In June 2022, the staff at Alfredo's Cafe in Scranton were shocked to discover that Eric Smith, a customer, left this huge tip after coming into the cafe and ordering a Stromboli that cost only $13.25. Mariana Lambert, the waitress who served him, became emotional and overwhelmed when she saw his gesture.

“It really meant a lot to me because everyone is going through difficult times right now. It really touched me deeply. I still can't believe it. I'm still in shock,” Lambert said later.

However, Matt Martini of Alfredo's Cafe found this unusual and wanted to make sure Smith hadn't accidentally left the money there. He checked the amount and asked for another ID from the customer. Interestingly, Smith had written “Tip for Jesus” on the check.

Martini asked Smith about the note and the customer revealed that he left the tip after being inspired by a social media trend called “tips for Jesus.” He decided to do it after seeing how hospitable Lambert was.

Things took a turn for the worse

Martini tried to make sure the tip was appropriate, but things only got worse. A few weeks later, the cafe received a letter saying Smith was disputing the tip amount.

Zachary Jacobson, an employee at the cafe, recalled, according to Unilad: “We thought someone was actually trying to do something good. And now, what, three months have passed? Not once, and nothing has happened. So far, there's nothing to show for it.”

Alfredo's had already given Lambert the $3,000, so the restaurant had to pay Smith back out of its own pocket. They tried to communicate with Smith through Facebook, but eventually filed a civil lawsuit against him.

“Unfortunately, we had to file a complaint with the district court because we've now run out of money. And he told us we should sue him. And that's what we're going to do,” Jacobson said.

Community members started a GoFundMe campaign to help Alfredo's raise money, but the fundraiser was canceled after the business stopped accepting cash.