Most people enjoy small surprises in life, especially when kindness shows up unexpectedly. That’s how one waitress felt when a simple lunch shift turned into something unforgettable. But what began as joy soon slipped into frustration and confusion.

Eric Smith stopped at Alfredo’s Pizza in Scranton for a quick stromboli meal. His bill came to only $13, yet he added a jaw-dropping $3,000 tip. Staff believed it was part of the “Tips for Jesus” trend, and the moment felt like a blessing.

Waitress Mariana Lambert was moved to tears when the money arrived. She said the gift came during a hard time and gave her real hope. That joy became the turning point in the story—because weeks later, everything changed.

Forty-five days after the meal, the restaurant received notice that Smith disputed the charge. The owners had already paid Mariana the full amount by company check, leaving them with a major loss. They tried to contact him, but he never responded.

Managers said they felt misled, believing someone had simply wanted to do good. Instead, the restaurant was left with stress, drama, and an empty promise. With no progress and no reply, they felt they had only one option left.

Alfredo’s has now taken the customer to court to recover the $3,000. It’s a reminder that even acts of kindness can become complicated when honesty falls away.