Phil Bourque serves up Dunkin' in Avalon for World Food Day
Former Pittsburgh Penguin Phil Bourque had 111 assists in his NHL career. He added another one of a different nature Friday morning.
The left winger was invited to help man the drive-thru window from 7 to 9 a.m. at the Dunkin’ in Avalon.
He worked overtime because he was having such a great time.
Bourque scanned credit and debit cards, handed out coffee, doughnuts and Dunkin’ “be my guest cards” for customers who came by in a steady flow. The cards are for free drinks, sandwiches or doughnuts on a future visit.
Bourque was on site to help recognize World Food Day. The store will donate 29% of proceeds from the day to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. That amount was chosen because Bourque’s number on Pens was 29.
Greg Miller of McKees Rocks drove through with his 4-year-old daughter Gianna to get a cup of coffee and a strawberry frosted doughnut for her. He instantly spotted Bourque.
“Phil always gives back to Pittsburgh,” Miller said. “He was a great player. I love the Pens. Go Pens.”
Former Pittsburgh Penguin Phil Bourque works the drive-thru at Dunkin’ in Avalon for National World Food Day pic.twitter.com/9wjaV01IbL
— JoAnne Harrop (@joannescoop) October 16, 2020
Bourque made customers smile when he told them their order was “on Dunkin.” The Penguins provided giveaways and Bourque chipped in some too. IceBurgh engaged with customers as they waited in line in the parking lot.
Bourque said the Penguins view Dunkin’ not as a sponsor but as a partner.
“It was so much fun,” Bourque said. “I come to Dunkin’ every day and I am that guy whose butt is dragging, and then someone in the drive-thru smiles and greets you and says, ‘have a nice day.’ It really helps your mood.”
The store is owned by Heartland Restaurant Group. It was chosen because it is busy with traffic from Route 65.
“I love Phil Bourque,” said Tommie Guess of Bellevue, a principal at Hosack Elementary in the North Allegheny School District, who ordered a pumpkin spice latte and munchkins to bring to her co-workers. “He is such a wonderful ambassador for Pittsburgh.”
The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank is a nonprofit organization that distributes more than 35.5 million meals annually across 11 counties in Southwestern Pennsylvania through a network of agencies, partners and programs.
Anthony Braun of Heartland Restaurant Group said his company had to do something as he’s been watching cars lined up to get food during the pandemic. He started a money drive with his employees and matched their donations 100%.
“It really weighed on my heart,” said Braun. “Day after day I would see and read about the food drives, and I wanted to do something. We are a company that cares about our community.”
Bourque said when he told customers about the cause, most of them would give more money. He said he made sure the regulars got an autographed Penguins mug as well as moms and dads with children in the car.
“This is such an important time to help people,” Bourque said. “What a great team environment. They all work so well together. It’s like a well-oiled machine.”
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region's diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of "A Daughter's Promise." She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.
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