Siheyuan: Starting as a Chef Apprentice

Chen Yu shook hands with the boss enthusiastically and said, "Hello, in terms of market research, we will collect information through various channels, such as online questionnaires, offline interviews, and analysis of industry reports. At the same time, we will also pay attention to local policies and regulations to ensure that our operations meet local requirements. In terms of operational management, we focus on employee training to improve the service level and professional skills of employees so that customers can enjoy high-quality services in our restaurant."

After hearing this, the boss praised repeatedly: "Mr. Wang, your team is really professional. I have gained a lot from communicating with you today. I hope we can have more opportunities for cooperation in the future."

Wang Jianye smiled and said: "Of course, the catering industry needs everyone to learn from each other and make progress together. I believe we can all achieve better results in this industry."

During the exchange activities, Wang Jianye and Chen Yu also met many other catering colleagues, exchanging experiences and sharing food culture. After the event, Wang Jianye and Chen Yu walked on the way home, the afterglow of the setting sun sprinkled on them, lengthening their figures.

Wang Jianye said with emotion: "Xiao Chen, today's exchange activities are very meaningful. We not only shared our own experiences, but also learned a lot from other peers. We must continue to work hard to make the restaurant better."

Chen Yu said firmly: "Mr. Wang, don't worry. We will continue to optimize our dishes and services, expand the market, and let Wang's full range of restaurants take root in more cities."

After returning to the restaurant, Wang Jianye, Chen Yu and Master Li gathered together again to discuss the next development plan. They knew that although some achievements had been made, the catering market was highly competitive and only by continuous innovation and progress could they remain invincible in the market.

Chef Li said: "Mr. Wang, Manager Chen, I plan to lead the chef team to continue to develop new dishes. I want to combine the barbecue characteristics of Zibo with our fusion cuisine concept to create some new barbecue dishes."

Wang Jianye's eyes lit up and he said, "Old Li, this is a good idea! Zibo barbecue is very unique. We can innovate in the selection of ingredients, seasonings and grilling methods. You should organize a team of chefs to conduct research and development as soon as possible."

Chen Yu also added: "While developing new dishes, we must also strengthen the management of existing dishes to ensure that the quality of each dish can remain stable. In addition, when expanding branches in surrounding cities, we must focus on brand promotion to let more people know about our restaurant."

In the following days, Chef Li led the chef team to start the research and development of new dishes. They studied the characteristics of Zibo barbecue and tried to match different ingredients and seasonings. They also innovated in the baking method and adopted some new baking tools and techniques.

In one attempt, Chef Xiao Zhao mixed Korean barbecue sauce with Jinan sweet noodle sauce as barbecue seasoning, applied it on the marinated pork belly, and then baked it in a special oven. When the pork belly was baked to golden and crispy, the aroma overflowed.

Master Li took a bite and said, "It tastes very good. It has the aroma of Zibo barbecue and the unique flavor of fusion seasoning. However, we can adjust the proportion of seasoning to make the taste more perfect."

After many experiments, they developed a series of new barbecue dishes, such as fusion barbecue skewers, special grilled seafood, etc. After these new dishes were launched in the restaurant, they were also loved by customers.

With the launch of new dishes and the advancement of market expansion plans, the business of the Jinan branch of Wang's All-Series Restaurant is becoming more and more prosperous. The restaurant is full every day and customers have given it rave reviews. Wang Jianye, Chen Yu and Master Li looked at the lively scene in the restaurant and felt a sense of accomplishment.

……

In the mid-1990s, Qingdao's economy was booming, beer was fragrant, seafood was abundant, and the city was full of vitality and openness. It not only had a deep foundation of traditional Shandong cuisine, but also had a high degree of acceptance of multiculturalism due to its port advantages. Wang Jianye keenly realized that this would be an excellent opportunity for Wang's full-line hotels to expand the domestic market.

Wang Jianye summoned Chen Yu and Master Li to the office again. The map on the wall added Qingdao. Wang Jianye stood in front of the map, tapped Qingdao with the pointer in his hand, and said firmly: "We have achieved remarkable results in Africa, but the domestic market has unlimited potential. Qingdao is our next target. There is a unique food culture and a huge consumer group here. We want to bring the charm of fusion cuisine to Qingdao. What do you think?"

Chen Yu pushed his glasses and thought for a moment before responding, "Mr. Wang, the QD market has broad prospects, but the competition is also very fierce. The local cuisine is mainly seafood and Shandong cuisine, and consumers have distinct taste preferences. We need to conduct in-depth research, understand local eating habits and consumer demand, and adjust our dishes and business strategies to gain a firm foothold."

Chef Li nodded slightly and added: "Indeed, Qingdao has rich seafood resources and a variety of cooking methods. We need to combine Korean-Singapore fusion cuisine with Qingdao characteristics and develop new dishes. We need to retain the characteristics of the restaurant while catering to local tastes. This is a big challenge for our cooking skills."

Wang Jianye looked at his two capable assistants with bright eyes: "Although there are many difficulties, we have come this far and have overcome countless problems. Xiao Chen, the market research and preliminary preparations will be left to you; Lao Li, focus on developing Qingdao's characteristic fusion dishes; I will contact Qingdao's local business partners and related institutions. Do you have confidence that everyone will work together?"

"Yes!" Chen Yu and Master Li said in unison, their voices firm and powerful.

Chen Yu quickly got to work and contacted local catering practitioners, market researchers and cultural scholars in Qingdao through his personal connections. He collected information and analyzed data day and night and frequently called contacts in Qingdao.

"Hello, Professor Zhang! I am Chen Yu from Wang's All-in-One Hotel. I would like to ask you, what is the current situation of Qingdao's catering market? How do local people accept foreign fusion cuisine? What are the characteristics in taste and dining habits?" Chen Yu quickly took notes on his notebook while talking on the phone. Professor Zhang responded enthusiastically on the other end of the phone: "Xiao Chen, Qingdao's catering market is prosperous, and local people have a special liking for seafood and Shandong cuisine. However, in recent years, with the opening of the city, the acceptance of new flavors has gradually increased. Qingdao people prefer fresh and salty tastes, like the original flavor, pay attention to the atmosphere when dining, and mostly consume at family gatherings and gatherings with friends."

Chen Yu asked in detail about food supply, rent levels, competitors, etc., and then hung up the phone. After several weeks of hard work, he compiled a detailed research report. At the report meeting, he showed the results to Wang Jianye and Master Li.

"Mr. Wang, Master Li, after research, we found that opening a store in Qingdao has both opportunities and challenges. Qingdao people love food, and our fusion cuisine concept is expected to attract customers who are looking for novelty. But we must respect local tastes, incorporate seafood and Shandong cuisine into the dishes, and ensure that the portions are large and the prices are reasonable. The recommended location is in the bustling commercial area in the city center or around large communities, which have a large flow of people and a rich customer base." Chen Yu pointed to Qingdao on the map and explained carefully.

After listening to this, Master Li thought and said, "Then we can combine Korean and Singaporean cuisine with Qingdao characteristics. For example, we can use Qingdao seafood to make Korean seafood pancakes, pair Singaporean curry with Qingdao sea fish, and develop new dishes using Qingdao's special seafood as ingredients. At the same time, we should pay attention to the portion and pricing of the dishes to suit Qingdao's consumption habits."

Wang Jianye nodded in approval: "Let's move forward in this direction. Xiao Chen, continue to follow up on the store site selection and formalities; Lao Li, start developing new dishes as soon as possible. I will contact the Qingdao business partners."

Chef Li returned to the kitchen and called a meeting with the chef team. The kitchen was clean and bright, the ingredients were neatly arranged, and the chefs sat around with focused expressions.

Chef Li cleared his throat and said, "Guys, we are going to expand into the QD market. This is a huge challenge. We need to combine Korean and New Zealand cuisine with Qingdao characteristics and develop dishes that Qingdao people will love. Everyone, please speak freely and share your ideas."

Chef Xiao Wang scratched his head and said, "Master, will it be delicious if we combine Qingdao seafood with Korean cuisine? I am a little worried."

Master Li smiled and said, "Innovation means breaking the routine. There may be surprises. Let's try boldly and practice."

Later, the kitchen became a testing ground for innovation. Chef Li and the chefs tried new combinations of ingredients and cooking methods, using Qingdao local spices such as onion, ginger, garlic, star anise, and cinnamon, combined with Korean barbecue sauce, kimchi, Singaporean curry, and coconut milk.

"Master, try this Korean barbecue marinated with Qingdao spices and added with Qingdao sweet noodle sauce. It has a unique flavor." Chef Xiao Zhang said as he served the new dish.

After tasting it, Chef Li's eyes lit up: "Not bad, the sweet noodle sauce adds a different flavor to the barbecue. But the proportion of spices can be adjusted to make the taste stronger."

……

Wang Jianye knew that personal connections were crucial to his success in Qingdao. Through the introduction of an old business friend, he learned about Sun Dahai. Sun Dahai was a legendary figure in Qingdao's business circle. He was tall and strong, like a towering mountain. He had a bold and unrestrained personality and spoke with a strong Qingdao accent. He had extensive personal connections in the local area. Whether it was business cooperation or daily trivia, as long as he was found, everything would be solved.

At a grand business exchange event, Wang Jianye finally had his first meeting with Sun Dahai. The event was held in the banquet hall of a luxury hotel. The crystal chandeliers cast brilliant light, illuminating the entire hall. Elites from all walks of life, dressed in neat suits or gorgeous dresses, holding wine glasses, shuttled among them, and the sound of conversation and laughter intertwined. Wang Jianye was wearing a well-cut dark suit, his hair was neatly combed, and his eyes were full of confidence and expectation. He recognized Sun Dahai in the crowd at a glance. He saw Sun Dahai wearing a loose Chinese-style double-breasted shirt and a thick gold necklace around his neck. He was standing in the middle of a group of people, talking about something with a beaming face, and the people around him laughed from time to time.

Wang Jianye took a deep breath and walked forward steadily, a warm smile on his face. He stretched out his right hand and said, "Mr. Sun, I have heard of your name for a long time. I am so happy to finally meet you today!" Sun Dahai turned his head and saw Wang Jianye. A hint of curiosity flashed in his eyes. Then he also stretched out his big hand and shook Wang Jianye's hand tightly. He laughed heartily, and the laughter seemed to penetrate the entire banquet hall. He said, "Haha, Mr. Wang, hello! I have heard of you and your famous Wang's full-line hotel for a long time! You are doing very well abroad, amazing!"

After exchanging a few pleasantries, the two found a relatively quiet corner to sit down. Wang Jianye picked up a glass of red wine on the table, took a sip, and said, "Mr. Sun, to be honest, our restaurant has always been committed to integrating food from all over the world to bring customers a unique dining experience. Now, we plan to bring this concept back to China, and Qingdao, a charming city, naturally became our first choice. We hope to open a branch here so that friends from my hometown can also taste different delicacies."

Sun Dahai nodded as he listened and said, "Mr. Wang, your idea is great! Although Qingdao has a lot of delicious food, fusion cuisine is relatively new and has huge market potential! I have been working in Qingdao for so many years and I know the situation here very well. If you open a store here, I can definitely help you. Finding a suitable store is not a problem. Moreover, with my connections, I can also give you advice and solve many practical problems in dealing with local suppliers and relevant departments."

Wang Jianye's eyes flashed with surprise when he heard this, and he quickly said: "Mr. Sun, your words really reassure me! With your support, our development in Qingdao will definitely avoid many detours. I will have to rely on you in the future!" Sun Dahai patted Wang Jianye on the shoulder and said: "Mr. Wang, don't be so polite. We are all doing business, and it is only natural to help each other. I also look forward to working with you to do something big in Qingdao!"

After several in-depth communications, the two hit it off and quickly reached a cooperation intention. Sun Dahai acted decisively and immediately took action to start looking for an ideal store for Wang's entire hotel chain in Qingdao. He took his assistant Xiao Li and plunged into the streets and alleys of Qingdao, from the bustling Taidong Pedestrian Street, to the literary and artistic University Road, to the emerging commercial center May Fourth Square, carefully inspecting each store one by one.

On this day, Sun Dahai and Xiao Li came to a commercial street in Shinan District. The street is lined with shops and has a large flow of people. There are also many high-end residential areas and office buildings around it, and the geographical location is very advantageous. They walked into a shop that was looking for rent. The shop was spacious, square in layout, with a large floor-to-ceiling window, and excellent lighting. Sun Dahai looked around the shop, touching the wall and knocking on the ground from time to time, muttering: "Well, this place is good, with a good location and enough space. With a little decoration, it will definitely become an attractive restaurant. Xiao Li, what do you think?" (End of this chapter)