Saturday was intense, but manageable with Henry working alongside him from the start. Knowing they had double the manpower, they prepped enough for 150 sales. Henry quickly mastered the packing station and moved on to helping with chip frying and even basic chicken portioning under Theo’s guidance. He was a natural all-rounder, efficient, observant, and seemingly tireless. The steady stream of customers kept them busy all day, peaking during the dinner rush but never quite reaching the frantic chaos of the previous Sunday. They closed the day with 138 sales.
"Solid day," Theo commented as they tallied the register.
"Yeah," Henry agreed, wiping sweat from his brow. "Way smoother than yesterday, even though we did more orders. Having two people makes a huge difference." Theo couldn’t agree more.
Week 20 - Sunday
Sunday, they prepped for 150 again, anticipating the usual weekend peak. And the peak came. From lunchtime onwards, the shop was slammed. Line out the door, phone ringing off the hook. But this time, with Henry seamlessly handling the counter, packing, and fryer while Theo focused on the rotisserie and managing the overall flow, it felt… controlled. Busy, yes. Exhausting, absolutely. But not the edge-of-disaster chaos of the previous Sunday. They worked in sync, a well-oiled machine powered by enhanced equipment and growing teamwork. By 8 PM, they sold the last chicken. 150 sales. Sold out again, but this time it felt like a victory achieved through capacity, not just luck. Things were looking good, real good.
Week 21 - Monday
Monday morning. Theo and Henry convened before opening.
"Okay," Theo said, looking at their prep sheets. "Weekdays are definitely quieter than weekends. But we sold out Monday and Tuesday last week with 90-100 capacity. Let's prep for 100 today and see what happens."
"Sounds good," Henry nodded. "Think we'll need more help soon though, especially if weekends keep getting crazier?"
"Been thinking the same thing," Theo admitted. "Let's see how today and tomorrow go. If we sell out easily again, we pull the trigger on hiring someone else before next weekend."
They prepped the 100 chickens. And by 7:30 PM Monday evening, they were gone. Sold out mid-dinner rush, turning away another stream of disappointed customers.
"Right," Theo said, wiping down the counter after the last chip order left. "That settles it. We need another person, at least for evenings and weekends."
Week 21 - Tuesday
Tuesday followed the same pattern. They prepped for 100, meticulously ensuring quality, and sold the last chicken just after 8 PM. The demand was consistently outstripping their two-person capacity, even on supposedly slower weeknights.
"Okay," Theo said, pulling out his phone. "Time to make the call." He scrolled through his contacts, finding the number he’d saved for Tammy, the experienced but intense candidate. She was the most qualified on paper for immediate impact. He dialled.
"Tammy? Hi, it's Theo Sterling from Maria's Charcoal Chicken."
"Oh, hi Theo!" Tammy's voice was sharp, alert. "Was wondering if I'd hear from you."
"Yeah, sorry for the delay. Things have been… unexpectedly busy," Theo understated. "Listen, the position is still open, and based on our volume, we definitely need another experienced hand, especially for evenings and weekends. Are you still interested?"
"Definitely," Tammy confirmed quickly. "When would you need me to start?"
"How's Thursday look? We could really use the help ramping up for the weekend."
"Thursday works perfectly. What time?"
They confirmed the details, agreed on the same starting wage as Henry ($10/hr) with similar performance incentive potential. Theo hung up, feeling another wave of nervous anticipation. Adding another personality to the mix… hopefully it would work out.
Just then, his phone pinged with a text. Sarah.
Sarah: Hey Theo! Crazy week just got crazier, huge project deadline dropped on my new team. Ugh. Looks like I probably won't be able to swing by the shop this week after all :( Super bummed, was looking forward to more chicken & brainstorming! Can we raincheck for sometime next week maybe? So sorry!
Theo read it, feeling a mixture of slight disappointment and relief. Part of him had been curious to see her reaction to the shop's progress, but another part was glad to postpone navigating the complexities of their interaction while juggling new staff and booming sales.
Theo: Hey Sarah. No worries at all! Totally understand work deadlines. Things are hectic here anyway. Next week sounds good, just let me know when works. Good luck with the project!
He pocketed the phone. One less thing to worry about this week.
Week 21 - Wednesday
Wednesday, Theo and Henry prepped for 120 sales, anticipating Tammy's arrival tomorrow. Business remained strong, but didn't quite hit the sell-out highs of Monday and Tuesday. They ended the night with 109 sales, leaving eleven unsold chicken portions.
"Waste not, want not," Theo declared, looking at the perfectly cooked, unsold chicken. On impulse, remembering the goodwill generated by quality food, he grabbed some takeaway containers. "Come on, let's make some friends." He and Henry spent the next twenty minutes delivering the leftover chicken and chips, still warm and delicious thanks to the enhanced equipment, to the neighbouring small businesses that were still open. The late-night convenience store, the bar down the street, even the slightly surprised crew at the all-night gas station. Small gestures, building local bridges.
Week 21 - Thursday
Thursday. Tammy arrived promptly for her first shift, looking sharp and ready. Her intensity was immediately apparent. Within the first hour, Theo noticed her… quirks. She insisted on arranging the chickens on the rotisserie skewers with meticulous, almost obsessive precision ("Optimal heat circulation requires alignment, Theo!"). She critiqued Henry’s (perfectly adequate) chip-salting technique, demonstrating her own preferred method involving a dramatic flourish reminiscent of 'Salt Bae' ("Ensures even crystal distribution!"). She reorganized the entire under-counter storage area based on her own 'efficiency logic'.
Theo watched, amused and slightly wary. She was undeniably knowledgeable, picking up the workflow quickly and offering smart suggestions for streamlining prep. But her pedantic nature and occasional sharp comments towards Henry (who took it with good-natured shrugs) hinted at potential friction. A bit OCD, Theo diagnosed internally. But effective. As long as she didn't disrupt the core process or challenge his authority too much, her quirks were tolerable if they came with competence.
With three people now working the evening shift (Theo overseeing, Henry on counter/fryer, Tammy focusing on prep and rotisserie management), they aimed higher, prepping for 150 sales. The dinner rush was busy, but the extra hands made a huge difference. They handled the volume smoothly, ending the night with 140 sales and minimal stress.
Week 21 – Friday to Sunday
This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.
Friday, Saturday, Sunday. The weekend arrived like a tidal wave. Bolstered by Tammy’s obsessive prep efficiency and Henry’s smooth front-of-house operation, Theo made the call, go all out. They prepped for 200 sales each day.
Friday was immense. A constant queue from 5 PM until closing. They worked like a well-oiled machine, communication surprisingly smooth despite Tammy's occasional insistence on specific procedural steps. Final tally: 183 sales.
Saturday was even busier. The energy was electric, customers buzzing about the "legendary chicken." They were on track to easily clear 200 when a minor disaster struck. Tammy, trying to rearrange chickens on an already loaded spit for "better heat flow," accidentally knocked five whole cooked birds onto the greasy floor. A collective groan went through the small kitchen. Tammy looked horrified, muttering about improper weight distribution. Theo, seeing the queue outside, just took a deep breath. "It happens," he said calmly, surprising himself. "Clean it up, Henry grab more from the warmer, keep the line moving." They lost those five sales, but recovered quickly, ending the night at 195 sales.
Sunday was the peak. Non-stop from open till close. They hit the 200-prep limit by 8:30 PM, selling every last piece of chicken and nearly all the chips. Absolute, exhilarating exhaustion.
Theo leaned against the counter, surveying the controlled chaos of the cleaned-up but clearly hard-worked shop. Empty rotisserie spits gleamed under the lights, bags of potato peelings waited by the back door, the air still thick with the satisfying scent of success and charcoal. Henry was wiping down the fryer bank with exhausted efficiency, while Tammy was meticulously reorganizing the spice containers on the shelf for the third time that evening. They were all tired, soaked in sweat and smelling faintly of chicken salt, but buzzing with the residual energy of the relentless rush. Selling out two hundred orders on a Sunday night… it felt like a major victory.
The shop was finally quiet, cleaned, prepped for Monday. Henry and Tammy were packing up, tired but visibly pleased with the weekend's success. Theo pulled out the cash for their wages. He’d decided on 10 hours per day as standard for calculation, even if some shifts ran slightly over or under, keeping it simple. Henry: 6 days * 10 hours/day * $10/hr = $600. Tammy: 4 days * 10 hours/day * $10/hr = $400.
"Alright team," Theo announced, holding up two envelopes. "Incredible week. Seriously smashed it." He handed Henry his envelope. "Base pay, plus a twenty percent bonus for the insane numbers we hit." ($600 + $120 = $720). He handed Tammy hers. "Same for you, Tammy. Twenty percent bonus. Really appreciate you both jumping in and working so hard." ($400 + $80 = $480).
Henry’s jaw dropped slightly. "Whoa! $720? For a week? Thanks, boss!"
Tammy looked genuinely surprised, her usual intensity softening. "Seriously? A bonus already? Thank you, Theo. It… it was actually kind of fun, crazy as it was."
"You both earned it," Theo said simply. He watched them finishing up, feeling a complex mix of pride, relief, and calculation. The chicken shop wasn't just viable; it was rapidly becoming a serious money-spinner. The payroll was significant, but the revenue easily covered it, leaving substantial profit.
"Alright," Theo announced, pushing himself off the counter. "Incredible weekend, team. Absolutely smashed it. Sold out hours early." He looked at his two employees, seeing their fatigue but also the spark of shared accomplishment. The usual paranoia about interaction felt distant, overshadowed by the sheer success they'd collectively achieved. "Listen, since we closed up early... dessert's on me. Let's celebrate."
Henry's tired face lit up. "Seriously? Awesome! I could totally go for some ice cream right now."
Tammy paused her spice organizing, looking slightly surprised. "Dessert? Oh. Okay. That's... nice of you, Theo."
"You both earned it," Theo said. "There's that place down the street, 'The Sugar Spoon'? Let's lock up and head over."
Fifteen minutes later, they were sliding into a booth at the brightly lit dessert cafe. The Sugar Spoon was known for its over-the-top cakes, elaborate sundaes, and gourmet ice cream flavours. The contrast between its cheerful, sugary atmosphere and the greasy, high-pressure environment they'd just left was almost jarring.
They ordered quickly, Henry went straight for a massive "Volcano Fudge Sundae," Tammy chose a precise-looking slice of Black Forest Gateau with a side of black coffee ("Need something to cut the sweetness," she explained), and Theo, still wary of caffeine but needing something, opted for a simple slice of New York cheesecake and a bottle of sparkling water.
As they waited, Henry was practically vibrating with energy despite the long shift. "Man, that was insane!" he grinned, recounting a particularly frantic moment during the rush. "Did you see that lady who tried to order twelve whole chickens? I thought her eyes were gonna pop out when you said we were sold out!" He laughed. "This place is really taking off, Theo! Maybe next weekend we could try prepping even more? Or what about adding some simple sides, like coleslaw? Or maybe even milkshakes if we got a blender?"
Theo listened, nodding along, appreciating Henry's infectious enthusiasm and practical, growth-oriented ideas. Good instincts, he thought. Already thinking about expansion, efficiency.
Their desserts arrived, looking decadent under the cafe lights. Tammy carefully inspected her Gateau, adjusting its position on the plate slightly before taking a small, precise bite. "It was... efficient," she conceded, acknowledging the weekend's sales volume between bites. "But the workflow at the packing station needs optimization. The placement of the boxes versus the chip scoop creates unnecessary motion." She took another bite. "And Henry," she added, though not unkindly, "your chip salting technique could use refinement. The 'random shower' method leads to inconsistent sodium distribution. A focused, elevated 'pinch and cascade' ensures better crystal adhesion." She demonstrated the motion with her fingers above her cake.
Henry just blinked, then shrugged good-naturedly. "Uh, okay. Pinch and cascade. Got it."
Tammy continued, "And the bonus you mentioned is appreciated. Things have been... tight lately." She didn't elaborate, focusing back on her cake, but the comment hung in the air for a moment. Theo filed it away, potential financial pressure? Why? Failed business? Debts? Or just general cost of living? Keep an eye on it. Her criticisms, while delivered with a slightly grating pedantry, weren't entirely wrong. The packing flow could be smoother. But her focus seemed to be on minute process flaws rather than the bigger picture success Henry was celebrating. Different personalities, different priorities.
Theo ate his cheesecake, mostly listening, observing the dynamic. Henry, the optimistic engine, already brainstorming growth. Tammy, the meticulous technician, focused on refining the existing process, perhaps driven by underlying financial anxieties. Both were valuable. Both were necessary, at least for now. His initial assessment during the interviews felt accurate. Managing them effectively, harnessing their different strengths while mitigating potential friction (especially Tammy's critical tendencies), would be key.
"Well," Theo said, finishing his water as Henry scraped the last vestiges of fudge from his sundae bowl. "It was a hell of a first full week with both of you. You handled the pressure incredibly well. We proved the demand is there." He looked at them both. "We definitely need to talk about prepping more for next weekend, Henry. And Tammy, I appreciate the feedback on the workflow, let's look at optimizing the packing station setup tomorrow." He kept his tone neutral, validating both their perspectives.
They left the dessert shop, the sugar rush doing little to combat the deep fatigue setting in. Theo thanked them both again as they parted ways in the parking lot. Walking back towards his own car, the cool night air felt good. The weekend had been a brutal, chaotic, overwhelming success. This works. The Tool Enhancement model, applied correctly with competent (if quirky) staff, was powerful. Now, how to replicate it? How to scale it? And how, eventually, to bring someone like Sarah into a venture where her skills could truly shine, alongside his own unique advantage? The possibilities felt vast, limited only by his capital and his nerve.
Theo Sterling - Financial Ledger (End of Week 21):
- Starting Balance (Beginning Week 20): $18,655.00 (Carried over from End of Week 19)
- Income (Weeks 20 & 21):
- Week 20 Sales (Est ~778 orders @ $16 avg): +$12,448.00
- Week 21 Sales (Est ~1027 orders @ $16 avg): +$16,432.00
- Total Income (2 Weeks): +$28,880.00
- Expenses (Weeks 20 & 21):
- Personal Rent Paid (Wk 20, 21 @ $450/wk): -$900.00
- Personal Living Expenses (Wk 20, 21 @ $500/wk): -$1000.00
- Business Lease Payment (Wk 20, 21 @ $700/wk): -$1400.00
- Food Stock/Supplies (Est. based on ~1800 orders total): -$5400.00
- Shop Utilities (Est. @ $150/wk): -$300.00
- Wages - Henry (Wk 20: 2.5 days + Bonus | Wk 21: Full week + Bonus): -$1190.00
- Wages - Tammy (Wk 21: 4 days + Bonus): -$480.00
- Misc Shop Expenses (Fees, Spoilage, Staff Meals, etc. Est.): -$500.00
- Team Dessert Celebration (Est.): -$60.00
- Provision for Estimated Taxes (Est. @ ~30% of Profit): -$5559.00
- Total Expenses: -$16,789.00
- Net Change (Weeks 20 & 21): +$28,880.00 (Income) - $16,789.00 (Expenses) = +$12,091.00 (Updated)
- Ending Balance (End of Sunday, Week 21): $30,746.00
- Assets:
- Maria's Charcoal Chicken (Business Purchase Price): $38,000.00
Status: Rapid Growth & Operational Scaling. Successfully hired initial staff (Henry, then Tammy). Sales volume exploded due to sustained quality (from Tool Enhancement) and marketing effects, consistently hitting or exceeding prep capacity (Max 200/day achieved). Identified labour as primary bottleneck and addressed with second hire. Confirmed shop is highly profitable (~$12.1k net gain over 2 weeks after estimating taxes & higher misc costs). Maintained contact with Sarah, potential collaboration still viable. Financial reserves rebuilt significantly to ~$30.7k cash + business asset. Immediate focus remains on stabilizing operations, optimizing inventory/prep for higher volume, potentially further staff training/hiring, and maximizing cash flow from this proven venture.