Siheyuan: Starting as a Chef Apprentice

Another employee said: "Why thank you? We are all family. We have to face difficulties together."

As time went by, the money in the donation box increased. It was not just a bunch of banknotes, but also a heavy love and care. After everyone's joint efforts, a considerable amount of funds was soon raised.

When Wang Jianye handed the money to Xiao Zhou, Xiao Zhou took the money, looked at the thick stack, was so moved that tears welled up in his eyes, his lips trembled, and he was speechless for a long time.

After a long while, Xiao Zhou choked up and said to Wang Jianye: "Boss Wang, thank you, thank you everyone, I really don't know how to repay you. This money is like a lifeline to me, my father is saved."

Wang Jianye smiled and said, "Why would you say anything about repaying me? We are all family and we should help each other. The most important thing for you now is to take good care of your father and hope he can recover soon. If there are any problems during the treatment or if you need money, just tell me and we will find a solution together."

Xiao Zhou nodded vigorously and said, "Boss Wang, don't worry, I will take good care of my dad. I will work harder in the future to repay the hotel and everyone's kindness to me."

The waiters are more enthusiastic and considerate when serving customers.

In the past, some waiters may have just mechanically completed the tasks of taking orders and serving food, but now, they will take the initiative to care about the customers' dining experience, ask the customers for their opinions on the dishes, and make timely adjustments based on the customers' feedback.

Once, a customer complained to the waitress Xiaomei: "This dish is a bit salty."

Xiaomei didn't show any impatience, but smiled and said, "I'm sorry, sir, I'm sorry for giving you a bad dining experience. I'll help you right away. We can make you a new portion or change you to another dish. Is that okay with you?"

The customer was a little surprised by Xiaomei's attitude and said, "Don't bother, I just said it casually."

Xiaomei smiled and said, "How can this be possible? We hope that every customer can enjoy their meal in our restaurant. This is what we should do, so please don't hesitate."

In the end, the customers were moved by Xiaomei's enthusiasm and sincerity, and their impression of the hotel changed greatly.

Chefs are also more attentive when cooking. They no longer just pursue speed, but pay more attention to the quality and taste of the dishes.

When chef Lao Zhao was preparing a new dish, he said to his apprentice, "We have to cook more carefully now. Look at what happened to Xiao Zhou. We are all so united. We have to live up to this big family. We must control the heat of this dish well and not be careless at all."

The apprentice nodded and said, "Master, I understand. We must make the dishes better and satisfy the customers."

Purchasing staff are also more stringent when purchasing ingredients. They know that every ingredient is related to the quality of the dishes, and the quality of the dishes is related to the reputation of the restaurant and customer satisfaction.

When inspecting a batch of newly purchased vegetables, the purchasing manager said to the supplier: "The quality of these vegetables must be guaranteed, as we now have higher requirements for ingredients.

Our restaurant is a big loving family. We want to provide the best dishes to our customers, so there cannot be any problems with the ingredients you supply.”

The supplier was also infected by the atmosphere of the restaurant and said, "Don't worry, we will definitely supply high-quality ingredients in strict accordance with the requirements."

The entire hotel is like a dynamic machine, with every part running efficiently and orderly.

The relationship between employees has also become more harmonious. Everyone cooperates and helps each other at work, creating a positive, united and friendly atmosphere.

This atmosphere has also infected the customers who come to the restaurant to dine. The restaurant's business is getting better and better, and its reputation is getting better and better.

After experiencing the restaurant's excellent service and delicious dishes, new customers have become repeat customers;
Old customers are more convinced of their love for the restaurant and often introduce their relatives and friends to dine there.

After his father's condition stabilized, Xiao Zhou returned to the hotel.

He seemed like a different person. Hope rekindled in his eyes and he worked more proactively than before.

He is full of gratitude to every customer and repays everyone's help with the most enthusiastic service.

Xiao Zhou said to his colleagues: "I will never forget your kindness to me. When I was in the most difficult time, you extended a helping hand and gave me hope. I will continue to work hard here and protect this warm family with you all."

……

In all Wang's restaurants, a solemn atmosphere permeated the air.

Wang Jianye quickly convened an emergency meeting.

In the conference room, the lights seemed a little dim, as if they were also worried about the current situation. Everyone sat around the conference table, and everyone's face was full of seriousness and worry.

The financial director frowned, his eyes revealing deep worry, and he spoke first with a worried look on his face: "Boss Wang, this economic downturn is really a big problem.

You see, the purchasing power of customers has dropped so obviously, which has a huge impact on our hotel's turnover.

Our previous financial data has shown a somewhat pessimistic trend. If this situation continues, the consequences will be disastrous.”

The marketing manager also agreed, "Yes, Boss Wang. The market situation has changed, and our previous marketing strategy may not be applicable. Now we have to pay more attention to cost performance and make customers feel that they can get more benefits by spending money with us. Only in this way can we attract them to consume."

Wang Jianye listened quietly. After thinking for a moment, he slowly said, "Well, everyone is right. We can't just sit there and wait for death. We have to take the initiative. We should first conduct a comprehensive review of the menu. This is the top priority. We should make appropriate adjustments to those dishes that are relatively expensive but have not sold well."

He paused and continued, "I have an idea. We can launch some small-portion dishes. Customers' spending power is limited now, so if the price of small-portion dishes is lowered, customers can try more dishes for less money, which they will find more cost-effective. In addition, small-portion dishes can also meet the needs of some customers who want to try a variety of dishes."

The marketing manager's eyes lit up, and he nodded and said, "Boss Wang, this is a good idea. Many customers now have this mentality, wanting to save money while trying more different flavors. Introducing small portions may attract a lot of customers. We can design the menu of small portions more exquisitely to highlight the characteristics and cost-effectiveness of the dishes."

Wang Jianye agreed, and then continued: "In addition, the business packages and membership system we launched before have been very effective, and we must continue to increase our promotion efforts in this regard. The business packages are very attractive to customers from surrounding office buildings, and we must stabilize this part of the customer base. The membership system can increase customer stickiness and make old customers more willing to consume with us." The kitchen supervisor listened and nodded slightly. He said: "Boss Wang, don't worry. Our kitchen will adjust according to the new dishes and reasonably arrange the purchase and production process of ingredients.

For small portions, we will accurately calculate the amount of ingredients to avoid waste and keep costs within a reasonable range. At the same time, whether it is small portions or other dishes, we will ensure the quality of the dishes and will not reduce the quality due to price adjustments. "

Wang Jianye looked at the kitchen supervisor and said with satisfaction: "Okay, this aspect depends on your kitchen to control. Quality is the lifeline of our restaurant, and we can't lose it at any time."

The head of the service department also spoke up: "Boss Wang, our service department also has a plan.

We will further strengthen our services to customers so that they can still feel our attentive service even when their spending power declines.

We will train the waiters to improve their service awareness and communication skills.

For example, when customers are ordering food, the waiter can recommend dishes more reasonably based on the number of customers and their needs, including our small portions and set meals.”

Wang Jianye nodded with satisfaction: "Very good, everyone has a lot of ideas. The current economic downturn is a challenge, but as long as we work together, we will definitely find a way to deal with it. Next, let's act according to this idea."

In the following days, everyone in the hotel was busy, actively implementing the measures proposed at the meeting.

In the kitchen, the chefs gathered together to discuss the details of making small dishes.

A senior chef said: "We need to think carefully about the quantity and presentation of these small dishes. The quantity should be accurate, neither making customers feel that it is too little, but also ensuring the cost. The presentation should also be exquisite, so that the small dishes look delicate and appetizing."

Another chef responded: "Yes, like our previous dish 'braised prawns', the price is relatively high and the sales are average. This time we can offer a smaller portion, about half the amount of the original, but the price can be reduced by one third. The number of prawns and the presentation of the dish need to be carefully designed."

"Yes, there is also the 'steamed sea bass' dish. For a smaller portion, you can choose a slightly smaller sea bass with equally delicious meat. If the price is lowered and paired with some exquisite side dishes, it will definitely be popular."

The kitchen manager listened and offered his opinions from time to time: "Everyone is right, but we need to communicate well with the purchasing department on food procurement.

Although the amount of ingredients used in small portions is less, the quality should not be reduced. When purchasing, we should pay attention to choosing the right supplier and purchase quantity to avoid a backlog of ingredients. "

The purchasing department was also busy, and the purchasing manager was dealing with suppliers.

The purchasing manager said to a long-term vegetable supplier: "Boss Li, our restaurant is now introducing small-portion dishes, and the purchase quantity and specifications of vegetables may change. We need some small-portion vegetables with good quality and reasonable prices. Can you provide us with some suitable sources?"

Boss Li responded: "No problem, but the price of this small portion of vegetables may be different from the large portion, after all, the cost of packaging and selection will be higher."

The purchasing manager said, "We understand this, but you have to give us a better price. We are making this adjustment to cope with market changes. Let's support each other."

After some negotiations, the purchasing department reached a new cooperation agreement with various suppliers to ensure the supply of ingredients for small portions.

The service department started intensive training, with the head of the service department personally demonstrating how to recommend dishes to customers.

The service manager said to the waiters: "For example, when you see two customers coming to dine, you can say: 'Hello, we have introduced some small dishes that are very suitable for you two to taste.

For example, this small portion of "Wang's Braised Pork" has tender meat, rich flavor, and a good portion size. The price is also very affordable. We also have some set meals with better value for money. You can consider them. "We want to make customers feel that we care about them."

The waiters listened attentively and asked questions from time to time.

"Supervisor, if a customer says they don't want a small portion, but would like to order a large portion, what should we say?"

The service manager replied: "Then you can remind customers of our take-away service. If they can't finish the food, they can take it away to avoid waste.

At the same time, we can introduce them to the benefits of the membership system, such as points can be exchanged for gifts, etc., to increase customers' willingness to consume. "

The marketing department is also working intensively.

They redesigned the menu, marking small portions with eye-catching colors and patterns to highlight the value for money.

At the same time, we have increased the publicity of business packages and membership systems.

The marketing manager said to the publicity staff, "We need to put up more posters in office buildings and surrounding communities. The posters should highlight our business packages and newly launched small-portion dishes. We also need to make some flyers for the membership system, detailing the membership benefits and benefits, to attract more people to apply for membership."

The publicity officer responded, "Okay, Manager. We can also set up a promotional sign at the entrance of the restaurant, showing pictures and prices of small portions to attract the attention of passers-by."

With everyone's joint efforts, the hotel's new strategy has gradually shown results.

One day at noon, a few young office workers came to the restaurant. A waiter greeted them with a smile and said enthusiastically: "Hello, everyone, welcome to Wang's All-inclusive Restaurant.

We now have many new small dishes that are perfect for you. For example, this small portion of 'Kung Pao Chicken' has tender chicken, crispy peanuts, and a sweet and sour sauce. It's only half the price of the original large portion, so you can try a few different dishes."

One of the young men's eyes lit up and said, "Really? That's great. We're just looking for more flavors. Give us a small portion of 'Fish-flavored Shredded Pork' and 'Stir-fried Vegetables'."

Another young man also said: "By the way, do you have any special offers here?"

The waiter replied: "We have a membership system. If you spend a certain amount of money, you can get a membership card for free. You can get a 20% discount on your birthday, and you can redeem points for gifts. We also have a special business package for friends in office buildings, which is also very cost-effective." (End of this chapter)