Homeless Man Asks What He Can Buy With $0.50 At Burger King, Employee’s Response Stuns Everyone

Note: This story is being republished and originally made headlines back in June 2016.

Michelle Resendez, a proud mother from Texas, once took to Facebook to share an experience involving her teenage son. What began as just another ordinary shift at Burger King turned into a moving example of kindness and empathy, one that touched thousands of people across social media and beyond.

Michelle’s son, Matthew Resendez, was working his evening shift at the fast-food restaurant when an unexpected customer walked in. The man, who appeared to be homeless, approached the counter holding just 50 cents. With humility, he asked Matthew what he could afford on the menu with the small change he had.

Instead of dismissing him or making the interaction transactional, Matthew paused and tried to see the man’s situation through a compassionate lens. He gently asked the customer what he would choose if money were not an obstacle. The man, clearly not used to such kindness, simply said that anything would be fine.

Without hesitation, Matthew took out his own debit card and placed an order for a full meal. He wanted to make sure the man could eat something filling and warm. After paying, he handed the man the receipt and told him to sit down and enjoy his food, treating him just like any other customer.

Michelle later shared that she believed the story could have ended there, and it already would have been heartwarming enough. But fate had more in store.

Unbeknownst to Matthew, a woman sitting in the restaurant had been quietly observing the entire interaction. Deeply moved by his selflessness and genuine respect for the man, she felt compelled to act. The woman wrote to Burger King’s management to commend Matthew for his generosity. She then surprised him with a $100 tip—a gesture that rewarded his good deed and underscored the value of kindness.

Michelle’s Facebook post reflected both her pride as a mother and her gratitude for the recognition her son received. “So proud to be his mom,” she wrote. “And I can pat myself on the back knowing that I’ve played a part in raising this big-hearted young man.”

The story quickly gained traction online. Within days, the post was shared more than 40,000 times and attracted over 147,000 likes. Thousands of strangers left supportive comments, praising Matthew’s thoughtfulness and Michelle’s parenting. For many readers, the story offered a refreshing reminder that acts of compassion—no matter how small they might seem—still exist in a world that often feels fast-paced and indifferent.

 

One commenter wrote with admiration: “So nice and so kind of him. You raised a beautiful person. We need more young men like him in our world. You are blessed.” Another added: “Truly an amazing story. Thanks for doing the right thing, Matt.”

As the story spread, it became more than just a local feel-good post—it became a symbol of how kindness has a ripple effect. Matthew’s simple choice to pay for a meal didn’t just fill a stomach; it inspired a stranger to reward him, encouraged thousands online to share positivity, and reminded countless others that small gestures of humanity can brighten someone’s entire day.