I think this is just a publicity stunt from the restaurant owner.
The article says the kid was walking to a job interview at Dairy Queen, the news video says he was on his way to an interview at a thrift store.
I call bullshit on this one. Just a stunt for free advertising for a struggling restaurant.
Also cameras there when he made the phone call to let him know about hiring him. How did restaurant owner get his number from a total stranger to just call him out of the blue, with the cameras rolling?
I don't buy it. Great STORY nonetheless