American couple reportedly pay for everybody’s meal in packed Canadian restaurant to ‘apologize’ for Trump

An American couple demonstrated their affection for Canada and their disapproval of President Trump’s rhetoric by covering the expenses for an entire restaurant in Windsor, Ontario.

This unexpected event took place over the weekend at Toast on Erie Street, a well-known local dining establishment.

May Hermiz, co-owner of the restaurant, recounted how the day took an unforeseen turn when the couple from Ann Arbor, Michigan, approached her with a remarkable request.

“I was quite taken aback because no one has ever done that in our nine years of operation,” Hermiz informed CBC News. “No one has ever paid for the entire restaurant.”

The staff gathered the attention of all patrons to announce the surprising news, at which point the woman from the couple stood to address the crowd. “Everyone was cheering. They were encouraging them and applauding,” she noted.

The woman, later identified as Sarah from Ann Arbor, clarified the motivation behind their generous act.

Hermiz mentioned that Sarah expressed to the diners, “she dislikes what the United States is doing to us and does not support it,” adding: “She is thrilled that we won the hockey game, and this is a small token of appreciation for Canadians and her love for us and support for local businesses.”

The couple’s generous gesture comes amid escalating tensions between the United States and Canada, particularly following President Trump’s recent announcement of a 25% tariff on most imports from Canada.

“This is an abuse that has occurred for many, many years,” Trump stated to reporters, justifying the tariffs. “The tariffs will proceed, yes, and we are going to reclaim a lot of territory.”

His remarks have incited backlash in Canada, with many opposing the economic strain and political discord. For the diners at Toast, the couple’s act represented more than just complimentary meals; it conveyed a significant message of unity during a period of uncertainty.
Irene Chyz, who was dining at the restaurant to celebrate a friend’s birthday, described the experience as profoundly touching. “We were completely astonished. Such an occurrence is unheard of, and it was truly a joy to witness,” she remarked. She recounted how other patrons began to approach the couple, offering handshakes and expressing their appreciation. “My friend and I went over to thank them, embraced them warmly, and they were genuinely kind and lovely individuals,” she added.

Another patron, Aileen Ganley-Mutter from Tecumseh, was present at the restaurant with her godchildren when the announcement was made.

“We were all quite taken aback because such things are rare, especially with around 50 to 60 people present,” she remembered. “A spontaneous cheer and applause erupted.”

Ganley-Mutter wished to contribute to the tip, but the couple declined to accept any monetary assistance. “They insisted, ‘No, that’s the least we could do.’ They were committed to supporting Canada and expressed regret over the divisions it was causing. Their generosity was remarkable,” she disclosed.

She subsequently shared the incident on social media, labeling it a “good news story” to balance the negative narratives prevalent in the media.

As tensions between the United States and Canada continue to rise, the unexpected generosity displayed by Sarah and Bill served as a poignant reminder that kindness and goodwill can transcend political divides.

“It was such an uplifting moment… it truly was,” Chyz reflected. “I still feel that way, knowing that someone came to our country and did this for people they had never met. It evokes a genuinely happy feeling.”