A pizza shop in Maumee, Ohio, found itself at the center of an unusual prank that nearly left them with a considerable loss. PizzAroma, a local pizzeria, received an order for 16 large pies – eight cheese and eight pepperoni – to be picked up the following day. Despite their routine catering services, the order raised no immediate red flags for Rocky Keefer, the manager at PizzAroma.
According to Keefer, the prankster called back the next day inquiring about the status of the pizzas, to which Keefer assured her they were in the process of being prepared. However, as the hours passed and no one showed up to claim the order, it became apparent that the shop had been targeted by a prank. The pizzas, totaling $112, had to be discarded as they went stale, disrupting the flow of regular orders and causing inconvenience to other customers.
Upon investigation, PizzAroma traced the prankster’s phone number to an app commonly used for making prank calls with fake numbers, adding a layer of anonymity to the mischief.
In an unexpected turn of events, the local community rallied around the pizza shop in a heartening display of support. Travis Truesdell, a U.S. Army veteran and owner of True Aerial Signs in Toledo, learned about the incident through social media and decided to intervene. Not only did Truesdell cover the cost of the wasted pizzas, but he also purchased additional pies to share with his own employees.
Truesdell, emphasizing the importance of simple acts of kindness, expressed his empathy for struggling businesses and the significance of extending a helping hand when possible.
The incident prompted a policy change at PizzAroma, with the establishment now requiring upfront payment for orders of 10 or more pizzas, either over the phone or in person, to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Reflecting on the experience, Keefer expressed gratitude for the support received from fellow small businesses like True Aerial Signs, highlighting the solidarity and camaraderie within the local business community.
As the dust settles on this peculiar incident, the generosity of one individual serves as a reminder of the resilience and compassion found within communities, even in the face of lighthearted pranks gone awry.