Siheyuan: Starting as a Chef Apprentice

Boss Liu on the other end of the phone responded enthusiastically: "Xiao Chen, the catering market in Zaozhuang is quite lively. Everyone loves to eat and also likes to eat together.

We locals have a special liking for local cuisine, which has strong flavors, especially spicy food. We cannot live without spicy food.

However, in recent years, with the development of the economy, people are more accepting of new things from outside.”

After Chen Yu asked in detail about the local food supply, rental levels, consumption habits, and competitors, he hung up the phone.

After several weeks of hard work, he compiled a detailed research report.

At the briefing meeting, Chen Yu presented his research results to Wang Jianye and Master Li.

“Mr. Wang, Mr. Li, after researching, I found that opening a store in Zaozhuang has both opportunities and challenges.

Zaozhuang people love food and have a certain desire to explore new flavors. Our fusion cuisine concept may attract customers who are looking for novel experiences.

But we must fully consider local taste preferences and incorporate more spicy elements and Zaozhuang specialty ingredients into the dishes while ensuring that the portions are affordable enough.

In addition, I suggest that we choose a location near a commercial street in the city center or a large community, where there is a large flow of people and many potential customers. "

Chen Yu pointed at Zaozhuang on the map and said seriously.

After listening to this, Master Li thought for a while and said, "Then we can combine Korean and Singaporean cuisine with Zaozhuang's specialties. For example, we can use Zaozhuang's spicy chicken cooking method to make Korean fried chicken, and combine Singaporean curry with Zaozhuang's special bean products to develop new dishes based on Zaozhuang's local ingredients.

At the same time, we need to pay attention to the portion and pricing of dishes, which must be in line with the consumption habits of Zaozhuang people.”

Wang Jianye nodded with satisfaction: "Okay, let's go in this direction.

Xiao Chen, you continue to follow up on the store site selection and related procedures in Zaozhuang; Lao Li, you start developing new dishes as soon as possible.

I came to contact local business partners in Zaozhuang. "

Chef Li returned to the kitchen and immediately called a meeting of the chef team.

In the kitchen, all kinds of ingredients were neatly arranged, and the brand new kitchen utensils were shining under the light.

The chefs sat together, listening attentively to Master Li's speech.

Master Li cleared his throat and said, "Guys, we are going to expand into the ZZ market, and this time the challenge is not small.

We have to combine Hanxin cuisine with the characteristics of Zaozhuang and develop dishes that the people of Zaozhuang will like.

Everyone should use their brains and speak freely, and feel free to express any ideas. "

Chef Xiao Wang scratched his head and said, "Master, will it taste good if we combine Zaozhuang spicy chicken with Korean fried chicken? I'm a little worried."

Master Li smiled and said, "Innovation means continuous experimentation, and there may be unexpected results.

Everyone should be bold and do it. Only by practicing can you know whether it works or not."

In the following days, the kitchen became their testing ground.

Chef Li and the chefs are constantly trying new ingredient combinations and cooking methods.

They use local chili peppers, peppercorns and other seasonings from Zaozhuang, combined with Korean fried chicken powder and sauces, Singaporean curry and coconut milk, etc.

"Master, try this Korean fried chicken marinated with Zaozhuang peppers. I added some local sweet noodle sauce. It tastes very special."

Chef Xiao Zhang said as he held a plate of new dishes.

Master Li tasted it and his eyes lit up: "Not bad, the taste is very unique.

The spiciness of Zaozhuang pepper and the mellowness of sweet noodle sauce give the fried chicken a different flavor.

However, the amount of chili can be adjusted to make the spiciness more prominent. ”

Through a friend's introduction, Wang Jianye met Zhao Gang, a local businessman who had extensive connections in the Zaozhuang business circle.

Zhao Gang is tall, straightforward and speaks with a strong Zaozhuang accent.

The two met for the first time at a business exchange event.

Wang Jianye extended his hand enthusiastically: "Mr. Zhao, I have long heard of your name and I am honored to meet you today.

Our Wang's full range of restaurants have opened branches in many locations and are doing pretty good business.

Now we are planning to open a branch in Zaozhuang and bring our fusion cuisine to our friends in Zaozhuang.”

Zhao Gang laughed heartily and shook Wang Jianye's hand vigorously: "Boss Wang, I have heard about your restaurant a long time ago.

Fusion cuisine is a new thing in Zaozhuang and has great market potential.

I can help you find a suitable store, and I can also use my connections to help you solve some local problems. "

After several communications, the two reached a cooperation intention.

Zhao Gang started looking for a suitable store in Zaozhuang, while Wang Jianye continued to prepare other matters for opening the store.

However, problems arose during the preparation process.

The first issue is the store decoration. The local decoration team in Zaozhuang is accustomed to the traditional Chinese style and has difficulty understanding the fusion style decoration plan proposed by Chen Yu.

"Mr. Chen, we have been doing renovations for many years, and we have always done them in Chinese style. We don't quite understand how to do your fusion style."

The person in charge of the decoration team said with a frown.

Chen Yu patiently explained: "Our fusion style is to have both oriental charm and modern elements, and also reflect the multicultural characteristics of our hotel.

For example, we can add some modern metal decorations to the Chinese wooden structure and be more creative in the lighting design.”

After many communications and modifications to the design plan, the decoration team finally understood Chen Yu's intentions and began construction according to the plan.

Then, problems arose in purchasing ingredients.

Due to insufficient understanding of local food suppliers, a batch of Zaozhuang specialty bean products they purchased had quality problems. The bean products had a poor taste, which affected the quality of the dishes.

"What should we do, Mr. Wang? This batch of soy products cannot be used, and the new supplier has not been determined yet. The opening time is getting closer and closer."

Chen Yu said anxiously. Wang Jianye frowned, thought for a moment and said, "Xiao Chen, contact Zhao Gang and ask him to help recommend a reliable supplier.

We can’t lose our composure because of this little difficulty.”

With the help of Zhao Gang, they found a reliable food supplier and solved the food problem.

...Finally, after long and careful preparations, the opening day of the Zaozhuang branch arrived as scheduled like a grand celebration.

In the early morning, the sunlight sprinkled softly on the streets and alleys of Zaozhuang like a golden veil, and the poplar trees on the street rustled in the breeze.

At the entrance of the Zaozhuang branch of Wang's All-Season Restaurant, big red lanterns are hung high and red ribbons are dancing in the wind, as if warmly welcoming guests from all directions.

There are several pots of brightly colored roses placed in front of the store. The delicate petals sparkle in the sunlight, and the rich floral fragrance permeates the air, blending with the lively atmosphere and complementing each other.

Wang Jianye was wearing a neat black suit, his tie was tied meticulously, his hair was neatly combed, and his leather shoes were polished to a shine.

He stood at the door of the store, his hands slightly clenched into fists, his eyes revealing nervousness and anticipation.

Chen Yu stood beside him, wearing a simple dark blue business suit. He raised his hand from time to time to adjust his glasses, his eyes full of anxiety and uneasiness.

Master Li was wearing a chef's uniform as white as snow, his hat worn straight on, his hands folded in front of him, slightly clenched into fists, as if he was always ready to take on any challenge.

Although before the opening, they placed large advertisements in local newspapers, arranged for employees to distribute flyers in busy areas, and aired carefully produced advertisements on the radio, but facing the upcoming unknown, their hearts were still like taut strings, hanging in mid-air. It was really hard to predict whether Zaozhuang's customers would welcome this unique cuisine that blends flavors from many countries.

The opening bell rang melodiously, breaking the tranquility of the early morning.

The first customer stepped into the store. He was an old man with gray hair, wearing a blue Zhongshan suit that had become a little pale from being washed. The cloth shoes on his feet were old in style but very clean, and his steps were steady and powerful.

Under the enthusiastic guidance of the waiter, he slowly walked to the window seat and looked at every corner of the store with curious eyes. The decorative paintings on the wall that blended elements from various countries, the unique style of lamps, and the neatly arranged tables and chairs all caught his attention.

When the menu was handed over, the old man's eyes slowly swept over the dishes with a little confusion and curiosity in his eyes. In the end, he ordered a Korean seafood pancake and a stir-fried seasonal vegetable dish that combined the flavors of Shandong cuisine and Hanxin cuisine.

The dishes were served steaming hot.

The old man picked up the chopsticks, carefully picked up a piece of seafood pancake, put it in his mouth and chewed it carefully.

His brows gradually furrowed, a trace of dissatisfaction appeared on his face, and he couldn't help but say: "Why does this taste so strange? It's so different from the dishes we usually eat in Zaozhuang.

The cuisine in Zaozhuang is rich and substantial in flavor, but the flavors in this pancake are too mixed, it feels like there is a bit of everything, but nothing stands out. "

At this time, a young lady at the next table, wearing a fashionable light yellow dress and with her long black hair casually draped over her shoulders, was tasting the curry seafood rice in front of her with great interest.

Hearing the old man’s words, she raised her head with a faint smile on her face and said, “Uncle, I think it’s quite creative.

Nowadays, we all pay attention to multiculturalism, and the same goes for food.

However, the taste does need some getting used to. For example, if the curry seafood rice had a stronger curry flavor and more seafood, it would be perfect.”

Wang Jianye, Chen Yu and Master Li were standing not far away and heard the conversation clearly. They felt as if a heavy stone was pressing on their hearts.

Wang Jianye sighed slightly, frowned, and whispered: "It seems that our grasp of the ZZ market is still not accurate enough. We must find a way to improve it quickly."

Chen Yu nodded vigorously and said seriously, "Mr. Wang, I think the most urgent task is to actively collect customer feedback. Only by clearly understanding their needs can we prescribe the right medicine.

I will arrange for the waiters to politely ask customers for their opinions and suggestions after they have finished their meals.”

So the waiters took quick action.

Whenever a customer finished their meal, they would smile, walk up to them lightly, bow slightly, hand over a carefully designed feedback form, and say in a gentle and sincere tone: "Hello, thank you very much for visiting our restaurant.

In order to provide you with a better dining experience, could you please take a moment to fill out this feedback form? Your every suggestion is very important to us and will help us make continuous progress. "

After several days of intensive collection and analysis, Chen Yu called Wang Jianye and Master Li together to prepare a detailed report on the customer feedback.

In the conference room, the lighting was soft but could not hide the solemn atmosphere, and everyone's expressions were very focused.

Chen Yu sat at the conference table with a thick stack of information in front of him. He pushed his glasses and said seriously, "Based on the customer feedback collected in the past few days, we found that Zaozhuang people have very high requirements for the taste of dishes. They prefer strong, stimulating flavors and rich and diverse tastes.

At present, some of our dishes are obviously insufficiently seasoned and cannot meet the taste demands of local customers at all.

Moreover, I have to say that the portions of some dishes are indeed a bit small for Zaozhuang people who have a big appetite.”

After listening to this, Master Li frowned, nodded, and said, "It seems that we have to adjust the dishes immediately.

I will lead the chef team to add seasoning to the dishes and emphasize the unique spicy taste of Zaozhuang pepper, which is the soul of our Zaozhuang cuisine.

At the same time, we increased the portion sizes of dishes. For example, we changed the original small portion of fried chicken into a large portion, and paired it with more side dishes with Zaozhuang characteristics, such as cold lotus root slices and spicy fried potato shreds, so that customers can enjoy and be satisfied. "

Chef Li went back to the kitchen and quickly assembled the chef team.

In the kitchen, the fire on the stove was burning brightly, various ingredients were neatly arranged and classified, and the brand new kitchen utensils were shining with metallic luster under the light.

Master Li stood in front of everyone, looking serious and determined, and said: "Guys, we are now facing a severe challenge.

Customers have reported that the taste and portion sizes of our dishes are not good enough, so we need to take action quickly.

From now on, we will increase the amount of Zaozhuang pepper used and carefully adjust the seasoning of each dish to bring out the flavor of Zaozhuang.

The portion of fried chicken is increased and Zaozhuang specialties are added as side dishes.

Let's work together to satisfy our customers!" The chefs nodded one after another, with determination and resolve in their eyes.

Xiao Zhang is responsible for adjusting the recipe of fried chicken. He stands in front of the operating table, carefully weighing the local chili peppers, peppercorns and other condiments from Zaozhuang one by one, and carefully adding them to the sauce for marinating fried chicken.

While stirring, he kept saying, "This time, I must make the chili taste stronger and incorporate the hotness of Zaozhuang into this fried chicken."

Xiao Wang was processing the fresh lotus root, cutting it into even strips, preparing to make cold lotus root slices.

He has a skilled technique and every cut is precise. The cut lotus root shreds are of uniform thickness and look like a work of art.

At the same time, Chen Yu was also busy replanning the publicity strategy.

He sat at his desk with a pile of documents in front of him, his eyes fixed on the computer screen, his fingers typing rapidly on the keyboard.

He personally wrote the copy for the new brochure, and every word was carefully considered. (End of this chapter)