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All it took was a single tweet of a “sad” father stationed behind the counter of a newly opened but desolate mom-and-pop doughnut shop to bring the community out and get sales rolling.

On Saturday, Houston native Billy By shared a few photos on social media showing his father in the empty shop and a large sign hanging on the front of the store advertising the grand opening of Billy’s Donuts.

“My dad is sad ‘cause no one is coming to his new donut shop,” By tweeted.

My dad is sad cause no one is coming to his new donut shop 😭 pic.twitter.com/y5aGB1Acrc — Billy's Donuts (@BillysDonuts) March 9, 2019

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It didn’t take long for By’s photos to spread on social media, with others sharing the tweet in an effort to rally the community.

By shared the store’s address along with more photos of the sweet offerings.

“I live literally 5 min away. Most def coming tomorrow!” reads a comment.

I live literally 5 min away.. Most def coming tomorrow! 🍩 — V (@vincy_bt) March 10, 2019

“Take all ur friends. Look at that sad dad. Look at that interior,” reads another.

Take all ur friends. look at that sad dad. Look at that interior. — Syd! (@SydGarza0) March 10, 2019

awwww i dont even like donuts but i would definitely buy a few 😭😩 https://t.co/sZvxOeQKBI — de’asya💜. (@___diggy) March 10, 2019

And before you know it, the store was packed on Sunday. Photos show people lining up and buying bags and boxes full of doughnuts and other sweets.

I didn't even need to cause the community came thruu pic.twitter.com/bHEc1afTTx — V (@vincy_bt) March 10, 2019

The power of the tweet works. Billy's Donuts has long lines this morning. pic.twitter.com/yuKIfcPq0R — Gil Gredinger (@photog72) March 10, 2019

Dude it was really busy when I went too!! His mom was talking about how she usually knows how much to make in a day but today she didnt expect the turnout😭😭😭 and the boudin kolaches are SO good pic.twitter.com/tBKbTCI9ZQ — maleeha (@femaleeha) March 10, 2019

He looked so happy ❤️ pic.twitter.com/2EcG4V3if5 — Natalie (@whatisnatalie) March 10, 2019

Billy’s dad ain’t sad no more pic.twitter.com/BJnZ4MQHJp — Sid Mori (@sidneymori) March 10, 2019

“Just wanted to update yall! We completely sold out of donuts and kolaches! You are all amazing,” By tweeted, along with a photo of his no-longer-sad father. “I can’t thank everyone enough for coming out and supporting local businesses. This means so much to my family.”

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Just wanted to update yall! We completely sold out of donuts and kolaches! You are all amazing. I can't thank everyone enough for coming out and supporting local businesses. This means so much to my family ❤️ pic.twitter.com/o3GQcKvVnG — billy (@hibillyby) March 10, 2019

By’s initial tweet was shared over 274,000 times and liked another 590,000 times.