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Facebook Hoax claims Central Texas pizza place is closing

Posted at 11:21 PM, Oct 24, 2016
and last updated 2016-10-25 10:35:03-04

Poppa Rollo's Pizza, a Waco institution for more than 40 years, is not closing despite a post on Facebook claiming that it was. Restaurant owners, Roland and Mary Duty, say they're victims of a hoax, and they have no idea who made it.

"It's a very dangerous joke because it could have a negative impact on business," Mary Duty said.

The hoax was shared thousands of times on Facebook leading to an outpouring of concern online and even over the phone.

"We had people calling from all over the country," Mary Duty said.

The couple can only speculate as to why someone would make a fraudulent Facebook post saying their restaurant is closing. Mary thinks there's possibly a political motivation. She's the chairwoman of the McLennan County Democratic Party, and in this emotion-charged campaign season, anything can happen.

"My head goes, 'oh my god did someone do that to be mean to my family because of what I believe?' Duty said. " I was really worried about it for a good while."

Concerned customers were relieved when they got word that the whole thing was a hoax and that Poppa Rollo's would continue to sling pies their way.

"There was a big sigh of relief," customer Jacob Martinka said. "We were all like we should go to Poppa Rollo's tonight."

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