Siheyuan: Starting as a Chef Apprentice

In the slightly solemn meeting room of Wang's Hotel, the atmosphere was particularly solemn at this moment.

Wang Jianye, who was sitting at the head of the conference table, had a serious expression as if covered by a layer of frost. He slowly glanced at each department head present, his heart heavy with worry about the hotel's current predicament.

Wang Jianye cleared his throat slightly, breaking the somewhat oppressive silence in the conference room, and said in a serious tone: "Everyone knows that our hotel has been facing some difficulties recently, and the situation is not optimistic.

The price of raw materials has been rising, and the cost has increased a lot. And, as you may have noticed, there are several new restaurants opening in the surrounding area, which has had a significant impact on our customer base."

He paused, raised his voice a little and continued: "But we can't just be defeated by difficulties! We have to find ways to deal with them and turn these challenges into opportunities for the development of our hotel.

Let's all share our ideas and brainstorm to see how we can help our hotel get through this difficult time."

The financial director sat there, frowning as if his eyebrows were about to be twisted into a rope. He said with a sad face: "Boss, the increase in raw material prices you mentioned is really a headache for us in the financial department.

The cost pressure is too great at the moment. I wonder if we can adjust the prices of some dishes appropriately? But the increase must not be too large, otherwise the customers will not be able to accept it, and then the gain will outweigh the loss. "

As he spoke, he sighed softly and continued, "Besides, we have to strengthen cost control, we can't be careless about this.

Especially in the procurement process, we need to work harder and try to find suppliers with better quality and reasonable prices. Only in this way can we alleviate the pressure brought by the rising costs to a certain extent. "

The marketing manager listened to the financial director's words, nodded slightly, and then expressed his own opinion: "Boss, what the financial director said makes sense, cost control is indeed the key.

However, I think we also need to increase our efforts in attracting customers.

We must make good use of the advantages of our hotel, highlight these advantages, and let customers see our shining points at a glance.

For example, our traditional signature dishes have been refined over many years and are very popular with customers. We are also proud of our high-quality service, which is our trump card. "

He gestured with his hands as he spoke, looking quite excited: "We can put up posters and hand out flyers in the surrounding communities and office buildings to publicize the features and promotions of our hotel so that more people can know us.

In addition, we can also launch some promotional activities, such as discounted packages, discount activities, etc., to attract customers to consume. I think as long as the publicity is in place and the promotional activities are attractive, there is no worry about not attracting customers. "

Qin Huairu, the head of the service department, also spoke up immediately, "Boss, the publicity and promotions mentioned by the marketing manager can indeed attract a lot of customers, but once the customers come, whether we can keep them depends on the quality of service.

Our service department plans to further strengthen employee training so that our waiters can take their service level to a higher level.

We want our customers to feel the more considerate and thoughtful service in our restaurant, and make them feel that dining here is a pleasure.

In this way, even if there is competition around, customers will be willing to choose our hotel because of our service."

Kitchen supervisor Chen Xiaoyang listened to everyone's speeches and nodded constantly. After the service supervisor Qin Huairu finished speaking, he continued, "Boss, we have our own plans in the kitchen. We have to continue to optimize the food production process and improve work efficiency, so that we can reduce costs.

The price of raw materials has risen so much now. If we don’t reduce the cost, the profit margin will become smaller and smaller. Moreover, we have to launch some new dishes in a timely manner according to market conditions and customer feedback to meet the taste needs of customers. After all, the tastes of customers are becoming more and more diverse, and we have to keep up with this trend. "

Wang Jianye listened quietly to the speeches of each manager, nodding slightly and thinking deeply. After everyone finished speaking, he thought for a moment and slowly said, "Well, your suggestions are all very reasonable. We really need to control costs and attract customers. We have to take both aspects into consideration and not neglect either one."

He glanced at the crowd again, and said in a steady and firm tone: "Let's do this. Let's do it according to what everyone said. Let's start by moderately adjusting the prices of some non-main dishes. We have to be cautious about this price adjustment so as not to affect the customer's acceptance. At the same time, we will launch several cost-effective set meal combinations so that customers will feel that eating here is both affordable and delicious."

He looked at the marketing manager and continued, "In terms of marketing, we will do as you said and increase publicity. We need to make those posters and flyers more attractive and clearly display the advantages of our hotel. We also need to plan promotional activities well so that customers can really feel the benefits."

Then he turned to the kitchen supervisor Chen Xiaoyang and said: "The kitchen must seize the time to continue to optimize the production process, reduce waste and lower costs.

The introduction of new dishes must also keep pace with the progress and be adjusted in a timely manner according to the market and customer feedback. We must ensure that the quality of the dishes is not affected, which is the foundation of our restaurant."

Finally, he looked at Qin Huairu, the head of the service department: "The service department must ensure that the improvement of service quality is implemented and the training is solid and effective, so that customers can feel the changes in our service as soon as they enter our hotel. We must all work together to face this challenge together. Our hotel has gone through all the ups and downs over the years, and we will definitely be able to do it this time!"

After listening to Wang Jianye's deployment, the employees nodded one after another, revealing firm determination in their eyes, and expressed that they would do their best.

In the following days, all employees took active action and carried out various tasks in an orderly manner according to the arrangements of the meeting.

The purchasing staff are busier than ever, running around like a spinning top, shuttling between various agricultural product markets, meat markets and other corners, just to find better quality and more reasonably priced suppliers.

Purchasing supervisor Lao Wang took Xiao Li, Xiao Zhang and other purchasing staff to the market early in the morning. The market was bustling with people coming and going, and there were all kinds of stalls.

Lao Wang walked to the stall of a vegetable supplier, with a smile on his face, and said politely: "Boss, hello! I am the purchasing staff of Wang's full-line restaurant. You see, the current market situation, the price of raw materials has risen sharply, and our restaurant is under great cost pressure. I hope you can give us a more reasonable price. You also know that our restaurant's purchasing volume is not small. If we can reach a cooperation with you, it will be a stable business for you, don't you think?" After hearing what Lao Wang said, the vegetable supplier frowned slightly and said with some embarrassment: "Oh, brother, this is not easy for me. Now the purchase price has risen a lot, and my profit margin is not big. If I reduce the price for you, my business will be difficult to do."

Seeing this, Lao Wang hurriedly explained patiently: "Boss, please don't be anxious. You see, although the purchase price has increased now, our cooperation is long-term. If you can give us a suitable price, we will purchase from you in the future. The purchase volume is stable, which is better than your current small business.

Besides, our restaurant is quite famous in this area, and we can promote it for you.”

The vegetable supplier seemed to be moved after listening to Lao Wang's explanation. He thought for a while and said, "Brother, what you said makes sense. Let me try my best to give you a discount on the price, but I can only lower it a little bit. I really can't lower it much more."

Lao Wang smiled and said, "Okay, Boss, thank you for your understanding and support! Let's make it a deal for now. I'll discuss the purchase quantity and delivery time with you later."

After that, Lao Wang took Xiao Li and Xiao Zhang to continue looking for other suppliers in the market. They came to a meat supplier's stall.

Old Wang was still polite and said, "Hello, boss! We are the purchasing staff of Wang's full-line hotel. We came here to discuss cooperation with you.

As you know, the price of raw materials has increased, and our hotel is under great cost pressure. We are looking forward to finding a supplier like you who is reliable and can give us a reasonable price. Our hotel's purchase volume is not small. If we can cooperate successfully, it will be a business that is sure to make money for you. "

When the meat supplier heard this, he curled his lips and said, "Humph, now everyone is complaining about the high costs and wants me to lower the price. My meat is all good meat and the purchase price is high to begin with, how can I just lower the price just because I want to?"

Lao Wang's heart tightened, but he still kept a smile on his face and said, "Boss, don't say that. We know your meat is good, otherwise we wouldn't come to talk to you.

You see, this is a long-term cooperation. If you can give us some discounts on the price, we will definitely give priority to yours. Moreover, our restaurant has many customers. If your meat sells well here, it will also be a good publicity. "

The meat supplier snorted and said, "Even if you say so, I can only reduce the price a little bit at most, no more, otherwise I will lose a lot."

Lao Wang smiled helplessly and said, "Okay, boss, thank you for giving us a little room. Let's take a look at other places. If there is no better choice, we can discuss it in detail."

In this way, Lao Wang and his colleagues asked and negotiated with each supplier one by one in the market. Some suppliers expressed their understanding and were willing to make certain concessions on price; others were not very willing, so Lao Wang and his colleagues could only continue to look for other suitable suppliers.

In the restaurant, the waiters have also devoted themselves to their work with a new spirit, and they greet every customer with more enthusiastic and thoughtful service.

The waitress Xiaomei was particularly energetic today. She came to the restaurant early, tidied herself up, and waited for customers to arrive.

When a gentleman walked into the restaurant, Xiaomei immediately greeted him with a smile and light steps, saying warmly: "Hello, sir! Welcome to Wang's All-inclusive Hotel.

Today we have several special value-for-money set menus, you can choose according to your preferences. And our hotel's signature dishes are very popular, such as 'Wang's Braised Pork', the meat is tender and the taste is mellow, would you like to try it? "

After listening to Xiaomei's introduction, the gentleman's eyes lit up and he was obviously a little tempted. He smiled and said, "Oh? It sounds good. Let's have that set meal, plus a serving of Wang's braised pork."

Xiaomei said happily: "Okay, sir, please wait a moment, the dishes will be served to you soon. I hope you enjoy your meal!"

After saying that, Xiaomei quickly arranged a seat for her husband, then took the menu to the kitchen to place an order.

In the kitchen, chefs are also working hard to cope with the current difficulties.

Chen Xiaoyang stood in the middle of the kitchen and said loudly to the busy chefs: "Everyone has heard what the boss said. We must optimize the production process while ensuring the quality of the dishes.

Now that the price of raw materials has risen, we must reduce costs by improving efficiency and not let the quality of the dishes be affected. This is related to the survival of our restaurant, and everyone must take it seriously! "

Chef Lao Zhao was cutting vegetables. When he heard Chen Xiaoyang's words, he raised his head and responded, "Yes, Chef, we will try our best.

These days I have been thinking about how to shorten the preparation time of this dish while ensuring the taste remains the same.

I think we can re-plan the order of preparing ingredients, which can save a lot of time. For example, we used to cut the meat first and then wash the vegetables, but now we can wash the vegetables first and then cut the meat. In this way, while waiting for the meat to thaw or marinate, we can prepare the vegetables first and not waste time waiting there. "

Another chef, Xiao Li, also agreed, "Yes, what Lao Zhao said makes sense. And the use time of the stoves must be arranged reasonably. We can't have several people rushing to use one stove at the same time, which is too inefficient. We can reasonably allocate stoves according to the preparation time and difficulty of the dishes, so that each stove can be fully utilized, which can also improve work efficiency."

Chen Xiaoyang listened to everyone's speeches, nodded with satisfaction, and said, "Well, everyone is right. Let's follow this idea and act quickly. We should try to optimize the production process in the shortest possible time, reduce our costs, and maintain the quality of the dishes."

As a result, the chefs became even busier. While busy with their work, they constantly tried new production methods and processes, striving to improve work efficiency and reduce costs while ensuring the quality of the dishes. (End of this chapter)