Building a Conglomerate in Another World-Chapter 152: The Soft Opening

The restaurant was almost ready, but Matthew knew that its success would hinge on the efficiency and dedication of the staff. Over the next two weeks, he spent his days and evenings training the newly hired crew, ensuring they understood the importance of speed, consistency, and customer service.

In the kitchen, Matthew stood with a group of young cooks around the fryers and grills. "Remember," he said, demonstrating the process, "every piece of chicken must be breaded evenly. It’s not just about taste—it’s about presentation. Customers will notice if one piece looks different from another."

One of the cooks nodded eagerly, dipping a drumstick into the buttermilk and rolling it in the seasoned flour. "Like this, Mr. Hesh?"

"Exactly," Matthew said, inspecting the piece. "Now, into the fryer. Keep the oil temperature steady, or the chicken won’t cook properly."

In another corner of the kitchen, he guided a team on assembling burgers. "The buns should be lightly toasted. Place the lettuce first, then the patty, then the cheese and toppings. Keep the portions consistent. Customers should know exactly what they’re getting every time."

Amber supervised the front-of-house staff, teaching them how to operate the cash register and interact with customers. "Greet everyone with a smile," she said. "Make them feel welcome. If someone’s unsure about what to order, be patient and offer suggestions."

The training sessions were intense but rewarding. By the end of the first week, the staff had mastered the basics. Matthew introduced them to the concept of teamwork, emphasizing how each role contributed to the overall success of the restaurant.

"Think of this place as a machine," he explained during a team meeting. "Every part needs to work together. If the kitchen is slow, the front counter backs up. If the service is poor, customers won’t return. We succeed as a team, or we fail as a team."

Two weeks later, the restaurant was ready for its soft opening. The large glass windows sparkled in the morning sunlight, offering a clear view of the clean, modern interior. The bright red-and-white sign above the door read: Hesh Express: Good Food, Fast.

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Word had spread quickly about the new dining concept. By mid-morning, a small crowd had gathered outside, curious to see what the buzz was about. Amber, dressed in a simple yet elegant outfit, stood by Matthew at the entrance.

"Are you ready for this?" Amber asked, her excitement barely contained.

"As ready as we’ll ever be," Matthew replied with a confident smile.

At precisely 11:00 a.m., Matthew opened the doors. The staff, dressed in crisp uniforms, greeted the first wave of customers with warm smiles and cheerful hellos.

The interior was buzzing with activity. Customers lined up at the counter, scanning the menu displayed above. The options were simple: fried chicken, burgers, fries, and milkshakes. Each item was priced affordably, drawing smiles from those used to more expensive dining.

The first customer, a middle-aged man in a work uniform, approached the counter. "I’ll take the fried chicken combo," he said, glancing at the menu.

The cashier, a young woman named Clara, entered the order. "Would you like a milkshake with that, sir?" she asked, her tone polite.

The man nodded. "Sure. Chocolate."

Within minutes, his tray was ready. The man took a seat near the window, unwrapping the crispy fried chicken. His first bite elicited a look of surprise and delight. He called out to the staff, "This is fantastic! I’ve never had chicken this good before."

Nearby, a young couple shared a basket of fries and burgers. The woman took a bite of her burger and smiled. "It’s so juicy," she said. "And the fries are perfect—crispy on the outside, soft on the inside."

Her partner nodded in agreement. "And we didn’t have to wait long. This place is going to be a hit."

At another table, a mother with two children watched as her kids eagerly devoured their meals. "It’s nice to have a place like this," she said to Amber, who was making rounds to check on customers. "I don’t have to worry about cooking, and the kids love it."

Amber beamed. "We’re glad you’re enjoying it. Let us know if there’s anything we can improve."

As the day progressed, the restaurant saw customers from all walks of life. Office workers stopped in for a quick lunch, families treated themselves to an affordable outing, and even a group of students pooled their money to try the new restaurant.

A journalist from a local newspaper sat in the corner, observing the activity and jotting down notes. He approached Matthew during a brief lull in the rush. "Mr. Hesh, this place is incredible. What inspired you to create it?"

Matthew smiled, wiping his hands on a towel. "I wanted to make good food accessible to everyone. People are busy, and not everyone has time for a long meal. But that doesn’t mean they should have to sacrifice quality."

The journalist nodded, scribbling furiously. "Do you think this concept will catch on?"

"I believe it will," Matthew said. "It’s not just about the food—it’s about the experience. Quick, consistent, and welcoming. That’s what people are looking for."

As evening fell, the restaurant remained busy. The warm glow of the interior lights spilled onto the street, drawing in curious passersby. Families, workers, and travelers filled the tables, chatting and laughing as they enjoyed their meals.

Amber watched the scene unfold, a look of pride on her face. She turned to Matthew, who was speaking with a group of employees near the counter. When he caught her eye, she walked over and took his hand.

"Look at this place," she said softly. "You’ve created something special."

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Matthew glanced around, taking in the bustling activity and the smiles on customers’ faces. "We’ve created something special," he corrected, squeezing her hand.

Amber leaned closer, her voice filled with affection. "This is just the beginning, isn’t it?"

Matthew nodded, his resolve as strong as ever. "It is. And there’s so much more we can do."

As the last customers left for the evening, the staff gathered for a brief meeting. Matthew praised their hard work and encouraged them to keep improving. The team’s energy was infectious, their excitement matching his own.

That night, as Matthew and Amber walked home through the quiet streets of Amsterdam, they reflected on the day’s success.

"Today was incredible," Amber said. "But I have a feeling tomorrow will be even better."

Matthew smiled, his mind already racing with ideas for the future. "We’ll make sure of it."