A generous-looking tip at a Pennsylvania restaurant has turned into a legal mess. Eric Smith dined at Alfredo’s Pizza in Scranton and left a $3,000 tip on a $13 stromboli—stunning staff and delighting waitress Mariana Lambert, who called it life-changing.
But weeks later, the gesture unraveled. Smith disputed the charge with his credit card company, leaving the restaurant stuck with the bill after already paying Mariana.
Despite efforts to contact him, Smith went silent. Now, Alfredo’s is suing to recover the money. “He told us to sue him—so that’s what we’re doing,” said manager Zachary Jacobson.
What started as a feel-good moment has left the restaurant feeling burned—and out $3,000.
