Chapter One Hundred and twenty

"Mr Jay was here to see you sir, he said he would be returning ", Charlie's secretary informed him as soon as he returned. It had been a brief visit to his restaurant and he was really glad that his nephew was doing a great job manning it effectively. He could remember four years ago when he had finished schooling and practicing to be a chef, he had been skeptical to whether or not the youth was up to it, all he needed at that point was an expert manager. But then, he had decided to give Jonathan a try after his other manager blew it and left them hanging to go open his own restaurant. He had opened his own restaurant and became their sole competitor, It had not been easy at first, at that time, Jonathan was not back yet. He had only asked that Charlie consider him when he returned. He promised to give his best but Charlie had been contemplating whether or not he should go handle it himself. That was when he brought the suggestion to Jay. He could vividly remember what the guy had said. 

"He's a fine youth and I believe with his great amount of exposure abroad, he would be competent enough to handle the restaurant, there's no harm in giving him a try, after all, he's your family ", Jay had said back then. 

He had given no more thought to it and assured Jonathan that whenever he returned, the restaurant would be all he's to manage. It was not quite long though that the youth returned, after bagging honorable awards to his name. The first month had been challenging as he was trying to cope with the new environment. Charlie had nearly given up on him, his sales had declined drastically and the customers reduced. He might have folded it all when Jay asked him to persevere for another period of two more months. 

"If by that time he still doesn't deliver, then you might as well do whatever you desire ", he had said. 

Two months, he could wait for another two months and hopefully, something good would come off it. He was right, talking about Jay. Actually, Jonathan had been busy restructuring a lot in the restaurant and even fired some staff with nonchalant attitude, he employed people he had critically evaluated. And before the two extra months were over, business was bubbling again. Charlie owed it all to Jay. If he had not been there goading him to remain patient, he might have lost this great talent. The first time they got a positive criticism from one of the top bloggers, Charlie had nearly cried but his joy was just beginning. His restaurant as invited by the national television for a food competition. Jonathan himself had decided to cook along with his sous chef. They prepared for it by trying out new dishes and perfecting their skills. Long story cut short, they had come second place at the time. Charlie had been overly excited and gifted Jonathan his first car. The youth was grateful and was motivated. He began almost immediately to prepare for the next upcoming national competition the next year, this time, he had equipped himself fully. He was relentless and soon, it happened again. This time, the sky was just a starting point as they had come first. Jonathan at that time, opened another branch with assistance from Charlie, before they knew it, they had their current four branches and are really popular. 

Jonathan was always prepared for eventualities. He had not relaxed one bit in preparing for anything. He made dishes as though he was competing for something really important. Charlie owed all this success to Jay. They had remained the best restaurant and soon, had a lot of customers trooping in and out every passing minute. Not to mention the extension of departments and staff. They had a catering team and a little bird had told him that Jonathan was learning catery as well. He had one of the finest coaching him and Charlie had decided not to ask him about it until he was ready to make it open. He had reduced the number of times he visited them as he knew that they were in great hands. Jonathan was really capable and full of capacity.