As Hurricane Dorian approached Florida’s coast, it threatened to ruin one bride-to-be’s special day. When her caterer bailed before the reception, disaster seemed inevitable. But for Grocery Manager David Bryant and Assistant Deli Manager Janet Morales, #1549, Tampa, Florida, saving the bride’s big day was their pleasure.

“It was our grand opening weekend. We had only been open for two days,” David said. “I was on the frontend when a woman came in and said they had a wedding reception across the street without food or drinks.”

David quickly began guiding the woman through the store, asking what she needed for the reception. As he did so, other members of the bridal party — including the bride’s parents, a few guests and even the bride — began to join the last-minute shopping trip.

“You could tell it was crisis time,” David said. “They had already been across the street waiting for food for two hours.”

As David picked up a shrimp platter from the meat department and assisted the bridal party with choosing wine and cutlery, he also made a stop by the deli. That’s when Janet and her team jumped in.

“We made nine trays for them,” Janet said. “We whipped them out in under an hour. We had trays of chicken, subs and even our Publix Deli Jeweled Brie Platter.”

As the mother of the bride looked at the brochure of available platters, Janet loaned the customer her glasses so she could read the options.

“I just put myself in their position, thinking of the situation they were in,” Janet said. “The mother of the bride was almost in tears. They were so appreciative. I told her it was our pleasure.”

David and Janet didn’t stop there. Once the food was ready to go, it was delivered to the wedding ceremony across the street.

“It was stellar, the way everyone came together,” David said. “The guests were cheering when our associates arrived.”

For their efforts, David and Janet were each awarded a gold coin for their outstanding ability to provide premier service. Both were surprised and honored when they were presented with the award.

“I had the biggest smile on my face when I received it,” David said. “I didn’t anticipate that happening.”

Janet agreed.

“I did what anyone at Publix would have done,” she said. “But it was nice to receive that recognition.”

David and Janet know their ability to serve the wedding party goes beyond their time of crisis.

“We’re Publix. We do whatever it takes to make sure people are happy,” David said. “That’s a forever customer right there.”

The gold coin is presented to associates who embrace the Publix culture and provide premier service the way Mr. George himself would have. Receiving a gold coin means you’ve made a real difference in the lives of others by going above and beyond. Associates can become eligible for the gold coin by receiving customer praise through the customer care department, which reviews each case based on established criteria and guidelines.

Take a moment to read about other gold coin winners in Publix News.