An unexpected act of kindness from a restaurant owner
George Carson, who owned the famous New York restaurant The Kettle of Fish, was known for showing up at random times. At 1:00 am one night, he came across a frightening scene. Consuelo Ruiz, a maid, was putting food scraps from customers’ plates into a plastic bag that she was hiding under her apron.
Though no one could see him, George carefully cleaned the dishes and then hurried to finish her work. Colt Farrow, the manager, cut her off suddenly and told her to stop and leave. As George followed Consuelo, he was interested in what she was doing.
While following her through the dark alleys, George found that Consuelo was using the extra food to feed her four kids in a factory that had been shut down and was now empty. George understood that Consuelo wasn’t stealing because she was so desperate, but she was just trying to stay alive.
George talked to Farrow about what happened the next day and found out a scary truth. Consuelo was being taken advantage of by Farrow, who only paid her a small part of what she was owed and kept the rest for himself. George fired Farrow right away.
Then he called Consuelo into his office and instead of scolding her, he gave her a raise in pay, a job, and a small apartment on the property. Consuelo was so upset that she asked George why he was helping her.
It was hard for George’s grandfather to make a new life for himself after coming to the United States from another country. “Someone helped him,” George said. “Now, I’m helping you.” He said, “That’s the true American Dream – lending a hand, so one day, you or your children can do the same for someone else.”
As Consuelo and her kids moved into their new house, George made sure that The Kettle of Fish’s extra food, not just scraps, went to people who needed it. George’s act of kindness set off a chain of events that showed everyone how kindness and understanding can change lives.
Consuelo’s kids would remember George’s kind act years later and be moved to do the same, which would keep the American Dream living. George’s diner was more than just a place to eat. It stood for kindness and hope, and it believed that everyone should have a chance to make their future better.
