Darcy and Laura Clarke, the owners of Bentley’s Burgers and Fries in West Chezzetcook, Nova Scotia, were pleasantly surprised recently to receive a handwritten apology letter along with $40 in American currency from a stranger in Alabama. The money was meant to cover an order that was mistakenly placed at their restaurant but never picked up or paid for.
The sender, who explained they had intended to order from a different Bentley’s location closer to their home, expressed deep regret for the mix-up. Darcy, recounting the incident, mentioned receiving the order over the phone, noting the southern accent of the caller, which is not uncommon due to frequent tourist visits. After waiting in vain for over an hour, the Clarkes gave the unclaimed order to another customer.
The unexpected letter, postmarked from Alabama, arrived the day after the order was initially placed. It included a heartfelt apology written on loose leaf paper, along with the $40 in cash, which Laura confirmed covered the cost of the order and more. They decided to use the surplus funds at their ice cream shop during the summer to offer free treats to children in the community.
The Clarkes shared the heartwarming story on Bentley’s Facebook page, garnering over 80,000 views and a flood of positive comments. Despite the ongoing trade tensions between Canada and the US, the couple emphasized the importance of fostering goodwill and human connections, especially during challenging times. They plan to send a Christmas package to the sender in Alabama, including copies of the supportive comments from social media, along with their restaurant’s merchandise.
Having named their restaurant after their beloved dog Bentley, the Clarkes are touched by the kindness of strangers and aim to reciprocate the gesture in a meaningful way. Darcy expressed gratitude for the positive impact of the Alabamian’s act of kindness, highlighting the importance of unity and compassion amidst differences, even in the face of trade disputes.