Week 20 - Wednesday
Wednesday was Interview Day. Theo had received a surprising number of applications after putting the sign up Monday morning, mostly from local kids looking for after-school work, but a few more promising candidates stood out. He scheduled four back-to-back interviews during the quieter mid-afternoon lull.
First up was Henry. Mid-twenties (27, his application said), with a surprisingly earnest demeanour and a firm handshake. His resume listed three years at McDonald's. "Honestly, sir," Henry said, sitting opposite Theo at one of the small customer tables, "I learned a lot about process and speed there, but… it's soul-crushing. Same thing, day in, day out. Corporate rules for everything." He leaned forward slightly. "I want to learn how a real small business works. See how things are built from the ground up. My dream is to maybe open my own place someday, something simple, good food." He spoke about working the grill, managing stock, dealing with rushes, his experience feeling practical and relevant. He seemed like a genuine hard worker, hungry for opportunity. Potential: High, Theo noted internally. Motivated, experienced in fast food environment, stated long-term interest.
Next was Tammy. Late twenties (28), she presented as sharp, confident, perhaps a little intense. Her resume was impressive: assistant manager at a local cafe, shift supervisor at a pizza chain, even a stint running her own small sandwich bar that had unfortunately closed last year ("Market downturn, landlord issues," she explained vaguely, maybe a little too quickly). She clearly knew the ins and outs of food service, ordering, inventory, scheduling, health codes. "I thrive under pressure," she stated confidently. "Ran the lunch rush solo at the cafe plenty of times. I know what it takes to keep things moving." Potential: High, but… Theo sensed a slight edge, a hint of perhaps being too experienced, maybe bringing her own fixed ideas? The failed business was a small red flag, though her explanation was plausible. Definitely capable, maybe harder to manage?
Third was Olivia. Mid-twenties (25), bright, friendly smile, dressed impeccably. Her experience was primarily in retail, a boutique clothing store. "I know it's different from food," she admitted cheerfully, "but I'm great with customers, really organized, and I learn super fast! And honestly?" She grinned. "I tried your chicken on Wednesday, my friend dragged me here after seeing something online, and it was AMAZING! Seriously the best I've had. I figured working here would mean free chicken, right?" Her honesty was disarming, her attitude positive, but her lack of food service experience was obvious. She seemed unsure of her long-term goals, content to "go with the flow." Potential: Moderate.Good front-of-house presence, positive attitude, but needs training. Backup option.
The last two candidates were less promising. One, Calvin, a perpetually bored-looking teenager, answered questions in monosyllables and seemed primarily interested in how often he could take breaks. The other, Marcus, talked a big game about his "culinary background" which turned out to be six months working at a sub shop five years ago, and spent most of the interview complaining about previous bosses. Theo mentally discarded both immediately.
He thanked each candidate, promising to be in touch soon. Mulling it over while prepping for the dinner rush, the choice seemed clear. Henry offered the best combination of relevant experience, strong work ethic, and apparent eagerness to learn within Theo's system. Tammy was highly skilled but might be resistant to doing things his way. Olivia was personable but would require significant training. Henry first, Theo decided. Get him trained, see how it goes. If volume continues to explode, maybe bring Tammy or Olivia in as a second hire later.
Wednesday's dinner service was busy again, slightly less frantic than the weekend but steady. He managed eighty-five sales, the consistency reassuring.
Week 20 – Thursday
Thursday morning, Theo called Henry, feeling a mix of hope and trepidation about bringing on his first employee. "Henry, Theo Sterling from Maria's Charcoal Chicken. Following up on your interview yesterday. Just wanted to formally offer you the position."
"Seriously? Awesome!" Henry's voice was full of genuine enthusiasm, cutting through the phone line. "Thank you so much, Theo! I really liked the vibe of the place."
"Glad to hear it. We're definitely getting busier, could use the help. When would you be able potentially start?" Theo asked.
"Uh, let's see," Henry paused for a second. "Could I start Saturday morning? Just got a couple of prior commitments to wrap up tomorrow, but I'm free all weekend."
"Saturday works perfectly," Theo confirmed. Starting just before the weekend rush might actually be ideal. "Plan to be here around 10 AM for prep? Pay is ten dollars an hour to start, standard payroll, plus potential for bonuses based on performance and shop profitability once we're established. Sound okay?" He reiterated the offer, knowing it was modest but fair for the role, and better than Henry's previous gig.
"$10 an hour? Yeah, that's great!" Henry confirmed again, sounding pleased. "And bonuses? Even better. Okay, awesome. I'll see you Saturday morning at 10!"
Theo hung up, feeling a distinct sense of relief coupled with cautious optimism. Step one of building a team was complete. Anticipating higher volume towards the weekend, he spent Thursday morning prepping aggressively, more chickens seasoned, mountains of potatoes peeled and cut (using his +1 enhanced mandoline slicer). He aimed for enough stock for 120 sales, pushing his solo limits. Thursday night was strong. A steady stream of customers, including more repeat faces, kept him busy right up until closing. The final tally: 107 sales. A new weekday record. The momentum was undeniably building.