Elon Musk has vowed to bring justice to a San Jose baker who claims he was left with thousands of dollars in the hole after Tesla canceled a last-minute order for $16,000 worth of pies.
“I’m just hearing this story right now. My relationship with the bakery is going to be successful,” Musk posted on his platform Friday afternoon. “People should always be able to expect Tesla to do its best.”
Voahungy Lacetarinella, owner of Silicon Valley’s favorite bakery, The Giving Pies, said Tesla ordered 2,000 mini pies on Valentine’s Day for an event commemorating Black History Month.
She sent Tesla a quote for a large order, which a company representative approved and began working on the order, revealing that she also turned down at least three other catering jobs to fulfill the order. .
Tesla’s vendor, City Flavor, didn’t pay, so Racetarinella sent a follow-up text message to the company the next day.
When she requested payment, she received an apology and was told that the vendor was “sort of new.”
She was then asked if her bakery could “double up orders” of up to 4,000 mini pies, and Ms. Racetarinella agreed.
However, the business owner claimed that just as the pie was scheduled to be shipped, the company suddenly canceled the order via text message.
When she asked why her order was canceled, she was told that the decision was made by higher ups.
The last-minute cancellation cost Racetarinella’s business about $16,000 in losses.
“I was shaken by this sudden reversal and realized the magnitude of the impact on small and medium-sized businesses,” said Racetarinella. I have written on her bakery’s Facebook page.
“I invested time, resources, and effort based on a warranty from Tesla, but in the end I was left feeling high and dry.”
When she contacted Tesla about the cancellation, she was told the decision was made by upper management.
The Giving Pies may have been ripped off by an electric car company, but local residents showed up in droves Friday to support the small business.
“It’s hard for these non-chain restaurants to survive, so I thought I’d come and support them. The pie looks delicious,” said Eric, a local resident. NBC Bay Area While waiting in a long line to get the last pie of the day made for Tesla.
“I thought it was terrible. They’re doing a great business here with a great product, and they’re donating some of it to help people,” said David, a San Jose resident who expressed his support on Friday. I shared that I went to the bakery twice to show.
“Tesla came and ordered 4,000 pies and canceled the order. That’s disgusting.”
Racetarinella was surprised by the turnout and told the outlet that his business has tripled since the incident.
“I feel so grateful and so supported,” she said, sharing that her store also receives orders from all over the world.
“We have people ordering stuff like, ‘I live in Canada, I just want to support you.’ They order it and say, ‘Give it to whoever you want.’”
The CEO’s plans for improving relations with the bakery are unclear.
However, Racetarinella told the outlet on Friday night that he had not heard anything from Musk.
