A family dined at a restaurant and skipped out on an $850 tab, leaving only a napkin with a rude message. Devastated, the waitress, Erica, showed the napkin to her manager, Mr. Caruso. Instead of panicking, he saw an opportunity to turn the situation into positive publicity by contacting a local news station. A food blogger Nadine who had,
captured the family’s rude behavior on video, offered to help. The news aired the footage, and social media erupted in support of the restaurant.The next day, the Thompsons returned, pressured by the publicity. Mr. Caruso confronted them, leading to an awkward moment before they paid the bill. The restaurant received praise, and Erica was promoted to assistant manager for her professionalism. While Erica wondered if they should have called the police, Mr. Caruso reminded her that the situation had turned into a victory for the restaurant, gaining them more business and support.