Lacey Pizza Time Feels the Heat but Employees Don’t
For the past few weeks, the news in this corner of the world has centered around the weather – and the grief it’s caused residents and travelers.
Turns out there’s another type of cold weather grief going on just down the road a piece – in Lacey. Despite the freezing weather, employees at a local Pizza Time franchise are working without any heat.
Here’s the basic story as offered up over at Franchise Pick:
Luke Benjamin, franchise owner of Pizza Time in Lacey WA, got upset when his employees left the furnace on all night. So Benjamin shut off the heat, and point blank told employees that if they don’t like working there, to “find another job.”
He not only unashamedly agreed to be interviewed by King 5 news, but gave the camera crew full run of the Ice Station Zebra.
When asked about the chilly treatment of his workers. . . he stated “If they can’t deal with it then there are plenty of other jobs out there.”
Now clearly there is more than one side to any story, and I’m sure that this one is no exception to that rule. Take a look at the KING TV 5 story, and decide which side you come down on.
January 5th, 2009 at 10:38 am
[...] Lacey Pizza Time Feels the Heat but Employees Don’t [...]
January 5th, 2009 at 10:40 am
I didn’t realize you were so close. So what’s the best pizza in the area?
I’ve been asked (sarcastically) for a recommendation for pizza in Lacey. I’d love to come back with some real recommendations.
Thanks for the link! You’ve been added to that post.
Sean
January 5th, 2009 at 11:21 am
I work two jobs, one of which is for the Lacey Pizza Time. I walk away with twice(hourly) what I make doing drywall. Let’s talk about work conditions and not belonging to a union. How many of you “outraged citizens” have worked construction? How many of you “informed consumers” have tried to own your own business and succeeded? Dan Baxter is a tired man who would rather throw a stink and cry to the news for pity. Think about the angle being projected. We could all find reasons to dislike who we work for, but if we all just stomp our feet and point fingers we help no one. Save the anger and pity for the people who truly deserve them. Get the whole story and think before you react.
January 5th, 2009 at 2:45 pm
Sean: I’m far enough from Lacey that I wouldn’t make the drive for it. But as far as yummy pizza in Seattle, I’d recommend Tutta Bella:
http://www.theseattletraveler.com/savor-the-taste-of-authentic-neapolitan-pizza-at-tutta-bella-pizzeria/
January 5th, 2009 at 2:47 pm
Jacob: I agree there are lots of sides to this story, and that’s why I encourage readers concerned about the issue to check it our for themselves.
Some people may be predisposed to believe one side vs. the other. But in a country that promotes the free exchange of information and opinions, even when it’s heated, the truth usually comes out.
Thanks for reading and commenting. I hope to see you here again!
January 5th, 2009 at 2:54 pm
[...] for the Grinch ofthe Year awards is already heating up. Our first nominee is this pizza store owner on the outskirts of Olympia that won’t turn on the heat for his [...]
January 5th, 2009 at 2:57 pm
[...] for the Grinch of the Year awards is already heating up. Our first nominee is this pizza store owner on the outskirts of Olympia that won’t turn on the heat for his [...]
January 6th, 2009 at 4:20 am
[...] The Seattle Traveller: Lacey Pizza Time Feels the Heat but Employees Don’t [...]
January 6th, 2009 at 6:23 am
[...] Of Their Lives , Leadership Turn: Leaders From Hell Win Award, The Seattle Traveller: Lacey Pizza Time Feels the Heat but Employees Don’t, Small Business Boomers: Boss From Hell? Or Frustrated, Cost-Conscious Employer?, [...]
January 6th, 2009 at 11:53 am
I think Jacob is right about there being more to the story. The owners obviously mishandled this. However, there’s no evidence they kept it colder than 55 except Dan Butler’s say-so.
Butler was on FranchisePick.com trying to solicit donations, and may have been pushing for a $10K+ settlement from the owners to make the controversy go away. My suspicions are posted here:
http://www.franchisepick.com/pizza-time-whistleblower-gets-fired/
This is one of those movies with no heroes, no heroines and no likeable characters. (Except Jacob)
January 7th, 2009 at 7:36 am
[...] Of Their Lives , Leadership Turn: Leaders From Hell Win Award, The Seattle Traveller: Lacey Pizza Time Feels the Heat but Employees Don’t, Small Business Boomers: Boss From Hell? Or Frustrated, Cost-Conscious Employer?, [...]
January 7th, 2009 at 8:59 am
[...] The Seattle Traveller: Lacey Pizza Time Feels the Heat but Employees Don’t, [...]