In a surprising turn of events, Alfredo’s Pizza Cafe, a Pennsylvania pizzeria famously featured in the TV series “The Office,” is embroiled in a legal dispute with a patron who left an extravagant $3,000 tip!
The altercation between the renowned eatery and the customer, Eric Smith, began after his generous gesture last year, where he left waitress Mariana Lambert a staggering $3,000 gratuity on a mere $13 bill at Alfredo’s Pizza Cafe in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
Smith reportedly left the substantial tip as part of a viral social media phenomenon dubbed “Tips For Jesus.”
Initially, the pizzeria staff harbored doubts about the significant amount. However, their enthusiasm surged when the credit card transaction went through without a hitch.
Lambert, the fortunate recipient of the gratuity, was profoundly touched, expressing to 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.”
However, a sour twist unfolded swiftly after the initial positivity when the restaurant received notice that Smith had disputed the tip charge. Despite Alfredo’s Pizza Cafe already disbursing the funds to Lambert, the customer alleged a colossal misunderstanding, demanding the return of the $3,000!
Concerned by this development, the restaurant attempted to resolve the issue via Facebook communication with Smith. Regrettably, the customer ceased responding to their messages, compelling Alfredo’s to resort to legal action to recoup the $3,000. Zachary Jacobson, the pizzeria’s manager, expressed disappointment over the unfolding events, stating: “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.”
In a statement to Newsful, he added: “It’s just a little aggravating right now. It’s been causing a lot of nonsense and drama.”
With no end in sight to the impasse, Alfredo’s Pizza Cafe opted to pursue legal action through the magistrate’s office. Jacobson expressed hope that Smith would recognize the repercussions of his actions and assume responsibility for the situation.
Alfredo’s Pizza Cafe gained notoriety for its cameo 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, much to the disappointment of the employees.