A struggling cafe owner needed help, so TikTok came to her aid

The owner of a struggling cafe in Texas will see at least another day of business after she implored social users to help her out.

On Nov. 22, TikTok user @willcastl3 posted a video in which Sherry Ramirez, a retired military veteran, pleaded for viewers to support her business: the Nestle Toll House Cafe in San Antonio.

“Hi folks, this is Sherry. I’m the owner of Nestle Toll House Cafe,” she says. “I’m coming to you, from the bottom of my heart today, to ask for some help.”

Ramirez, who served more than 36 years as a registered nurse and an acute care nurse practitioner, goes on to discuss her predicament.

“We are struggling,” she says. “COVID has stopped a lot of people from coming, and we really need you to come. If you need a cookie or you have a special occasion, we got what you need.”

@willcastl3

##sanantonio ##sanantoniotx ##sanantoniofoodie ##sanantoniocheck ##sanantoniofood ##sanantoniotexas ##fyp ##nestletollhouse

♬ original sound – Will Castle

Ramirez then shares what her shop has to offer.

“We got a case full of goodies, and we would love to have you come and help support and keep Nestle alive,” she says, pointing to a display full of pastries. “We’re the only one in San Antonio. I’m a retired veteran, and I opened this cafe to be a light to this little community. So, if you can help out at all, please come by, and we thank you very, very much.”

Within a day, Ramirez’ message spread quickly. The clip received more than 403,000 views, with many TikTok users offering their support.

By the next day, @willcastl3 followed up with an update, posting another TikTok in which a long line of people can be seen waiting outside the store. The clip also shows a nearly empty display case.

“Thank you, TikTok!” a text overlay reads.

@willcastl3

Part 2 ##sanantonio ##sanantoniofoodie ##sanantoniotx ##sanantoniocheck ##sanantoniofood ##sanantoniotexas ##nestletollhouse ##fyp

♬ Dynamite – BTS

In an interview with KSAT, Erlene Stevens, a customer, said she waited two hours in line because she wanted to show Ramirez her support.

“It actually brings me to tears,” she said. “To be able to give back is just heart warming for me. I have to do that.”

If you liked this story, check out this article about 20 Black-owned fashion brands to support today, tomorrow and always.

More from In The Know:

Chinatown businesses are suffering — here’s how you can help

Brooklinen’s internet-famous sheets rarely go on sale — until now

This truffle-infused pasta sauce is my new favorite pantry staple

8 delicious beverages that taste like fall, but aren’t a pumpkin spice latte

Listen to the latest episode of our pop culture podcast, We Should Talk: