What we endure Other duties Drivers constantly have in-store work between deliveries and at the end of the shift. Specific duties may vary from store to store. Many drivers spend a third of the shift inside. This is what drivers do when not delivering. Prepare dough for the next day. There are several kinds and sizes of pans to sort out (medium, large, pan, handtossed, etc.) and you prepare 300 to 400 pans total. First, oil each pan with vegetable oil. Other types of dough (such as handtossed) are not oiled but the pans are sprayed with non-stick food release. Later, put frozen dough in each pan and spray the edges with food release spray. You put a lid on each pan and stack the pans on several carts. Then you wheel the carts into the walk-in refrigerator and unload. Three drivers do this together but sometimes just one or two. The task normally takes three hours if delivery is not busy. Drivers rarely go home on time because it takes so long. Answer the phones. Drivers do this intermittently as needed. There's never enough people to answer phones. The phone staff doesn't work the entire time the store is open. Make pizza sauce. There are several kinds. Each container holds three gallons. A driver makes four or five containers. One driver does this. Take out the trash and throw away empty boxes. There are several huge trash cans and usually 30 cardboard boxes. You must flatten the boxes. All of it goes to the dumpster behind the store. This is done after you prepare dough and periodically through the day. Sweep and mop the floors. Usually at closing, but can be done throughout the day. Cut pizzas when they come out of the oven. Drivers help the cut table staff as needed. Fold pizza boxes. They arrive flat and must be folded into the usual shape. Drivers do this intermittently as needed. When the cooks are really busy, drivers make pizzas. Most stores have delivery and pick-up only. If the store has a dine-in restaurant, they have even more duties. Drivers have these additional duties. There is no dishwasher person. The drivers wash dishes. This includes all the store's plates, pans, lids, silverware, cups, and many other items. One or two drivers do this all night every chance they get between deliveries. There is also a solid hour or two of dishes after closing. (The same driver usually does not prepare dough. Those who prepare dough generally don't wash dishes.) Carry stacks of dirty dishes from the wait area and cut table to the dishwasher area. Return stacks of clean dishes to every area in the store for storage. When the wait-persons are busy, drivers buss tables, seat customers, and even serve customers (and get no tip, I might add, and the wait-person gets the tip.) Drivers who work in a dine-in store are paid the same as those who work in a delivery/carry-out only store. Those who work in a dine-in store deserve BETTER tips! Last updated: August 8, 2008 return to top