Some People Are Just Plumb Crazy
By Arthur Kober, first published in The New Yorker
A restaurant owners tells a customer about a crazy client he once had.
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Plot Summary
A restaurant owner named Paul is giving an unnamed customer their orange juice. As he gives them their drink, Paul tells the customer that all his friends thought he was crazy when he bought the restaurant. However, Paul did it regardless because he believed the last owner lacked initiative. Paul knew he needed to do something different to make the store stand out. As a result, he provides excellent customer service. However, he tells the customer that regardless of his great customer service, there are many crazy people. Paul then tells the customer a story about someone who came in drunk. As he relates the story, Paul explains that he tried to comfort the drunk customer by telling the man that it happens to everybody. However, the drunk man grabbed the napkin dispenser and threw it at Paul's head. The customer missed and broke a mirror. Paul told the man he would have to pay. However, the customer put some money on the table and asked how much it would cost to beat up Paul. Paul said nothing, and the man walked away. After Paul recounts the story, he tells the customer that people are just "plumb crazy." Paul then remembers that the customer is waiting for their change and gives them their money.
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