Joe Taylor Southlake Comments on Emergency Pizza Delivery Request

PHILADELPHIA, PA, April 08, 2013

Joe Taylor Southlake, owner of Southlake's Wood Fired Pizza, knows that a delicious slice of pizza can curb hunger and even promote joy and relaxation, however now it is clear that others share his sentiments. A new article from Fox News discusses how one particularly compassionate Delta Airlines employee had 60 pizzas delivered to the tarmac for delayed passengers who were stranded for three hours on their way to Atlanta from Boston. The flight was diverted to Knoxville due to severe weather.

Michele Carson-Vaughn, who is Delta's Director of Field Services for the Southeast, states that the airline's Knoxville station manager who came up with the idea has not been named. Reports speculate that the pilot did the ordering. Department of Transportation rules require airlines to let passengers leave a plane after a three-hour tarmac delay. They must offer up food and water after two hours, though pizza is not required.

Reports state that Delta worked with TSA in order to clear the delivery through security. However, the pizzas were not just brought in on an ordinary delivery car. A police car that had its lights flashing transported them.

Joe Taylor Southlake comments on this incident stating, "I'm glad that I'm not the only one who sees the importance of a slice of pizza during a stressful situation. While no one hopes to be stuck on an airplane on the tarmac for three hours, I'm glad that these people got to enjoy some tasty food instead of having to nibble on peanuts and bottled water."

One passenger stated that she and her fellow flyers were overjoyed to see the pizza arrive at their grounded airplane. She notes, "Everyone appeared happy after the pizza feed, but they just wouldn't serve us beer. And yes we asked a bunch of times."

Another passenger on the flight commented that the flight attendants could not stop laughing when they spotted the police escort bearing pizzas heading toward the plane.

Joe Taylor Southlake notes, "My restaurant has delivered to some pretty unusual locations, though we have not yet had the opportunity to provide pizza to hungry, agitated passengers. I would love to see the look on their faces when pizza arrived after hours of aggravation. I commend the employee at Delta who thought to reward the passengers' patience with this delicious food treat. I'm sure it found everyone in a much better mood." Joe Taylor Southlake notes that this action probably helped to save Delta from a flurry of negative press after the delay.

ABOUT:

Joe Taylor Southlake is the creator of Southlake's Wood Fired Pizza, a popular dining destination in Sarasota, Florida. The restaurant now features two locations, thus making it easier than ever for patrons to get their hands on fresh pizza. Along with his brother Josh, Joe oversees the two locations, and regularly hosts birthday parties for eager young participants.