Locals rally round after pizzas order is unclaimed

A SMALL catering business in Porthleven, Cornwall, lost up to £200 after a customer who ordered 18 pizzas failed to collect the food.

The Corner Deli said it received a large order, with each pizza costing around £7.15, but the caller did not show up.

The business admits it has struggled to get through the long winter so making 18 pizzas without payment would have set it back massively.

The pizza outlet took to social media to offer locals the pizzas at half-price, if they rushed to the store.

The business, near the town’s harbour serves pizzas, baguettes, paninis and bagels filled with local produce. It also sells pastries, coffee and homemade cakes, whilst stocking local cheeses, charcuterie meats and olives. It says it aims to source local produce where possible, with a seasonal menu.

The Corner Deli took to Facebook to complain about the situation and said: “To the person

‘As a small business that struggles to get through the long winters, you’ve just cost us around £200’

who placed an order for 18 pizzas and has failed to collect them, thank you very much.

“As a small business that struggles to get through the long winters here, you’ve just cost us around £200. If anyone would like some pizzas at half-price, get down to the deli ASAP and tell them you’ve seen this post.”

Fans of the deli reacted to the post. One said: “What a horrid evening you must have had. I am very happy to pay for a pizza. I am about 5 hours drive away so won’t be able to collect, but would like to pay to help. What a shame this has happened.”

Another advised: “As a small business please ask for payment up front as this is not OK for someone to do this to you.”

Someone else agreed, writing: “For such large order, I’d take the payment up front.”

A fourth said: “So so sad to hear this, we know how much work and time that would have taken to go into this. Sending love from Longrock.”

Someone from another local business, Smashed Tomato, said: “We had this happen to us a couple of weeks ago but not as many. We are the same and trust our customers.”

Locals rallied to help the business, as the deli later revealed it had sold all 18 pizzas. Responding to a social media comment, the business wrote: “Thank you for your kind words, we are OK, all pizzas are sold now, thanks for the support.”