A man who apparently summoned the courage to rob a US pizza restaurant changed his mind as the clerk started to hand him money, broke down crying and ended up leaving with a pizza to feed his hungry family.

Helena Police Chief Troy McGee says just after midnight on Monday, a man wearing a hooded sweatshirt and a bandana across his face entered a Papa John’s restaurant and handed the clerk a note demanding money.

The cashier started to comply, but then the man started crying and said he was just trying to provide for his family.

The clerk offered to make a pizza and some chicken wings.

The man waited while the food was cooked, then left on foot.

A manager with the pizza chain declined to comment.