Alfredo’s Pizza Cafe in Pennsylvania is taking legal action against a customer who left a $3,000 tip, a rare event for the restaurant
After the customer’s act of generosity took an unexpected turn, the restaurant—which is well-known for being mentioned in the television series The Office—and the customer went to court.
A seemingly kind gesture
The incident unfolded last year when the customer, identified as Eric Smith, left waitress Mariana Lambert an eye-watering $3,000 tip for a bill that was just $13 at Alfredo’s Pizza Cafe in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
Smith, who ordered a plate of stromboli, allegedly left the hefty tip as part of a social media trend known as “Tips For Jesus.”
Firstly, the staff at the restaurant hesitated because of the high amount of money. However, their excitement increased as the credit card payment was successfully processed.
Lambert, the recipient of the tip, was deeply moved, telling WNEP: “It really meant a lot to me because everyone’s going through stuff. It really touched my heart. I still can’t believe it. I’m still in shock.”
A rotten declaration
However, the nice interaction quickly took a bad turn when the restaurant noticed that Smith had filed a claim against the tip amount. Despite the fact that Alfredo’s Pizza Cafe had already paid Lambert the money, the customer claimed it had all been a big misunderstanding and said that he wanted the $3,000 back!
Concerned about the situation, the restaurant made an effort to settle the conflict by getting in touch with Smith on Facebook. Unfortunately, the customer stopped responding to their messages, leaving Alfredo’s with no alternative but to pursue legal action to recover the $3,000.
Zachary Jacobson, the manager of the pizzeria, lamented the turn of events, saying: “We thought somebody was actually trying to do a good thing. And then now we are, what, three months later? Not even, and there’s nothing.”
He then added (via Newsful): “It’s just a little aggravating right now. It’s been causing a lot of nonsense and drama.”
With no resolution in sight, Alfredo’s Pizza Cafe decided to file charges through the magistrate’s office. Jacobson said that he hoped Smith would acknowledge his actions and take responsibility for the situation.
Alfredo’s Pizza Cafe gained recognition for its mention in Season 4, Episode 3 of The Office, titled “Launch Party.” In the episode, Dunder Mifflin office manager Michael Scott mistakenly orders pizza from Pizza by Alfredo instead of the preferred choice, Alfredo’s Pizza Cafe, leading to disappointment among the employees.
What do you think of this story? What would you have done if you were the restaurant manager in this situation? Let us know in the comments!
