Chapter 217: Treatment for the Restaurant Staff
Chapter 217: Treatment for the Restaurant Staff
County Town.
West City Road.
At this moment, Deng Shirong was inspecting the three-story building he had commissioned the county construction company to build, accompanied by his son and daughter-in-law.
The exterior of the three-story building had been painted, but the second and third floors were still unfinished, which was to be expected.
Deng Shirong's main focus was on the first floor. After all, this was a building costing over 300,000 yuan, and it certainly wasn't just a simple structure. While the first-floor decoration might not be top-tier, it was still quite good for this era.
The first floor covered over 1,000 square meters. The kitchen took up more than 100 square meters, and there were ten private dining rooms, each with its own bathroom, totaling over 300 square meters.
Additionally, there was a tea room, two restrooms, and a cash register, with the staircase located behind the register.
The remaining 500-plus square meters were filled with 28 round tables for ten people, 28 long rectangular tables for six, and 22 square tables for four.
Including the tables in the private dining rooms, there were a total of 88 tables, capable of seating 600 to 700 guests at once. This level of hospitality was unparalleled in the county town, with no other restaurant able to match it.
Deng Shirong didn't expect such a large number of guests in this era. The main reason for building such a large capacity was to host important events like weddings, full-moon celebrations, and birthdays, as well as group gatherings for organizations. These were the primary sources of revenue for the restaurant.
Relying solely on individual diners would be difficult to make a profit in this era.
After the inspection, Deng Shirong, satisfied, said to the site manager, Manager Chen, who was accompanying him, "Manager Chen, your company's efficiency and quality are excellent. I am very satisfied."
Manager Chen smiled, "Mr. Deng, your satisfaction is all we need. We hope you will consider continuing to work with us when you decide to renovate the second and third floors. We will ensure the quality and meet your requirements."
Deng Shirong nodded, "No problem. I'll contact your company when I'm ready to renovate the second and third floors."
Manager Chen beamed, "Thank you for your trust, Mr. Deng!"
After the inspection was approved, Deng Shirong promptly paid the final installment.
Back at his residence on the street, Deng Shirong went to the court entrance and, holding his pipe, said to Zhang Guoan, "Brother Zhang, my restaurant is ready. I plan to open it on the 18th day of the fifth lunar month. You can have your uncle and the others come to meet me tomorrow to discuss the working hours and benefits."
Zhang Guoan smiled, "Sure, I'll inform them after work today. They've been waiting for your call!"
Deng Shirong, while stuffing tobacco into his pipe, said, "Also, I mentioned needing someone to beat the gong and eight people to hold up advertising signs during the parade on the opening day. Have you found suitable candidates yet?"
Zhang Guoan nodded, "Don't worry, I've found them all. When I mentioned this in the village, everyone was eager to help. I picked eight attractive young women and housewives. Should I have them come to meet you tomorrow?"
Deng Shirong lit his pipe with a match, took a few puffs, and then shook his head, "No need, it would be a waste of their time. The tasks of beating the gong and holding the signs are simple. I can explain everything to them on the opening day."
Zhang Guoan said, "Do whatever you think is best. If you need me, I'll have them come over tomorrow. If not, they can come on the opening day."
...
The next morning.
Deng Shirong, along with his son, daughter-in-law, and nephew, met the new employees—Zhang Guangzong, Zhang Guofu, Zhang Wenjuan, and Zhang Wenying—at the yet-to-open restaurant.
After exchanging greetings, Deng Shirong looked at Zhang Guangzong, the eldest and most respected among them, and said with a smile, "Uncle Zhang, once the restaurant opens, if I'm around, I'll have a few drinks with you every day. If I'm not, my son will join you. Your job is to ensure the safety of our restaurant and keep out any troublemakers."
Zhang Guangzong smiled warmly and replied, "Boss, don't worry. I still have some clout in the county. With me around, those ruffians won't dare cause any trouble."
Deng Shirong knew Zhang Guangzong wasn't exaggerating. He had learned from Zhang Guoan that Uncle Zhang was once a core member of the Tongxin Society and had made significant contributions to the Party. If not for a moment of weakness that led to some mistakes, he would likely be a prominent figure in the county by now.
Even so, with his extensive network, everyone in the county gave him some respect.
As for the ruffians, most of them knew better than to mess with Zhang Guangzong. Even the lowest of the low wouldn't dare challenge him, simply because of his status in the new village.
Deng Shirong said, "I'll be counting on you, Uncle Zhang. The restaurant is just starting out, and we don't know if it will succeed. So, for now, I can only offer you a monthly salary of twenty yuan. I hope you won't mind!"
Zhang Guangzong chuckled, "Boss, you're too kind. Having good food and drinks every day, plus twenty yuan a month, is like living the life of a god. Why would I mind?"
"Good to hear that you don't mind!"
Deng Shirong then turned to Zhang Guofu and said, "Chef Zhang, for now, I can only offer you a monthly salary of eighty yuan. I hope you won't mind. Once the restaurant starts making money, I'll raise your salary next year. Is that okay?"
Hearing this, Zhang Guofu smiled contentedly, "Boss, I'll work hard."
No wonder he was satisfied. When he worked as a chef at the state-owned restaurant in Shuangfeng Commune, his salary was much lower.
Deng Shirong nodded and then looked at Zhang Wenjuan and Zhang Wenying, saying, "Your monthly salary will be twenty-five yuan, with meals provided but no accommodation. Is that acceptable?"
Both Zhang Wenjuan and Zhang Wenying responded with delighted expressions, "Boss, that's fine. We'll work hard too."
As the saying goes, every person has their place. In this era, finding a job in the county without much education was no easy task. Working as a waitress in the restaurant and earning twenty-five yuan a month was already a great deal.
Moreover, the meals were provided, which was far better than what they could get at home.
For them, who rarely got to eat meat more than twice a month, this was something to look forward to.
After settling the salaries with the new employees, Deng Shirong discussed the restaurant's opening preparations with Chef Zhang Guofu.
(End of Chapter)
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