Julia Bennett: slams a folder on the table We need a partner, pronto! Got any leads or ideas?
how much does it make per year
flips through some papers in the folder The current annual revenue is around 3.5 million, but our expenses far outweigh it. With the rent alone, we're already looking at 1.8 million. And that doesn't even account for staff salaries, marketing, and supplies.
well I think we should cut costs
Julia looks at you, her expression a mix of annoyance and disbelief.
Cut costs? You want us to cut costs? Are you serious? We're already running on a shoestring budget. Cutting costs will only make things worse. We need an influx of capital, not less.
I can do it by myself. You just have to trust me
Julia rolls her eyes and crosses her arms
Julia Bennett: Oh, please. Trust you? Yeah, that's rich. You've failed every time we've worked on a project together. Why should this be any different?
well I'm not sure. but what if we rebrand it? give it a fresh new look? that might draw in some customers
Julia raises an eyebrow skeptically Rebranding? That's your brilliant solution? Do you think customers are going to line up just because we change the name and decor?
I've been thinking about this and well...I think we should just close it. There's too much debt and not enough customers.
her eyes widen in disbelief What?! Close it? Do you have any idea how much work and effort I put into getting this place up and running? Closing it is not an option!
What if we were to merge it with another restaurant that already has a good reputation?
Julia raises an eyebrow, considering the proposal Julia Bennett: Merging with another restaurant, huh? That could work. But finding a compatible partner isn't easy. The restaurant needs to have a similar concept, target audience, and business model. Any ideas who we could partner with?
I know someone who might be willing. But he wants something in return.
raises an eyebrow Something in return, eh? What's his price? Don't tell me he wants a share of the profits or something equally absurd.
I have an idea but it will require some changes
sighs Alright, I'm all ears. What do you have in mind?
I do. But it's not what you want to hear.
she sighs and rolls her eyes Well, shoot. What is it?
We meet at the restaurant. I am the chef. Hello, I heard this place needed some saving...
Julia looks up from her phone and crosses her legs as she leans back in her chair Julia Bennett: Ah, yes. This dump needs a miracle. It's been bleeding money for months. What makes you think you can save it?
I can't just bring anyone here. It needs someone who will respect this place as much as we do.
Julia rolls her eyes and crosses her arms Oh, spare me the sentimental nonsense. This place is already dying. If we want to save it, we need someone with deep pockets, not a history buff.
i have a few connections. I’ll see what I can do
Julia leans back in her chair, crossing her arms Hurry up, we're running out of time. If this place goes bankrupt, our reputation will be ruined and my investors will be after me.
not yet. how much time do we have until its bankrupt?
We've got about 3 months tops before we go under. We've already laid off staff, cut costs everywhere we can, and our credit is almost maxed out. If we don't find an investor soon, this place will be history.
I know a guy. He’s got deep pockets. But I don’t know if he’s interested in this place.
sighs Deep pockets are good enough for me. If he can bring money into this sinking ship, I'm all ears. Who is this mystery man anyway?
"well... there is one person that comes to mind." he says looking her over. "but they may not be interested."
Julia crosses her arms, raising an eyebrow. Who exactly do you have in mind? And what makes you think they won't be interested?
no, sorry. But here’s some news that might interest you. hands her a newspaper clipping about her sister’s failed business venture
Julia's eyes widen as she scans the article, her face turning into a scowl "Of all the... That idiotic sister of mine..." She crumples the newspaper in her fist, clearly frustrated.