Chapter 7
We received the key to our new shop from the designer after he finished his job with his constructor.
The designer did not arrange for a deep cleaning service due to cost control, partner SB was laughing that we didn’t have a deep cleaning company because of my cost control.I have found a company to take care of it as soon as possible. The price was 2000 instead of 5000 from our French designer. No one cares. There has been continuous complaining about the exhaust system, but in the end, we realized that we had forgotten to turn on one switch. Operation partner SB has blamed me again, anyway, let’s focus on finding solutions together.
During the waiting period for our license, I suggested organizing a dinner prepared by a chef for our landlord. It was wonderful that they followed my advice without me having to remind them. The next morning, I needed to dispose of the trash before the FDA officer came for inspection, because we didn’t have a dustbin. According to the rules, we couldn’t throw the trash in a public dustbin. Fortunately, I was able to flag down a cleaning man on a scooter who kindly helped me without expecting any tips.
Soon, everything was ready, including licenses, finance system, order system. Mathild especially did a great wine collection for our shop and did great wine training for the operation team. The operation has started. Since our partner SB got his main job, he put a young lady to replace his position during most of the operation time. He is explaining to the media that it’s his second shop and even shareholders need to book a table 2 weeks in advance. Mathild was frustrated that he couldn’t book a table for his VIP rich clients. It’s either a happy issue or an operational issue - only SB knows. It’s great that we are busy! Mathild is a nice guy who organized a dinner for SB and me at a corner of Xinle Road. He tries to balance things out, but I’m too straightforward for someone. I trust my 10 years of experience in the restaurant business.
Since I’m not in the shareholders’ WeChat group by my own request to save energy, my partners Mathild and David have been spending more time with me and taking my advice into consideration. David has also been organizing more soccer games, and sometimes we hang out with Mathild as well. I really appreciate their help, and at least I won’t argue with partner SB during that time.
The first FDA inspection is coming up. Mathild is encouraging me to have a drink to deal with these problems. I explained to Mathild that it’s not possible for me to handle and explain everything at the board meeting, especially regarding SB. I already feel like I shouldn’t interfere with SB’s behavior or operational decisions in case we encounter similar arguments again. So, I suggested letting the shop manager visit the FDA office with some gifts as a solution. Mathild said that the solution seems to work out well.
Everything is moving forward smoothly. The Chinese New Year staff party is coming up soon. Due to some disagreements during construction, the shareholders have advised me not to join the party but instead share the cost from my own pocket. Because operation partner SB didnt like me with his fans in reason that I didnt use right communication at the right timing.Perhaps our operations partner needs accurate data on cost control. I have agreed and I am happy to support myself in this way as a show of respect for the chef and team.
Media is so excited for the fresh blood from our chef after covid period. Soon we made a great success. I feel so happy that the project got succeed.