Local restaurants leaned into the spirit of April Fools’ Day this past week, taking to social media with playful pranks that quickly caught the attention of their communities—only to be met with an overwhelming show of support from loyal customers.

We’re here to help set that record straight that these Fayetteville favorites are here to stay. 

Just Love Coffee Cafe -  Fayetteville. 

On April 1 at 6:26 a.m. the local coffee shop, located at 2737 Freedom Pkwy Drive,  added a post on social media which read: 

“After 3 incredible years, May 14th will be our last day in operation. We hoped to sell 10,000 White Chocolate Tiramisus, and came so close… 9,424. But what we’ll remember most is not the number. It’s the people. Thank you for every coffee, every order, every kind word, and every moment of support. Thank you for making us part of this community. We will miss you more than words can say.” 

The caption was accompanied by an image with an AI generated closing banner. Just a few hours later at 8:19 a.m. the restaurant posted a clarification post letting the community know that they had been pranked and thanking them for the wonderful support they had received so quickly. 

The post, accompanied by a new image with an AI generated banner setting the record straight reads in part: 
“Gotcha We’re not going anywhere (stronger than ever- thanks to you).

April Fools! We love y’all way too much to keep the joke going, so we had to end it after only two hours because so many of you were worried and reaching out. And to the sweet lady who offered us a $5 donation to help keep the doors open, please know how much that meant to us. We appreciate you and we love you.” 

The good news was met with relief, laughs and love from the community. 

Vibe Gastropub

Vibe Gastropub, downtown Fayetteville’s vegan focused restaurant was also met with tearful goodbyes from the community. On April 1 owner Ambery Edge took to social media via video to share what was presumably a heartfelt goodbye to the community that had embraced her since the early days of her food truck Authentique Cafe. 

"I’ve kind of been dragging my feet making this post because it’s not going to be an easy one to make,” began Edge. “ We've been struggling to get Vibe back open for months now, and with all of the work, all of the time, all of the effort we poured in, it just doesn't seem like it’s going to be able to work out….” 

The eatery, which has been closed for renovations, was met with an outpouring of support from local diners. 

Edge would go on to post a correction video just two hours later. 

“...Twenty minutes after me making that post my phone was completely locked up because people were calling me, trying to find out what was going on, reasonably so,” shared Edge. “People are sending me their condolences, I have basically faked my own death while still being alive and then went to the funeral because I got to see all of the absolutely awe inspiring things that you guys experienced with Vibe.” 

Along with her thanks to the community, Edge shared that she and her team are looking at the beginning of June for a grand reopening date. You can follow along with updates on their Facebook page and Instagram page.