Chapter 166 - 165: Grand Opening (Second Update)
There were four or five tables of people sitting in the hall, not too many, because many people were unfamiliar with the spicy hot pot style and had questions, so it was mostly people daring to try new food.
Moreover, with the opening of a new restaurant, many people were also attracted by its cleanliness.
As the customers ordered from the menu, the steaming hot pot was served, and the rich aroma of spice filled the hall, surprising many guests.
This was indeed a different taste from the hot pot they were used to.
Looking at the oily, vibrant red broth in the pot, everyone’s taste buds were stimulated and saliva was secreted.
It looked incredibly spicy.
Once many people started eating, their eyes lit up.
The speed of eating increased significantly.
The taste did indeed entice them to eat more and more.
With fresh ingredients, thinly sliced lamb and beef were swished in the broth and dipped in expertly crafted sesame paste, truly a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
There were also those fresh fish balls and prawn balls that no one had seen before, boiled in the pot, tasting them, they were incredibly delicious.
The fried tofu skin had a texture that left you wanting more.
So even though there were only five or six tables of guests, the atmosphere was extremely lively.
Every table kept adding more dishes now and then.
This finally put Gu Ruhai and Li Xuemei’s minds at ease.
But looking at the still empty part of the hall and the private rooms on the second floor, the couple was still worried.
They had to support quite a few employees.
If there were only these few tables a day, how could they support so many staff?
Their hearts were in their throats.
By noon at twelve, there were finally around eleven or twelve tables in the hall, adding a bit of buzz, but it was still not full.
The second floor was empty.
Some people entered through the main door, and Gu Xiaoqing immediately recognized Li Shangmin leading a group, tugged on Li Xuemei and Gu Ruhai to go up and greet them.
"Director Li, your presence graces us with honor. Come, please to the second floor."
Gu Ruhai had been trained a week in advance by Gu Xiaoqing, knowing that his father was the pillar of the family. Future hosting relied on him, so he needed to develop the ability to adapt to any guest appropriately.
Seeing this, Li Shangmin smiled and introduced to his companions, "This is Boss Gu, and Boss Gu, these are all our commercial street leaders. Since today is your opening, I specially invited them here to sample your new cuisine.
Please entertain them well."
Gu Xiaoqing’s heart skipped a beat, seeing these were leaders of similar rank to Li Shangmin.
A private room opened on the second floor, where Li Shangmin and his group dined.
Regarding the dishes, Li Shangmin directly instructed to serve the best ones.
So, the order was placed by Gu Xiaoqing.
At the end of lunch, being the first day, everyone was new and felt very tired.
Li Shangmin’s group was the last table to leave, and after they finished eating, Gu Xiaoqing had the kitchen prepare a platter of fruit to deliver to them, highlighting it was a gesture due to Li Shangmin’s influence.
Li Shangmin, feeling the honor of it, started to value the Gu Family more.
Besides, the hot pot was indeed delicious; several of Li Shangmin’s companions, now leaders in various departments like commerce, taxation, and police, were pleasantly surprised by this unique dish.
This hot pot was different from traditional ones, and everyone left satisfied.
Additionally, seeing the owner was adept with business, they privately considered this place seemed upscale, suitable for future dining invitations.
At the counter, Li Shangmin settled the bill, and Gu Xiaoqing specifically offered him a 30% discount, considering he was a leader on the commercial street, and the gesture showed appreciation even though they didn’t eat for free.
Alongside, Gu Xiaoqing also handed Li Shangmin a black card designed as a future VIP card to keep influential and capable guests feeling special.
This way, they’d feel esteemed and would likely visit more often.
He Cui and Fang Shaonan hadn’t come.
One week after the opening, business finally stabilized.
Daily occupancy shifted from initially two-thirds, to later being fully packed, and eventually the turnover rate reached 200%.
Almost every day there was a queue of waiting guests.
They were willing to wait.
In the end, Gu Xiaoqing had no choice but to have Gu Ruhai buy some chairs to set up a waiting area at the entrance.
Gu Ruhai and Li Xuemei no longer worried about business; now, they were as busy as dogs, everyone’s feet barely touching the ground.
Gu Xiaoqing roughly calculated, the daily turnover had reached around five thousand, and after approximate costs, daily profits were around two thousand.
This was a significant amount.
When Gu Ruhai and Li Xuemei first heard the number, they were startled.
Two thousand a day?
Previously, they had only made a little over a thousand in a month.
This was unreal.
Two thousand each day.
Life in the city was indeed different from the countryside.
They weren’t worried about city life at all, living was better than in the village.
Every day was joyful, without worries of trouble, and even Gu Xiaojie’s school problems were solved.
Finding a nearby elementary school, which hadn’t yet opened to non-local students, there was still always a backdoor route.
This was thanks to Li Shangmin’s goodwill.
Li Shangmin and the headmaster of the local elementary school were childhood friends, just one word, and it was resolved.
Gu Ruhai carried cigarettes and alcohol to thank Li Shangmin, but was stopped by him.
It wasn’t about Li Shangmin’s integrity, but he perceived the family as genuine people, plus He Cui’s relations were involved, and he didn’t want to complicate things with personal interests.
At the very least, in the Gu Family’s restaurant, Li Shangmin was the most distinguished guest.
Gu Ruhai was full of gratitude, believing he encountered good people everywhere.
Thus, before Gu Xiaoqing’s school started, Gu Family’s business got on track.
Li Weimin and Li Weiqiang, finding it inconvenient to stay in the city because of bringing the whole family, especially since both sons were about to start families, couldn’t compare to the Gu Family.
They rented out their house for six thousand a year, paid in full in one payment.
Signed a contract and rented it out.
Both families returned home. (To be continued. If you like this work, please go to Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets; your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)