Prelaunch day has finally arrived and I am the happiest girl on the planet today. It wasn’t easy making it here but looking around my very first restaurant, I can say that it was worth it. Everything looks so elegant and chic. I swear it’s like one of those high class uMhlanga restaurants. It's just content worthy and looks so organic at the same time. It’s like nature and luxury had a baby. I spent a whole week at home resting as much as I can. I tried to move less just so I can be prepared for today and tomorrow. My doctor cleared me, but he said I should wear the surgical boot on both occasions just so I don’t strain my ankle.
My staff looks so good in their uniforms. The kitchen staff opted for white chef coats with hats and black pants. Safety boots are compulsory for kitchen staff. The front of house staff is wearing all black with dark green aprons. That’s their uniform. Today I chose to match with my kitchen staff. Tomorrow I will be wearing a different coat.
I hear a knock in my office before the hostess, Gugu, walks in. I hired her because she has that beautiful welcoming baby face. When you see her at the door, you just get so eager to see what the restaurant is all about. “It’s time, chef.”
“Thank you.” She leaves, closing the door behind her. I do a small prayer thanking God and my ancestors for being with me and giving me the strength to push my dreams until they become true. I get up and head to the kitchen. I find everyone there waiting for me.
“Guys, the second most important day of Healthy Eats is finally here. For those who have been with me since the beginning know that making it here wasn’t easy. We have faced rejection time and time again. We have received constructive criticism, been ridiculed and bashed a lot but we never gave up. We kept on praying and pushing, holding our heads up high and always focusing on the positive. That finally paid off. We have compiled so many proposals before but somehow this one got accepted and we all know what happened on presentation day.” My OG team chuckles.
“Yeah, that’s how I got this boot. I had a minor incident that led to me spraining my ankle and actually discovering that it’s much more deeper than I thought. Still, I presented with that predicament and came back with funding. I’m sorry for the long speech but this all just feels surreal to me and my heart is full of joy. Let’s pray before we open the doors. ‘Father we thank you for every wonderful thing that you have done for us. We thank you for your mercy, your grace, your kindness and your love. Today we are opening doors for our business because you gave us strength and courage to follow our passions and dreams. We pray that this night ends a success and it brings us more good luck with our business. Amen and Amen.”
“AMEN!” Everyone chants.
“Right. So guys we are going to treat today as a normal day for our customers. Don’t be afraid. When you are unsure about something, don’t hesitate to ask and confirm with any of the chefs. We all make mistakes but as long as we learn from them, those are lessons. I am not saying break glasses or whatnot but take a deep breath and good luck on your first day.” Nqobile states and everyone claps their hands.
“Open the doors Gugu. Everyone, go to your work stations and get ready for action.” I order and everyone dispenses.
“If this day is a success, we need wine to celebrate.” Pamela comments and we all laugh.
I head to the front of house and personally welcome our guests. The investors brought their family members for the Prelaunch. I also gave the staff permission to invite at least one family member or loved one for this night. We also invited three food critiques and four professional chefs for their honest opinions. It’s a non-profit night but it’s also a great test drive just to see if we are ready for tomorrow. After the investors and some other guests have settled in, I see Mbulelo walking in dressed in a nice suit and carrying a bouquet of yellow roses. I smile as I walk towards him.
“I had to dress the part.” He twirls and I giggle. “Flowers for the beautiful chef.” I take them. “Hlengi, this is just simply breathtaking. It’s so beautiful. I am proud of you.”
I blush. “Thank you, Mbulelo. And welcome to Healthy Eats.”
“I would give you a congratulations kiss but I don’t want other people to get envious.” I laugh.
“Let me show you to your table.” I lead him to a vacant table and he takes his seat. “One of the waitresses will bring you the menu, but do you have anything in particular you would like to eat today?”
“Just you.” My eyes pop out and I chuckle. “I am kidding. I am open to trying out the type of dishes that you guys serve. I am excited for that.”
I smile. “That’s what I want to hear. Isn’t Phelelani going to be joining you?”
“He is here at the mall, he just wanted to get a gift for Nqobile first.” I nod. Just then, I see Gugu leading Phelelani my way. He is carrying a small gift bag.
“Sorry I am late. Good evening, Hlengiwe and congratulations on your achievement.” He compliments as soon as he gets to us.
“Thank you, doctor.” We share a small hug and he sits down. “I will see you guys soon and I will let Nqobile know that you have arrived.”
He smiles. “Thank you.”
I greet the other guests that have arrived and then confirm with Gugu if everyone from the guest list have arrived. After that, the waiters take orders and I head to the kitchen. I place the bouquet in my office first. I find my team already waiting with their working gear.
“Nqo, Phelelani is here.” She smiles.
“I will see him later.” The waiters hand us the orders and we start working.
“Table 3 opted for the Mother Nature buffet and there are 6 people in the table.” Mitchy announces as she goes through the orders.
We have different buffets that we offer. Mother Nature Buffet consists of three different starters, five different main courses and three types of desserts. All the buffets have the bottomless drinks offer. We get on with the orders. It gets so busy and sweaty in the kitchen. By the time we are done with the starters, I can feel the pressure. But I was made for this, so it’s nothing. Just as the waiters bring back the cutlery from the first course, I head out to the guests. I click a fork on a glass just to get everyone’s attention.
“Thank you for coming out to celebrate such a wonderful occasion with us here at Healthy Eats. I would like to thank our investors. Without you guys, we wouldn’t even be here. Thank you for believing in our pipe dream.” They chuckle. “Thank you to our loved ones and friends for also bearing with us and sticking with us through thick and thin. Thank you to the critiques and chefs for coming. I hope everyone is enjoying the food. And for those on social media, don’t forget to share your experience with the world. Good or bad. We appreciate it all. If you are amazed by our delicious food, we hope you enjoy what we have in store for you guys. And lastly, welcome to Healthy Eats. We are making history today.” Everyone claps their hands.
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