Texas-based Stone Oven Pizza responds to thieves leaving behind a cowboy hat and stealing Tip Jar: Drama explained

Texas-based restaurant Stone Oven Pizza was looted but not of everything. On December 27, 2024, thieves, who were in their teens, took away the tip money of three employees. The pizza joint shared details of the incident on its Facebook page on December 28, 2024, although the original post has been taken down.

As per reports, the thieves stole money from the tip jar and left a cowboy hat behind. The restaurant’s co-owner Ryan Thomas said he learned about the incident at midnight when the restaurant was about to be closed for business.

However, he had an interesting idea about how to make up for the loss. He took to Stone Oven Pizza’s Facebook page and shared a picture of the hat, writing:

“Last night, our crew ran into an incident where some teenagers stole the tips out of the tip jar… However, luckily enough, they left this hat… We’re not a big fan of hats around here, however, we know the beautiful community of Wichita Falls is, and we would like to open up an auction… The highest bidder by Tuesday afternoon will win the prize of this authentic cowboy jicama-giga!”

The post also stated that all proceeds would be evenly distributed among the three team members who missed out on tips, aiming to restore balance. According to Times Record News, Thomas did not think the post would become viral. He said:

“I didn't think it would blow up like that. I know after three hours it had like 20,000 impressions.”

Who was the owner of the hat left behind at Stone Oven Pizza?

The Facebook post gained traction and eventually reached the alleged owner of the hat. On December 28, 2024, Stone Oven Pizza shared another post on Facebook updating the status of the hat’s auction.

The post mentioned that while the community had shown incredible support for the employees, the attention also led to identifying the hat's original owner. The hat belonged to a gentleman, not the teenagers, who trespassed the man’s truck and stole it. The post mentioned:

“While the owners of Stone Oven were prepared to meet this man in mutual combat to defend the wages of our team… It was the team members themselves that decided this man’s head was indeed looking cold"

It continued:

"we will be returning the property to its’ rightful owner… do not worry the employees have been given $50 bonuses for altruism and compassion. Not a bad result compared to the $20 that punk kid ran off with.”

A report was also filed about the incident. As per reports, Thomas hoped the thieves would get the right punishment. He noted that the situation was a strong reminder of the community's support for Stone Oven Pizza and its employees, emphasizing how Wichita Falls unites during challenging times.

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A Facebook user criticized the thieves, questioning their character and integrity, and suggested sharing security footage to expose them. Another commenter expressed hope that the culprits face jail time to learn a valuable lesson.

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