Dorita Angelats' cheerfulness, friendliness, and superior customer service earned her 'Cashier of the Year' honors from the Massachusetts Restaurant Association. (Photo by Lee Pellegrini)
It seems that anyone who interacts with Boston College Dining Services cashier Dorita Angelats can’t help but smile – and her ability to boost spirits is literally prize-winning.
Angelats’ cheerfulness, friendliness, and superior customer service at the Newton Campus Mini Mart have earned her the honor of the Massachusetts Restaurant Association’s 2017 “Cashier of the Year.”
“I couldn’t believe it,” said Angelats, who was presented with the award at the MRA Stars of the Industry Gala last fall. “I had a mix of feelings. I was happy, nervous, and overwhelmed.”
The Stars of the Industry Awards recognize exceptional employees in the state’s food and beverage industry. BC competes with other university dining services as well as commercial restaurants. Among the various 2017 Stars of the Industry finalists were noteworthy destinations such as the Seaport Hotel and World Trade Center, South Shore Country Club, Wahlburgers, and Papa Razzi.
“I am proud Dorita was recognized with this distinguished award,” said Angelats’ supervisor, Sharyl Thompson, general manager for BCDS operations on Newton Campus, who describes Angelats as a “ball of energy.”
“Her enthusiasm exemplifies customer service at its best,” continued Thompson. “She is well-known and respected by many students, staff, and colleagues.”
Angelats wasn’t the only BCDS employee to impress the MRA judges in this most recent competition. Marco Meza (McElroy) and Claudia Trilleras (Café 129) were finalists for the People’s Choice Award and Cashier of the Year Award, respectively.
“These three employees exemplify the dedication to the Boston College community that our team members exhibit every day,” said Dining Services Director Beth Emery, who noted that BCDS was the only restaurant operation in Massachusetts to have three Stars of the Industry finalists. “We are incredibly proud of them.”
Angelats’ recognition builds on BCDS’s previous success in this competition. Other BCDS employees named Stars of the Industry winners are cooks Keze Whitlow (2015) and Marlon Mazier (2013), dishroom supervisor Manny Milfort (2010), and cashier Roisin Reilly (2009).
“Dorita is loved by both the Law students and the freshmen that live on Newton Campus,” said Dining Services Director Beth Emery. “We are so lucky to have her at the Mini Mart where she talks to students and staff as if they were family members.”
Angelats learned the importance of good customer service at a young age, helping her father at his pharmacy and her mother at her paper store.
“I remember my dad saying, ‘Always, customers first. You have to treat people well, like you would want them to treat you.’”
Angelats has been working at the Mini Mart on Newton Campus since it opened in 2012. She has forged deep ties with BC students, helping students with their Spanish assignments. She has been invited by BC Law students to attend their annual Black and White Ball and traveled to Minnesota to attend the wedding of a BC Law graduate.
“Dorita is loved by both the Law students and the freshmen that live on Newton Campus,” said Emery. “We are so lucky to have her at the Mini Mart where she talks to students and staff as if they were family members.”
“I love working with the undergrads and the Law students,” said Angelats. “They are wonderful. They tell me stories and talk about their feelings.
“They are looking for someone to talk to them, to listen to them, give them a hug or smile,” added Angelats.
Angelats can relate to the loneliness and uncertainty the freshmen and first-year Law students are experiencing. She emigrated from Peru along with her husband and three children to Massachusetts more than 13 years ago. At the time, Angelats was the only one in her family who could speak English and they knew only one family in their new hometown of Acton.
Angelats started working at BC Dining as a temp in 2006, making sandwiches at the Eagles Nest. She was hired part-time in 2007 and later began a four-year stint as a cashier at Lyons Hall. She became a full-time employee when she took a position as a cashier for Late Night dining on Newton Campus.
Angelats’ three children are enrolled in the Woods College of Advancing Studies. Her youngest works for Dining Services in Lyons Hall.
“I really love to work at Boston College,” said Angelats. “It’s a nice community. I really love it. I feel home.”
--Kathleen Sullivan | University Communications