HLnovel Chapter 189: Zhao's Kitchen Opens its First Branch in Shanghai
Chapter 189: Zhao's Kitchen Opens its First Branch in Shanghai
Vice Mayor Long Xiaofeng spoke first, his face beaming with satisfaction and delight.
Upon hearing Vice Mayor Long's praise, everyone picked up their spoons and gently scooped up a spoonful of soup to put in their mouths.
Instantly, a chorus of exclamations of praise filled the restaurant. The rich and delicious flavor seemed to dance on the tip of the tongue, leaving a lingering aftertaste.
"Mr. Zhao, I must say, you guys are really dedicated! Every time I drink at your 'Zhao's Kitchen' and go home, I almost never experience any hangover symptoms. For that reason alone, everyone should support 'Zhao's Kitchen' more in the future and definitely come and experience it for themselves!"
Vice Mayor Long Xiaofeng then added, while also casting encouraging glances at the others present.
At this moment, Mu Bin, sitting to the side, responded with a smile and a proud expression:
"Thank you, Mayor Long, for your recognition and praise. This soup is made with our 'Zhao's Kitchen's' exclusive recipe! It not only has the effect of protecting the stomach and liver, but also effectively promotes digestion, relieves greasiness, and alleviates the discomfort caused by alcohol. Every distinguished guest who dines at our 'Zhao's Kitchen' can enjoy a bowl of this nutritious and delicious health-preserving soup for free."
"Yes, they really put their heart into running the business, that's great!"
Vice Mayor Long Xiaofeng said with a smile, his words revealing his recognition and appreciation for the company.
Everyone nodded in agreement and echoed the sentiment.
At this moment, Zhao Yuan, who was sitting in the main seat, quickly stood up, his face beaming with a humble smile:
"You flatter me! I'd like to offer a toast to all the leaders. The successful opening of 'Zhao's Kitchen' in Shanghai is all thanks to your strong support. I, Zhao Yuan, am deeply grateful and truly thankful that you could take time out of your busy schedules to come and support us."
After speaking, Zhao Yuan raised his glass, gestured to each of the leaders present in turn, and then tilted his head back and drank it all in one gulp.
Following that, Zhao Yuan added:
"In the future, the growth and expansion of my 'Zhaoshi Group' in Shanghai will depend on the care and support of all the leaders."
As soon as the words were spoken, everyone present stood up and raised their glasses to clink together. The crisp sound of glasses clinking filled the banquet hall, creating a warm and harmonious atmosphere.
Everyone enjoyed the delicious food and chatted happily. Zhao Yuan led the company's employees in toasting each leader to express their sincerest respect and gratitude. The entire banquet was filled with laughter and joy, and everyone was thoroughly entertained.
After seeing off the leaders, everyone began discussing matters related to the opening of "Zhao's Kitchen" the next day. By the time everything was arranged, it was already late at night.
The next morning, as sunlight streamed onto the bustling streets of Shanghai, the "Zhao's Kitchen Shanghai First Branch," located there, celebrated its grand opening.
From afar, the rows of brightly colored opening flower baskets displayed at the store entrance resemble a magnificent sea of flowers, exuding fragrance and attracting passersby to stop and admire them.
Just after 10:18 a.m., people flocked into the store to congratulate the opening.
Holding exquisite gifts or wearing sincere smiles, they expressed their heartfelt blessings to the shop owner.
As time went on, more and more diners came to visit, and the once spacious and bright "Zhao's Kitchen" became bustling and lively.
At first, the store was able to maintain order, but soon the continuous influx of people caused the situation to gradually get out of control.
Not only was the restaurant packed, but a long queue had also formed outside the door, with customers patiently waiting for their second chance to dine.
Such a popular scene has made this newly opened restaurant an instant hit in Shanghai.
The reason for such an unprecedented success is twofold: firstly, it is due to the huge advertising effect brought about by the Spring Festival Gala, and secondly, it is thanks to a series of meticulous promotions made before the opening.
Even before "Zhao's Kitchen" officially opened for business, its name had already spread throughout the streets and alleys of Shanghai, and it was known to almost every household.
Therefore, even though there was still some time before the opening, the phone was already ringing non-stop with people making reservations in advance.
Finally, amidst everyone's eager anticipation, "Zhao's Kitchen" celebrated its first day of business.
According to the original plan, this restaurant could only accommodate a maximum of 40 tables of guests per meal.
However, to everyone's surprise, the number of people who came to dine far exceeded expectations in just one lunch period.
According to statistics, Zhao's Kitchen served a total of 98 tables of guests during the lunch period that day!
Faced with such a surge in customers, the restaurant had to take emergency measures, increasing staff and doubling the capacity for both lunch and dinner.
Meanwhile, the staff responsible for purchasing ingredients were also extremely busy.
Due to the large number of customers, the prepared food was quickly consumed. In order to ensure that subsequent customers could dine normally, the purchasing department staff had to go out again and again to urgently purchase fresh ingredients.
As night falls and the city lights come on, the city, which has been bustling all day, gradually quiets down.
But inside "Zhao's Kitchen," the lights were still on, and all the staff were still busy at their posts in a tense but orderly manner.
It wasn't until 11 p.m., after the last group of guests left satisfied, that everyone dragged their exhausted bodies to the end of the day's work.
Although everyone felt extremely tired, seeing the bustling scene before them filled them with a sense of accomplishment and joy.
Before closing time, the finance department tallied the day's revenue.
The data revealed that on the first day of opening, the restaurant served 186 tables of customers and generated a turnover of RMB [amount missing], setting a new record for "Zhao's Kitchen" since its establishment.
Keep in mind that this was in the 1980s, when the average wage in Shanghai was only around 60 yuan. "Zhao's Kitchen" was considered a high-end establishment, so it was unexpected that it became so popular.
This also made Zhao Yuan realize that Shanghai's consumption power was stronger than that of Beijing.
As night fell, Zhao Yuan dragged his slightly tired but excited body back to that cozy little villa. His heart was as turbulent as the waves of the sea.
Lying on the soft, comfortable bed, he tossed and turned, his mind filled with the scenes that had unfolded during the day—the bustling scene of the grand opening of "Zhao's Kitchen's First Branch in Shanghai" and the satisfied smiles and effusive praise from customers.