An American couple paid for an entire restaurant in Windsor, Ontario, to show their love for Canada and opposition to Trump’s rhetoric.
The surprise moment unfolded over the weekend at Toast on Erie Street, a popular local eatery.
May Hermiz, the restaurant’s co-owner, recalled how the day took an unexpected turn when the mystery couple from Ann Arbor, Michigan, approached her with an unusual request.
“I was kind of stunned because nobody has ever done that in our nine years of being in business,” Hermiz told CBC News. “Nobody has ever paid for the whole restaurant.”
The staff gathered everyone’s attention to announce what had just happened, and that’s when the woman from the couple stood up to speak. “Everyone was cheering. They were cheering them on and they were applauding,” she added.
The woman, later identified as Sarah from Ann Arbor, made it clear why she and her husband, Bill, had done it.
Hermiz said the woman told patrons “she hates what the United States is doing to us and she doesn’t support it,” adding: “And she’s so happy we won the hockey game and it’s a little token of appreciation for Canadians and how much she loves us and how much she loves supporting local.”
The couple’s act of kindness comes at a time of rising tensions between the US and Canada, with President Trump recently announcing a 25% tariff on most imports from Canada.
“This is an abuse that took place for many, many years,” Trump told reporters, defending the tariffs. “The tariffs will go forward, yes, and we’re going to make up a lot of territory.”
His comments have sparked backlash in Canada, with many pushing back against the economic strain and political tension.
For the diners at Toast, the couple’s gesture meant more than just a free meal – it was a powerful message of unity during a time of uncertainty.
Irene Chyz, who was at the restaurant celebrating a friend’s birthday, described the moment as deeply moving. “We were just so taken aback. You’ve never heard of such a thing, and it was just wonderful to experience it,” she said.
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She recalled how diners began approaching the couple, shaking their hands and expressing their gratitude. “My friend and I went over and we gave our thanks to them, gave them a big hug and they were just such warm, lovely, lovely people,” she added.
Another diner, Tecumseh resident Aileen Ganley-Mutter, was at the restaurant with her godchildren when the announcement was made.
“We were all kind of shocked because that doesn’t happen because there’s about 50 to 60 people in there,” she recalled. “A full-on cheer and clapping just broke out.”
Ganley-Mutter wanted to contribute toward the tip, but the couple refused to accept any money. “They said, ‘No, that’s the least we could do.’ They weren’t going to stop supporting Canada and loving Canada, and they felt bad for the rift that it was causing. It was just very generous,” she revealed.
She later shared the experience on social media, calling it a “good news story” to counter all the negative headlines dominating the news cycle.
While tensions between the US and Canada continue to escalate, Sarah and Bill’s unexpected act of generosity served as a reminder that kindness and goodwill transcend politics.
“It was just such a high… it really was,” Chyz reflected. I still feel that way, that someone came to our country and did this for people they didn’t even know. It’s a really good, happy feeling.”
