The Promotion

Doug Stauber works as the assistant manager of a Donaldson's branch in Chicago and hopes to be promoted to the manager of a nearby new store. He endures daily pressures from an unruly gang that loiters in the parking lot and from a flood of negative comments on customer surveys. A foreign customer repeatedly slaps him over a box of Teddy Grahams, and rumors circulate that he was a Junior Olympics gymnast.

Richard Wehlner and his family move from Quebec and join Doug as assistant managers. Their arrival introduces a new rival for the top job and shifts the dynamics at the store. Doug's position starts to feel less secure as the competition heats up.

Richard appears to be the front-runner for the manager position, but he carries disadvantages such as a past substance abuse problem and a tendency to make inappropriate remarks. These issues raise concerns with the board and his colleagues as the race tightens.

During a board review, both Doug and Richard are questioned about a deli-window sign that proclaims the clerk as Employee of the Month for cutting the cheese. Richard admits he was the on-duty manager when the sign appeared and explains he did not realize the phrase could offend Americans, joking that Canadians say cracking the cheese.

As the rivalry intensifies, Doug's finances become a source of pressure because he must secure the promotion to afford a house he recently bought. His wife Jen contemplates going to night school to improve their prospects. Meanwhile, Richard's wife Laurie and their daughter move to Scotland to stay with relatives after seeing him slip back into old behavioral problems.

One day, Doug is struck from behind by a Yoo-hoo bottle thrown by a gang member while helping a customer in the parking lot. In retaliation, he confronts the gang and sprays one of them with mace, escalating the clash between staff and troublemakers.

In the break room, Doug hurls frozen Tater Tots toward the trash can and accidentally hits Richard's hand. Richard fakes an injury by wearing a wrist brace at work, further aggravating their rivalry.

Days later, Doug delivers an apology speech at a local community gathering, explaining his actions during the incident and insisting that a beautiful day shouldn't be spoiled by a few bad apples. He earns the respect of community leaders and residents who praise his accountability. The community begins to see him as a stabilizing figure amid the controversy.

After the meeting, the board and community leaders reconvene, and Richard offhandedly refers to the gang as black apples, infuriating the head community leader. The remark strains any chance of reconciliation and complicates the final decision about the promotion.

Doug, Richard, and another candidate are summoned for a final interview. A drug test is required, and it reveals that Richard has recently smoked marijuana, which undermines his candidacy and effectively ends his chance at the promotion.

Shortly after the interview, Doug learns from Mitch that he has secured the position. He celebrates by performing cartwheels and backflips across the street, a dramatic display that confirms the earlier rumor about his gymnastics.

Richard reunites with his wife and returns to Quebec with his family. He is reported to have become the store manager at his old grocery store after reportedly stopping an accidental fire that some rumor was started by him, marking a dramatic turn in his career.