Tom’s Coffee Shop Opens to Empty Tables—But the Internet Has His Back
It’s every business owner’s worst nightmare: opening your shop, only to be greeted with empty chairs and a deafening silence. That’s exactly what happened to 18-year-old Tom Oswald when he launched his café, Homeboy, in Adelaide, Australia.
Fresh out of high school, Tom was eager to start his dream project. His café wasn’t just about coffee; it also doubled as an art gallery, where customers could enjoy a variety of art while sipping their lattes. But on his grand opening day, the reality was far from what he expected—there were no customers, and the seats remained empty.
The Silent Start to a Dream
Tom had worked hard to make Homeboy something special. He had big dreams of combining his love for coffee and art into one place that people would love. But when no one showed up, it felt like a punch to the gut. The café sat silent, the coffee untouched, and Tom sat there with his head in his hands, wondering what went wrong.
@homeboy.co Still waiting for a customer #sad #adelaide #hahndorf #paintok ♬ original sound – bluberi 🫐🌀
A Viral Video Turns Things Around
But Tom didn’t give up. He took to TikTok, posting a video with the simple caption: “Opened a café and nobody came.” It might sound sad, but the video quickly went viral, capturing the attention of over 1.3 million viewers. The video showed his lonely café, and a heartbreaking moment where Tom sat with his face in his hands.
However, instead of criticism, the internet flooded in with support. The comments were filled with heartwarming messages and advice for the young entrepreneur. One viewer said, “Me checking flights just to come and support this man’s café.” Others offered business tips, like holding an event or handing out local flyers. “It’ll get better, just give it time,” another commenter shared.
A Community Rallies Behind Him
The kindness didn’t stop there. People shared their own stories of starting businesses and facing struggles. One commenter wrote about their dad’s Greek food shop, which had been struggling just like Tom’s café. “We’ll come by soon,” they promised, showing that small businesses often face the same hurdles.
As the support continued to roll in, Tom stayed positive. “I know things will be quiet sometimes, but I keep going,” he said in a previous interview. “Quiet days give me time to reflect and research, and busy days teach me efficiency.”
Turning the Tide: A Story of Hope
Thanks to the viral video, things started turning around. Local media outlets picked up Tom’s story, and people from Adelaide, and even from Victoria, flocked to Homeboy. Soon, the empty chairs were filled, and Tom had the busiest week since opening.
In a follow-up TikTok video, Tom couldn’t hide his joy. “Busiest week yet. Thanks to everyone who came to support,” he shared. And it didn’t stop there—Tom expanded his menu to include a selection of delicious sandwiches, drawing in even more customers.
The positive feedback poured in, with one customer praising his “absolutely amazing coffee” and another raving about his “A+ customer service.” Tom’s community support was undeniable, and his journey showed the incredible power of social media.
The Power of Resilience and Support
Tom’s story is a testament to the power of social media, community support, and sheer resilience. Despite his rocky start, he turned his empty café into a thriving business. Sometimes, all it takes is a little support from unexpected places.
Are you an entrepreneur facing struggles? Share your story in the comments below and tag a friend who needs a little encouragement. Let’s keep this community spirit alive!
