Anonymous Couple Pays For Toddler's Pizza Party Tab At Family Restaurant

Jan 20, 2023 by apost team

A family has received the most unexpected birthday gift for their 2-year-old son while celebrating his party at a brick oven pizza restaurant in Hoboken, New Jersey, on Jan. 13, 2023.

Napoli's Brick Oven Pizza along Clinton Street is the second location for the family business established by the husband and wife team of Frankie and Jocelyn Volpe. 

Frankie has over a decade of experience working at some of the busiest pizzerias in New York, including his own family's shop, which has been serving slices of pizza since 1905. He decided to branch out and open his own shop with his wife more than eight years ago.

Jocelyn has always been proud of Napoli's family-friendly vibe. Locals patronize Napoli so much that the business thrived even during the lockdowns and as Frankie got sick and succumbed to the infectious respiratory disease in 2021. 

Known for its food and vibe and frequently visited by the locals, Napoli's is also found at the heart of a local scene where the community takes care of each other. Case in point: the gesture of two kind strangers who have been dining at the pizza restaurant while a toddler, Maverick, was celebrating his birthday with a few other children and their parents at the next table. 

The strangers, who wished to remain anonymous, secretly informed the waiter that they would be taking care of the birthday party's bill. So, when Maverick's mother, Melissa Hill, asked for the check, she was surprised to learn that her tab had been cleared. Her first reaction was to scream with joy. 

Her husband, Justin Hill, thought that something went wrong with the bill, except that Melissa's reaction was excitement and disbelief. The waiter told Melissa they wouldn't have to pay for anything anymore.

"There's a little surprise for you guys, your tab is already cleared."

The waiter had no other information about the strangers because all the couple wanted to reveal was that they were parents themselves. They also specifically instructed the staff to let Melissa and Justin know that it's all paid for at the end of their son's party.

According to ABC7 New York, the Hills sort of acquired a photo of the anonymous couple because Maverick's party guests captured their backside. Melissa also had a short encounter with the couple because, at one point, she apologized for the noise and distraction of their young birthday guests.

Maverick may not be aware of strangers' random gestures, but Melissa said it would impact their lives forever. She also shared the family's experience with the generous couple via the Hoboken Mommies Facebook group. 

"I would just like to say if they're out there watching, I just wanted to say it really touched us."

Justin, on the hand, said that they are two surprised but grateful parents, and they will be mindful to pay the same kind gesture forward. 

"It's an act of kindness you don't run into every day. We're mindful to pay it forward as we can."

Jocelyn, on the other hand, said that her husband is likely smiling down, thrilled to see that this beautiful incident happened at Napoli's.

"This is what it's about, Napoli's is a place to come with good people, good vibes, good food, good music — just a good time." 

apost.com

How amazing is this surprise for the Hill family? Have you ever received such a generous gesture as well? Tell us all about it, and let your friends know of this story as well!