Luxury Cafe Owner - Chapter 13 The New Store
The next day passed in a flurry. Tom sent Alan a complete business plan. He then called City A Bank and called in favors to make sure that Alan’s loan was approved.
Alan walked into the bank. Much like last time, everything was over quickly. The loan officer barely glanced at the proposal. She instantly approved his loan.
Alan was surprised at how easy it was. “Maybe I really am destined to be a cafe owner.”
Meanwhile a bank manager sweated profusely while assuring Tom over the phone that nothing was wrong and the loan was approved. He let out a sigh of relief as he hung up the phone. He didn’t know who that young man was, but he must be important for a bigshot to pave the way for him like that.
Just like that, another misunderstanding occurred, and Alan went from a broke, unambitious twenty something to a well-connected businessman in the eyes of the bank.
Alan walked out of the bank and took a deep breath, enjoying the sun and his new lease on life.
Somewhere an author coughed up blood after reading his own pun.
“What a successful day,” Alan thought to himself.
“Host, please remember that you must still find a storefront to purchase and complete the closing. The sooner you complete the mission the sooner you get the reward.”
Alan felt annoyed. “Can’t you let me enjoy this moment system?”
The system ignored him.
Alan sighed and called Tom. He knew Tom worked in real estate, so he thought he might have some leads on a storefront he could purchase.
Tom answered on the first ring. Even though he already knew the answer he asked, “How’d it go?”
Alan responded, “They approved the loan! It was crazy. They barely glanced at the paperwork before changing their mind. It was unreal.”
Tom coughed and cleared his throat. “Yes, well, that’s good then. When will you be open for business?” He didn’t even try to hide his eagerness. He’d started having headaches from the lack of caffeine.
“That’s why I’m calling. I need to find a space to purchase. Do you have any leads?”
There was a pause on the other end of the line. “Did you not read the business plan?”
“What about it?” Alan asked in confusion.
Tom sighed. “The business plan states the intended property. It’s in the heart of the city. There’s plenty of foot traffic, plus it’s right by a number of large skyscrapers full of businessmen and businesswomen who will want coffee. I…know…the seller. They owe me a favor so they agreed to sell it at a low price.”
Alan hesitated. “Alright, well thanks for that. I owe you one. I’ll think of a way to repay you.”
“How about you make me an extra coffee?” Tom asked hopefully.
“No can do.” Alan said firmly.
“Stubborn square,” Tom muttered under his breath on the phone.
He and Alan chatted a bit longer before hanging up. He reminded Alan to go to the property today to sign the paperwork and get the keys from the seller.
Alan went to the store. He was surprised to see Tom when he got there.
“What are you doing here? Don’t you have work?” Alan asked.
“I work right there,” Tom said, pointing at a huge skyscraper of a building across the street.
Alan looked at it. “What a coincidence. Well, I guess it’ll be easier for you to get your coffee now.”
Tom smirked inside, quietly celebrating his victory.
“Well, let’s take a look at your new building shall we?” Tom gestured forward and Alan directed his attention to a building.
It was small, much smaller than the skyscrapers surrounding it. It was only two stories. The exterior was red brick, with large glass windows looking out onto the street. The door was an old wooden door, but looked as though it had been freshly painted.
Tom lead the way inside, Alan following close behind.
A bell rang as the door swung open, not an electronic chime, but an old fashioned that rang when the door was opened.
The inside was bare. It looked as though whatever had been in here before had already vacated. However, Alan noticed that it must have been some sort of restaurant or cafe. A bar, devoid of stools, stretched the length of the right side of the room. Behind the bar Alan saw a door that led into a larger kitchen. Though devoid of any machinery, he could imagine how it would look with the necessary coffee machines in it. Not to mention he might start serving food at some point.
Behind the bar was a cash register. The rest of the room was bare. There were marks from where tables and booths had been at one point.
“You’ll have to do some renovation, but the good news is that it’s already set up for a cafe or restaurant, so you’ll be able to open for business quickly.” Tom told Alan as he scanned the interior.
“What’s on the second floor?” Alan asked.
“It’s a living space. You can choose to rent it out, or live there yourself. It’s not luxurious, but it’s adequate for a young person like yourself.” Tom explained.
Alan was surprised, but then immediately grew happy. He would be able to move out of his parent’s house now.
As Alan and Tom stood in the room, the bell on the door rang as it opened once more.
Alan turned to find an unexpected but familiar face there.