The $3,000 Tip
When Mariana first saw that customer, Eric Smith wrote on his bill that he would be leaving a $3,000 tip, she didn’t believe it was real. But then Eric explained to her that it was real and part of a social media movement called “Tips for Jesus.”
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The idea behind the movement was to spread kindness to those in the service industry who struggled to make ends meet throughout the pandemic.
Mariana Lambert Expressed Her Gratitude
Shortly after Mariana received the extra large tip, the local news did a short story on the situation. During which Mariana Lambert expressed her immense gratitude for Eric Smith and Tips for Jesus.
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She told the camera, “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.”
How Alfredo’s Cafe Manager Handled the Situation
Alfredo’s manager Zachary Jacobson wanted to make sure the tip was, in fact, real and ran the card with the total amount of $3,013.25 while Eric Smith was still at the restaurant.
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It went through, and when Eric left, everyone at Alfredo’s Cafe, including Jackobson, was thrilled with Mariana’s good fortune.
Eric Smith Disputes the Charge
Months after Eric left the $3,000 tip for Mariana, Alfredo’s Cafe received notice that he was disputing the charge.
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Jacobson and Mariana Lambert hoped that it was simply a misunderstanding and started communicating with Eric Smith on Facebook to resolve the matter. But unfortunately, Eric explained that he wanted his $3,000 back.
Alfredo’s Cafe Decided to Sue Eric Smith
Of course, after the tip went through on the card machine, Alfredo’s Cafe paid Mariana the $3,000 that she received from Eric. So now that he wants it back, if Alfredo’s was to pay him, the restaurant would be out $3,000.
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Therefore, the management has made the difficult decision to sue Eric Smith in order to ensure they don’t have to lose that money.
What Alfredo’s Manager Zachary Jacobson Has to Say
Jacobson told the media, “It’s just a little aggravating right now. It’s been causing a lot of nonsense and drama.”
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“Unfortunately, we had to file charges through the magistrate’s office because now we’re just out of this money at this point. And he told us to sue him. so that’s what we’re going to end up doing, I guess.”
What Will Happen Next?
Currently, Alfredo’s civil suit is still processing, and it is not yet known whether or not Eric will have to cover the $3,000 cost of the lavish tip or if Alfredo’s will lose thousands of dollars.
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But Jacobson has made his opinion very clear by telling the press, “I hope that he owns up to his actions and comes forth and does pay this because you shouldn’t have done this if this was the end result.”