Siheyuan: Starting as a Chef Apprentice

A white-haired old man was busy in the yard. He was Uncle Li, the owner of the workshop.

Wang Jianye walked into the yard and said to Uncle Li with a smile, "Hello, Uncle! I heard that the tofu you make here is very good. I run a restaurant and I want to talk to you about something."

Uncle Li raised his head, looked Wang Jianye up and down, and asked, "What can I do for you?" Wang Jianye told him the reason for his visit, hoping that Uncle Li could customize braised tofu for his restaurant that would suit the Xuzhou taste.

Uncle Li frowned after hearing this: "Xuzhou flavor? I've been making tofu all my life, and I've always followed the local method. I've never made tofu with Xuzhou flavor."

Wang Jianye quickly said, “Uncle, I know this is a little difficult for you, but I believe in your craftsmanship.

Xuzhou-style tofu has a mellower taste and a unique aroma from the brine.

Can you give it a try? I can provide detailed requirements and recipes.

If it succeeds, our restaurant will purchase goods from you for a long time. What do you think?" Uncle Li hesitated for a moment, looked at Wang Jianye's sincere eyes, and said slowly: "Young man, since you are so sincere, I will give it a try.

But first, if the result is not to your liking, don’t blame me.”

Wang Jianye nodded quickly: "Uncle, don't worry! If it doesn't turn out well, I won't let you waste your efforts."

While Uncle Li was trying to make Xuzhou-style braised tofu, Wang Jianye often went to the workshop to study with Uncle Li.

They repeatedly adjusted the soaking time of soybeans, the amount of brine, and the method of making brine.

After each attempt, Wang Jianye tasted it carefully and made suggestions for improvement.

After many experiments, Uncle Li finally made braised tofu that satisfied Wang Jianye.

The tofu has a delicate texture, rich bean flavor, and just the right amount of brine aroma.

Wang Jianye took a bite and said to Uncle Li excitedly: "Uncle, this is the taste! Thank you so much! This is what we have decided on from now on. You have to help me more!" Uncle Li smiled and said: "Haha, as long as you are satisfied! Don't worry, I will make it well for you in the future!" Although the supply problem of seafood and soy products was solved, transportation became a new problem.

Both seafood and tofu are extremely easy to spoil, and we used to rely on transportation from local suppliers. Now, if we want to ensure a stable supply of ingredients, we must have our own transportation system.

After careful consideration, Wang Jianye decided to purchase refrigerated trucks to form a small transport team.

He ran around and made contacts regarding car purchases.

After some comparison and negotiation, we finally selected several suitable manufacturers.

The car buying process is not always smooth sailing.

One manufacturer initially promised certain configuration and price, but when it came time to sign the contract, they suddenly changed their mind and wanted to raise the price.

Wang Jianye was very angry: "How can you go back on your word? The price and configuration we agreed on at the beginning have suddenly changed. How can I accept this?" The manufacturer's person in charge said helplessly: "Boss Wang, the price of raw materials has risen recently, and our costs have increased, so we can only raise the price a bit."

Wang Jianye argued: "Everyone should be honest when doing business. If everyone changes their minds at will like you, how can this business continue? If you insist on doing this, then there is no way we can talk about cooperation!" In the end, under Wang Jianye's tough attitude, the manufacturer signed the contract according to the original agreement.

After purchasing the refrigerated truck, Wang Jianye was busy recruiting drivers and training transportation personnel.

He personally formulated the transportation procedures and specifications, requiring that every link must ensure the freshness and safety of the ingredients.

"Everyone must transport the goods according to the prescribed temperature and time, without any negligence.

These ingredients are related to the survival of our restaurant, so we must not let them down!" Wang Jianye said seriously at the transportation staff training meeting.

The transport staff nodded one after another: "Boss Wang, don't worry, we will do our best according to your requirements!" After the small transport team was formed, refrigerated trucks set out on time to Ganyu Fishing Port and tofu workshops in the suburbs every morning.

When the first rays of sunshine shone on the city streets, fresh seafood and marinated tofu had been delivered to Wang Jianye's store.

With a stable and reliable supply of ingredients, the quality of the restaurant’s dishes has become more and more stable, and business has become more and more popular.

Customers walked into the store, tasted the delicious dishes, and gave thumbs up: "The taste of your dishes is getting more and more authentic, and the ingredients are especially fresh. I will come often in the future!" In the store's kitchen, the chefs were full of confidence looking at the fresh ingredients.

"Boss, you have finally solved the big problem this time. With such good ingredients, we will be able to make more delicious dishes!" Chef Chen said to the other chefs with a smile.

Wang Jianye stood in the store, looking at the busy and orderly scene, feeling deeply moved: "Although I encountered countless difficulties and setbacks along the way, I finally made it through.

In the future, no matter what challenges we encounter, I have the confidence to overcome them with everyone! "However, some minor problems still occurred in the early stage of the transport team.

Once, when a refrigerated truck was transporting seafood, the refrigeration equipment suddenly broke down.

When the driver Xiao Wang found out, he panicked and called Wang Jianye immediately: "Boss Wang, this is bad! The refrigeration equipment in the refrigerated truck is broken, what should we do with the seafood?" Wang Jianye said calmly on the phone: "Xiao Wang, don't panic.

See if there is any emergency repair place nearby and drive the car there to get it fixed immediately.

If there is really no time, try to find the nearest cold storage and store the seafood in it first.

We must do our best to preserve these seafoods! " Xiao Wang followed Wang Jianye's instructions and anxiously searched for a repair shop.

Finally, I found a repair shop on the roadside, but after the repairman took a look at the car, he said helplessly: "This fault is a bit troublesome and can't be fixed in a short time."

Xiao Wang was so anxious that he was running around in circles. Suddenly, he remembered that Wang Jianye said he could find a cold storage, so he quickly asked around.

With the help of a kind-hearted person, Xiao Wang finally found a cold storage and properly preserved the seafood at the critical moment.

After the refrigerated truck was repaired, Xiao Wang hurriedly delivered the seafood to the store.

"Boss Wang, this time, thanks to your advice, the seafood was finally saved."

Xiao Wang said with lingering fear.

Wang Jianye patted him on the shoulder and said, "I'm glad you're okay. Next time, you must check the vehicle carefully before driving. This kind of situation must not happen again."

Another time, there was a rare rainstorm during transportation.

The roads were severely flooded, making it difficult for vehicles to drive.

The driver, Xiao Zhang, called Wang Jianye and said, "Boss Wang, it's raining so hard that we can hardly see the road. We may be late to the store." Wang Jianye asked worriedly, "Are the ingredients in the car all right?" Xiao Zhang replied, "At the moment, they are fine. The refrigeration equipment is operating normally. I will drive carefully and try to get there as soon as possible."

Wang Jianye warned: "Be sure to pay attention to safety! If it really doesn't work, find a safe place to hide first and make sure the food and people are okay."

After several hours of difficult driving, Xiao Zhang finally delivered the ingredients safely to the store.

Looking at Xiao Zhang, who was soaked by the rain but still had a determined face, Wang Jianye said with emotion: "Xiao Zhang, thank you for your hard work! This time, thanks to you, otherwise I really don't know what I would do."

As time went on, the transport team gradually got on track and there were no major problems with food supply.

In the process of working with fishermen and Uncle Li, Wang Jianye also often cared about their lives.

Once, when he learned that a fisherman's family had an emergency and urgently needed money, Wang Jianye offered his help without hesitation: "Brother, I know you are in trouble now. Please use this money for the emergency. We are partners. When there is trouble, we will help each other."

The fisherman was so moved that his eyes filled with tears: "Boss Wang, you are such a good person. No matter what happens in the future, I will always give priority to supplying you with my seafood!" As for Uncle Li, Wang Jianye would visit him from time to time and help him with things within his ability.

Uncle Li tells everyone he meets: "Boss Wang who runs the restaurant is such an honest man. I'm lucky to be able to work with him in my life!" After this series of efforts, Wang Jianye's branch gradually got rid of its dependence on local suppliers, and business became more and more prosperous.

But Wang Jianye was not satisfied with this. He knew that only by continuous efforts and innovations could he remain invincible in the fiercely competitive catering market.

On a sunny day, Wang Jianye stood at the door of the store, gazing into the distance, his heart full of longing for the future: "There will be more challenges waiting for me in the future, but as long as I adhere to the strict requirements for ingredients and insist on operating with integrity, I believe that we can go further!" Nowadays, there are more and more customers in the store, including some tourists from afar.

A tourist from BJ said to Wang Jianye excitedly: "Boss, I have always heard that the seafood in Lianyungang and the food in Xuzhou are very unique. I didn't expect to taste such authentic and well-blended dishes here. It's really great!" Wang Jianye smiled and responded: "Thank you for your compliment. We just want to present the most authentic taste to everyone.

I hope you enjoy your meal and come often in the future!" After finishing their meal, a young couple said happily, "This restaurant not only has delicious food, but it also seems to have many heartwarming stories behind it.

The boss works so hard for the ingredients, which is really touching.”

The man went on to say, "Yes, every time we come to Lianyungang, we will check in here!" The business in the store is becoming increasingly popular, the employees' income has also increased, and everyone's face is filled with happy smiles.

At a staff gathering, Wang Jianye stood on the stage and said affectionately: "All this is inseparable from everyone's efforts. We have experienced ups and downs together, and now we have finally gotten out of the predicament.

In the future, we will continue to work hard to make our store bigger and bigger!" The employees shouted in unison: "Good!" The sound echoed in the room, full of strength and confidence.

In the midst of his busy business, Wang Jianye never forgets to pay attention to the trends in the food market and customer feedback.

He often chats with customers in the store and asks for their opinions and suggestions on the dishes.

"Boss, I think your dishes would be better if they had a spicier flavor. I really like spicy food."

One customer said.

Wang Jianye wrote it down carefully: "Thank you for your suggestion, we will consider adjusting the taste of the dishes.

What kind of spicy food do you like? "The customer talked about his favorite spicy food with great interest. Wang Jianye listened carefully and thought that he must let the chefs do some research and introduce more dishes that suit the customers' tastes.

At the same time, Wang Jianye also noticed that some new types of food and cooking techniques had appeared on the market.

He regularly organizes chef teams to participate in food exchange meetings to learn new knowledge and skills.

"At this food exchange meeting, I saw a new cooking method that can better preserve the nutrition and freshness of seafood. Let's go back and study it together."

Wang Jianye said to the chef team.

The chefs also responded positively: "Okay, Boss Wang, we will study it carefully and try to launch the new dishes as soon as possible."

On the road of continuous exploration and innovation, Wang Jianye's branches are also facing new competition.

A large restaurant chain opened a branch nearby. Its luxurious decoration and various marketing methods attracted many customers.

"Boss Wang, that new store has taken away a lot of customers recently. What should we do?" Master Chen asked worriedly.

Wang Jianye, however, remained calm and said, “Don’t panic, everyone.

We have our own characteristics, a stable supply of ingredients and a reputation accumulated over many years.

We will stick to our own quality and continue to improve our dishes and services. I believe that customers will recognize us in the end.”

So, Wang Jianye and his team worked together to find ways to deal with the competition.

They launched a membership system to provide members with more discounts and quality services; held special food festivals to attract more customers' attention; and stepped up social media promotion to let more people know about their dishes and stories.

During the special food festival, the store is decorated with lights and is very lively.

There was a wide variety of special dishes on display, and customers enjoyed the delicious food and raved about the event.

"This food festival is great. I can taste so many delicious foods at one time!" said a customer happily.

“Yeah, this store always brings surprises.”

Another customer echoed.

With the implementation of a series of measures, Wang Jianye's branch gradually stabilized and business became booming again.

……

In this increasingly bustling restaurant on Xinpu Street in Lianyungang, the kitchen and lobby are filled with a busy atmosphere.

However, behind the bustling business scene, there are hidden unknown waves.

The old employees who followed Wang Jianye from Xuzhou to Lianyungang have the boldness and competence unique to their hometown people. They are used to communicating by shouting loudly and are quick and efficient in action. They firmly believe that an efficient rhythm can guarantee business.

The new employees recruited locally in Lianyungang have personalities as gentle as the breeze in this coastal city. They work neither hurriedly nor slowly, have a relatively slow service pace, and uphold a meticulous and comprehensive service concept.

On an ordinary working day, the restaurant welcomed the peak lunchtime. (End of this chapter)