Customers Happily Wait 30-40 Minutes to Checkout With Beloved Publix Cashier

Michael Masterangelo, an employee with an intellectual disability, has turned a regular checkout lane into something much more at his Georgia store.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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At a Publix grocery store in Acworth, Georgia, customers are willingly waiting 30-40 minutes in line to be checked out by a cashier named Michael Masterangelo. Michael has an intellectual disability but has worked at the same Publix for 10 years, brightening customers' days with his positive attitude. In addition to his customer service skills, Michael has also used his register to raise over $31,000 for the Special Olympics in less than a week, more than some entire districts in the region.

Why it matters

Michael's story highlights the positive impact that employees with intellectual and developmental disabilities can have on a community when given the opportunity to work and thrive. His ability to connect with customers and rally support for the Special Olympics demonstrates the value of inclusion and accessibility in the workplace.

The details

Michael Masterangelo has worked at the same Publix grocery store in Acworth, Georgia for the past 10 years. Despite having an intellectual disability, Michael has turned his regular checkout lane into something much more, brightening customers' days with his positive attitude and friendly demeanor. Customers now willingly wait 30-40 minutes in line just to be checked out by Michael. In addition to his exceptional customer service, Michael has also used his register to raise over $31,000 for the Special Olympics in less than a week, more than some entire districts in the region.

  • Michael has worked at the Publix store for 10 years.
  • Michael raised over $31,000 for the Special Olympics in less than a week.

The players

Michael Masterangelo

A Publix cashier with an intellectual disability who has worked at the same store for 10 years and brightens customers' days with his positive attitude and friendly demeanor.

Courtney McGuinness

The store manager at the Publix where Michael works, who says you can't train the kind of impact Michael has on the store and its customers.

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What they’re saying

“You can't train what Michael brings to the store each day.”

— Courtney McGuinness, Store Manager (kfdi.com)

The takeaway

Michael's story demonstrates the positive impact that employees with intellectual and developmental disabilities can have when given the opportunity to work and thrive. His exceptional customer service skills and ability to rally community support for the Special Olympics highlight the value of inclusion and accessibility in the workplace.