Did you vote for who I should invite to lunch/dinner at Clyde’s? If not go here to vote!
I stopped in a Starbucks while it was raining. The Starbucks employee, Jackie, was so nice that I thought I would offer her my $10. She immediately said that she thought her colleague could use the money more than her. She introduces me to Larry.
Larry proudly displays a fresh coffee (Photo: Reed)
Larry is at least 6’4”…maybe 6’6”. Let’s put it this way. When I took the video of him, I was standing on a stool to try to keep a level shot. Hmmm…what does that say about me?
Larry is a really nice guy. He and Jackie both are so friendly that I want to make this Starbucks my Starbucks. The father of two, Larry is working hard to provide for his family. He says that he really enjoys his job. His favorite drink there is the Raspberry Lemonade. I asked him what was the hardest drink to make…he said the macchiato. I asked him why and he said it was because people from different parts of the world like their macchiato slightly different…so often times people want it made differently. He says he hates to disappoint his customers. “It’s hard, because you don’t know how they like it. I make it like we are trained here and if they want it differently, no problem, I make them another one just like they want it. I don’t mind remaking it, I just want them to be happy.”
Here’s a short video of Larry talking about a frustration of his…as well as telling what he is going to do with the $10!
Thanks to both Jackie and Larry for being so friendly and making me feel at home at their Starbucks. You both were great!
Year of Giving 
What Starbucks did you meet Larry?
He’s right, we just need to love. Awesome. You are a real inspiration. Thank you!
Hey Reed! I just heard about you on NPR (WAMU) this afternoon. I think this is one of the BEST blogs I’ve seen! Keep up the GREAT work.
EMMA (from just outside DC)
I’ve met Larry!! Saturday night March 6th. I believe he works at the Starbucks across the street from the Lincoln Theater. I was completely broke and he totally helped me out even though he did not know I was broke and I never told him!
I was checking out the Puscifer show at the Lincoln Theater. I could not afford the ticket that night so I was in the alley way listening to it w/some other people who arrived after the box office closed. I stopped by the Starbucks to use a gift card a friend had sent me a month prior. I saved it for an emergency situation. I was trying to determine what sandwich to have for dinner and I asked Larry who was restocking the cooler. Larry highly recommended that I get the tuna melt as it is his favorite. I told him if he recommended it then that’s the one I was getting. He then told the cashier to use his employee discount and toast the sandwich for me. His generousity helped save me some money. I have some money now, but I still have the card with the leftover money thanks to Larry – and I’m saving it for a future emergency. =)
Thank you Larry, you deserved the $10!
That is fantastic! I love hearing that some of Reed’s recipients were so deserving of some good Karma!
Larry , You seem like an intelligent , well – adjusted young man,
however , you must understand the mind – set of some people in this country , as well as the fact that the media constantly bombards people with negative images of
African – Americans . Being an African – American myself , I
have also experienced what you are talking about .
You need to remain strong and ignore the negative behavior
you see and experience on a daily basis , because i do not
think it will change in the next 100 – 150 years . Possibly never.
This country was built by people with that type of mentality ,
and you also must realize that some young African – Americans
do act like they have no sense or respect for other people .
Finally , you don’t have a problem and you are not the problem , it is the behavior of the people you described that
is the problem . Stay strong and good luck in whatever you do . Thanks also to you Reed , you are
inspiring and changing many lives , including mine . PEACE