Building a Conglomerate in Another World

The morning sun filtered through the curtains of Hillcrest Estate, casting a warm glow over the dining room. Amber Hesh was seated at the head of the table, reading a novel while sipping her morning tea. She looked up as the sound of footsteps approached, smiling as Matthew entered, carrying a box filled with various ingredients.

"Good morning, Amber," Matthew greeted, setting the box on the kitchen counter with an air of excitement.

"Good morning," Amber replied, intrigued by the assortment of items. "What’s all this?"

"An experiment," Matthew said with a grin, rolling up his sleeves. "I’ve been thinking about the menu for the fast food restaurant, and I want to try making a few dishes myself."

Amber raised an eyebrow, a playful smile tugging at her lips. "You? Cooking? This, I have to see."

"Don’t underestimate me," Matthew teased, pulling out a small notebook where he had jotted down recipes. "I’m not a chef, but I know what I’m doing. Trust me."

Amber laughed, closing her book and setting it aside. "Alright, Mr. Hesh. Show me what you’ve got."

Matthew transformed their spacious kitchen into a makeshift fast food testing lab. He laid out the ingredients on the counter: fresh chicken, ground beef, potatoes, flour, oil, and an assortment of spices.

"I’m going to make three things," he explained, tying an apron around his waist. "Fried chicken, burgers, and fries. Simple, but if we get these right, we’ll have a solid foundation for the menu."

Amber watched curiously as Matthew began prepping. He marinated the chicken in a mixture of buttermilk and spices, explaining the process as he worked.

"The buttermilk tenderizes the chicken, and the spices give it flavor. This will make the coating stick better when we fry it."

Next, he peeled and sliced the potatoes into thin strips, soaking them in water. "This removes excess starch and helps the fries get crispier when fried," he said, glancing at Amber, who nodded with interest.

Finally, he formed the ground beef into patties, seasoning them lightly with salt and pepper. "The key to a good burger is simplicity," Matthew noted. "Too many ingredients can overpower the flavor of the meat."

Matthew heated a pot of oil on the stove for frying, keeping an eye on the temperature. Once it was ready, he coated the chicken in a seasoned flour mixture and carefully lowered the pieces into the hot oil. The kitchen filled with the mouthwatering aroma of frying chicken.

Amber leaned against the counter, inhaling deeply. "That smells amazing."

"Wait until you taste it," Matthew said confidently.

While the chicken cooked, he moved on to the fries. After draining the soaked potato strips, he fried them in batches, removing them when they turned a golden brown. A sprinkle of salt finished them off.

The burgers came last. Matthew heated a cast-iron skillet, placing the patties on the hot surface. They sizzled and released a savory aroma, filling the kitchen with warmth. He toasted the buns lightly, then assembled the burgers with cheese, lettuce, and a dollop of mayonnaise.

Matthew set the table with the three dishes: a platter of crispy fried chicken, a basket of golden fries, and two freshly made burgers. He gestured for Amber to sit, taking a seat across from her.

"Alright," Matthew said, watching her expectantly. "The moment of truth."

Amber picked up a piece of fried chicken, taking a bite. The crunch of the crispy coating gave way to juicy, flavorful meat. She closed her eyes briefly, savoring the taste.

"This is incredible," she said, her eyes wide. "The seasoning is perfect, and the chicken is so tender."

Matthew grinned, clearly pleased. "I told you."

Next, Amber tried the fries. She popped one into her mouth, smiling as the crisp exterior gave way to a soft, fluffy interior. "These are better than anything I’ve ever had at a restaurant," she declared.

Finally, she took a bite of the burger. The combination of the juicy patty, melted cheese, and fresh toppings elicited a satisfied sigh. "Matthew," she said, setting the burger down, "this is genius. If this is what you’re planning to serve at the restaurant, people are going to love it."

Matthew leaned back, his expression one of quiet triumph. "That’s the idea. I wanted to make food that’s simple, delicious, and fast. Something people will come back for again and again."

As they continued eating, Amber looked at Matthew thoughtfully. "You know, this really could change how people think about food. It’s not just the taste—it’s the convenience. If you can make this as quick and affordable as you’ve been talking about, it’ll be a game-changer."

"That’s the goal," Matthew said. "And it’s not just about the food. It’s about the experience. Clean, welcoming spaces, friendly service, and consistency. People should know exactly what they’re getting every time they walk in."

Amber smiled, wiping her hands with a napkin. "You’ve thought of everything, haven’t you?"

"Not everything," Matthew admitted. "But I’ve got the foundation. Now it’s about building on it."

After they finished eating, Matthew cleared the table, placing the empty plates in the sink. Amber leaned against the counter, watching him with a mix of admiration and curiosity.

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"What’s next?" she asked.

Matthew turned to her, his expression determined. "Next, I start looking for the right location. A small space in Amsterdam, somewhere with high foot traffic. Then I’ll work on hiring staff and setting up the kitchen."

Amber nodded. "And the menu? Will it just be these three items?"

"For now," Matthew said. "I want to keep it simple. Fried chicken, burgers, fries, and maybe milkshakes. Once the restaurant is running smoothly, we can think about expanding the menu." @@novelbin@@

"How about the suppliers?"

Amber’s question hung in the air, and Matthew leaned against the counter, folding his arms.

"That," he said after a moment, "is going to be one of the biggest hurdles."

Amber tilted her head, curiosity sparkling in her eyes. "What do you mean? Isn’t it just a matter of finding local farms and suppliers?"

Matthew sighed, shaking his head. "I don’t think the current supply won’t be able to keep up with the demand because this idea is novel. Looks like I have to work on something else first before launching it."