Tony saw him coming and determined to have a little fun.
Assuming a very severe air, he asked the Swede whose beer he sold, the latter explaining that he had made a reputation with San Francisco beer. “That settles it,” exclaimed Tony, “you can’t lease from us unless you use the home product.” Some important business at this juncture engaged Neppach’s attention, the Swede departed, and the incident was temporarily forgotten.
A month later, the Swede called to pay his rent and announced that he was now selling Weinhard’s beer and was ready for the lease.
Tony produced a blank form and began filling it out. He dwelt at length in the preamble over the great superiority of Weinhard’s beer over every known competitor, and in each sentence would have something to say about the “Celebrated Weinhard’s lager beer.” He incorporated in the lease a promise from the Swede that he never would drink, or allow any of his friends to drink any beverage, excepting the world famous Weinhard’s beer. Never before or since has there been such an elaborate lease made up and the funny part is that the whole matter was a huge joke.
A month elapsed and Mr. Weinhard noticed his new customer. He had been seeking, without avail, the Swede’s patronage, but here he was now, giving good orders without any solicitation.
Mr. Weinhard determined to ascertain the reason for this change of heart. The Swede informed him that he was obliged to patronize him in order to retain his lease.
“Would you mind letting me see that lease?” queried Mr. Weinhard.
There being no objections the lease was sent to him for his perusal.
No one will ever be able to tell what passed through the brewer’s mind as he read the uncommon document, but he went to the telephone and called up Nicolai Brothers.
“I want to speak to Mr. Tony Neppach.”