On the Hydra-Headed Nature of Bad Customers

One might be tempted to think that Kanpyo's banishment would be cause for universal celebration, but the wiser among us know not to don the party hat just yet.  Kanpyo was a pain in the ass of the vilest stripe, but doubtlessly, greater pains-in-the-ass are out there, waiting for their seat at the bar (and some of these offenders have been written about in this very blog).

Every time employees, having divested themselves of one creep or another, breathe a collective sigh of relief, disappointment is sure to follow.  Either some long-absent jackass will reappear, bringing with him all the weight of unhappy memories, or a new threat will emerge, having made a new discovery of the restaurant and together, staff and customer alike will embark upon a journey of unfortunate discoveries.

At first, this might seem like a good thing . . .

It is like out government's dilemma with terrorism.  Even if you kill an important leader, there are countless others ready to step up and take his place.  A restaurant is really no different.  In each and every one takes place a war of ideologies that cannot be won simply by weeding out one obnoxious customer here or there.  Even if this were possible to execute on a large scale, it would be a losing battle.  It is not the customer himself that is to blame, but the ideology of a culture that allows (and even encourages) poor behavior in restaurants.  Besides, bad customers are a resilient breed; for every one fallen, two spring up to take his place.

One week later.