Around 8 AM at Black Bamboo Café
Yesterday, Ken observed Hao Xinyi's café that is located in the business center. From there he gets many ideas how his new café will look like.
First, not like the existing Black Bamboo Café that employs a lot of staff, the new café should only have a small number of employees. For the exact number of staff, it will need to wait until he gets to the place.
Second, if possible the new café will be located in the business area. Customers from the business area have different needs from students. In Jasmine Coffee and Tea House, the customers mostly order coffee for takeout to drink at their workplace. Meanwhile, in Black Bamboo Café, most customers order a cup of coffee and occupy a table for a long time for study, doing homework, or just chatting.
If Ken can't get a good place around the business area, the commercial area is also not a bad spot. Only the number of staff will need to be bigger than in business area because of the importance to open in weekend.
Third, the menu will consist only of coffee, and bread, well maybe tea or juices can get included. But it is not possible to serve foods that need to be cooked because of reduced staff. The bread is also possible because baking par-baked bread is easy, and anyone can do it.
And last, the place should not be that big. This is mainly because of money constraints, Ken only has around 200,000 F$.
~~~
Some corner on the second floor of Black Bamboo Café
Chen Qiu and Yuan Liqin are sitting at one of the tables. Ken tells about all of his plans to Yuan Liqin.
"For the next few days I will go around looking for a good place, so I think I can't go here as many as before.
"Because of that, you can look for a new manager if you need help around here."
Yuan Liqin answered, "I think what we have now is enough. Yesterday you didn't come here but everything is still alright."
"Well, that is good then… Also one more thing, I need one café manager for the new store. Can you look for it? Or is there anyone from this shop that you think can do the job?"
"Okay, when will you need it? I think I can get someone and train them in a month or two."
"Two months? That is okay. I thought it will need more time."
"Is there anything else, boss?" Yuan Liqin asked in case there is another task to be done.
"I don't think … Wait, there is one. if you know someone who is selling their café, please tell me about it. I'm pretty sure you know many cafés in this city."
"Leave it to me, I have already visited most of the café here."
~~~
Chen Qiu's room
"What I need to search now is an empty property for rent. I can also search for a café that is sold, but that is harder to find. Well let's just look, maybe I will get lucky and find one by accident"
Laying on the bed, Ken is browsing the commercial space listing site using his phone. He muttered things from time to time.
"This place looks good, but it is too wide for me.
"This one is located at the subway station. But this area is more closer to the residential area. Still not a bad place, but….
"Hmm… an ex-restaurant. Just like other places listed this one also doesn't show the rental price.
"Eh, there is also a food court for sale. Never know that this kind of place can be sold.
"A restaurant is for sale. The place should be good, and there is potential for business to grow there. Why is the owner selling?"
"This one …."
Ken keeps browsing the site until late at night when he unknowingly sleeps.
~~~
The next morning
Ken planned to go to a commercial real estate agency today, it's named 3N Real Estate Agency. Last night, Ken also browsed their website. After looking at the website he is interested in some properties.
The agency's office is located north of the Zhoumen University area. It is a little weird to open an office in this area. The northern part of Zhoumen City is designed as a tourist area. On the weekend, the place is full of Zhoumen City residents that come here to relax.
When Ken opens the door of the agency office, there is a counter in front of the main door.
"Welcome," a woman that sits behind the counter called to Ken. She then leads Ken to the counter, "Is there anything we can help with?"
"Hello, I want to rent a place for a café or restaurant. Also, I want to know if there is a café that is for sale."
"How much is the budget for the rent?"
"Around 100k Fiction Dollar per year." Ken continued, "and 200k maximum for the café on sale with all the equipment."
"Is there another requirement? For example, in what part of the city? How busy is the area? Something?"
"If possible I want to look for a place around the business area. Also yesterday I look at your website and there are some places that I am interested in." Ken then shows her what he mentioned using his phone. "I want to look for more detail of these places."
"Ok, then please sit there." The woman pointed at a table located in the room. "Please wait a moment, I will look `for some document first."
~~~
After an hour or two on the agency, he has selected all the properties that catch his interest. He also has scheduled to visit the listed properties. He will need about three weeks to look at all of those.