Lafayette Business Turns $500 Prank Order Into a Positive Thanks to Community Support

What started as a frustrating prank quickly turned into a heartwarming reminder that Lafayette will always have your back.

Teatery, a local business known for its coffees and bubble teas, shared on social media this week that it had been hit with a fake order totaling more than $500. The large order was never picked up, leaving the small business stuck with dozens of freshly made drinks and a significant financial hit.

“As a small business, this hurts,” the team posted on Facebook and Instagram. “But instead of letting it go to waste, we’re giving them out for FREE starting now until close. Come grab one and help us turn this mess into something sweet.”

Customers did just that—and then some.

What happened next was a wave of support and genuine kindness. Some people showed up simply to snag a free drink, but many more came ready to support the business directly, offering to pay for their drinks and even pitching in more than the cost to help Teatery recoup some of the loss.

“Thank you all for your support!” the shop posted in a follow-up. “We simply wanted to share the drinks so they wouldn’t go to waste—but to our surprise, many customers insisted on paying and even more came out to support our business. We’re truly grateful to be part of such an amazing community!”

In the comments, customers praised Teatery’s positive response, shared tips for avoiding similar scams, and even pledged to become new regulars. One person wrote, “I didn’t know you were there. Now I do.”

While it’s unclear whether all of the drinks were given away, the outpouring of Lafayette love and support made a big difference—financially and emotionally.

For Teatery, what began as a bad day turned into something unexpectedly sweet, thanks to the kindness of the folks right here in our Lafayette community.