by his kindness over the years.
Joe DiCicco, 70, has worked 20 years for the restaurant, earning the nickname “Taco Bell Joe.”
A group on social media that spotlights local restaurants held a vote for a favorite employee, DiCicco won in a landslide. A $50 prize soon ballooned to $6,000, said Tricia Phillippi, who created the group.
“After I saw all the comments that were coming through about the kindness, the kindness that you’ve been giving people for more than 20 years, making all of us your friend and giving us exceptional service,” Phillippi said as she presented him with the check. “Thank you for your amazing cusomter service and for being friends to all of us.”
Posted by Tricia Phillippi on Saturday, December 19, 2020
DiCicco was overjoyed by the gift.
“I’m just overwhelmed,” he said. “I’m truly overwhelmed. I’ve been blessed by their goodness.”
He said he is inspired by his customers who give him strength, wisdom and vitality.”I’m a very flawed individual. I’m a very human individual,” DiCicco said. “I have learned a few hard lessons and I’m sure I have a lot of hard lessons yet to learn. But I want to show gratitude, humility and commitment to being the best person I can be.”
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