East Brunswick Woman Quoted $19.50 for Pizza Lunch, Briefly Considers Taking Out a Loan
In a tale that has shaken the community more than a missed garbage pickup or a downed tree on Summerhill, an East Brunswick woman walked into Frank’s Pizza at Mid-State Mall expecting lunch—and left with a fresh slice of existential dread.
Jodi Ann, who may soon qualify for PTSD benefits, ordered a single slice of pizza and a 20oz bottle of soda. You know, the kind of order you expect to cost about the same as a toll on the Parkway.
Instead, the man behind the counter looked her dead in the eyes and said:
“Nineteen fifty.”
Three Slices? Nah. Just One Expensive Experience.
Jodi Ann, confused but composed, replied, “I’m sorry, what?”
He then casually clarified, “Oh, I thought you got three slices. Sorry—it’s $10.”
Just ten dollars. For one slice of pizza. And a soda. No tip included. No fries on the side. No NFT. Not even a free napkin.
Let that sink in.
Locals who reviewed the photo of the slice later questioned whether it was pizza or an abstract art project. “It looks like mozzarella had a nervous breakdown and just laid down on the crust,” said one user, zooming in with forensic accuracy.
Facebook Reacts Like It’s a Local Crime Scene (Because It Is)
Within hours, the East Brunswick community page had erupted into a full-blown pizza tribunal. Some called it price gouging. Others called it Tuesday.
“See ya later Frankie,” wrote one woman, ghosting Frank’s like a toxic ex.
“Brothers is better,” declared another, unprovoked but confident.
“Maria’s in Milltown. Two slices and a can for $6,” announced someone who might as well have dropped a mic and walked out of the group.
Ken, a local legend now known only by his comment, summed it up best:
“Of course Frank’s is on Route 18. He’s committing highway robbery.”
A Pizza-Economic Crisis Is Born
Some residents tried to remain calm and blame inflation. Others blamed cheese, zoning, 5G towers, and the possible emotional state of the person working the counter.
“I think they charge you based on how hungry you look,” said one commenter.
“My cousin was charged $30 once. He was wearing a Rolex,” added another.
A woman named Lucille mourned the past. “There was a time when $10 got you two slices, a soda, and a smile from the owner. Now it gets you anxiety.”
One man went full conspiracy: “That slice looked like it was topped with burrata and regret. I think this is Big Dairy at work.”
Frank’s Offers No Explanation, Possibly Out of Respect for the Deceased Wallet
Frank’s Pizza has not publicly addressed the incident, though the town has quietly adjusted its cost-of-living index to include “one fancy slice and emotional damage.”
According to sources (aka Facebook comments), this isn’t the first time Frank’s has surprised customers with luxury pricing. One woman claimed she was once charged $30 for a few slices and a soda, and didn’t realize until she got home. “I thought maybe I blacked out and ordered garlic knots for the entire parking lot,” she said.
Lessons Learned, Calories Lost
As for Jodi Ann, she survived—barely—and now walks East Brunswick a little wiser and a lot more cautious.
“I just wanted a quick lunch,” she said. “Instead I walked into an economic thesis wrapped in cheese.”
She’s since vowed to stick with Costco pies, Sam’s Club specials, or simply yelling “Maria’s” and running down Route 18 until someone hands her a slice.
Stay vigilant, East Brunswick. And next time someone says, “That’ll be $19.50,” ask for a contract, a receipt, and maybe a hug.
