Chapter Four
Wells
I see two unimpressive properties Friday morning before heading over to meet Seth for lunch at one of his restaurants.
I never heard back from Victory last night, and that bugs the shit out of me.
I was tempted to text her this morning, but I don’t want to be that guy.
I’ve replayed our evening together a hundred times, and I’m either really good at convincing myself of shit, or there was definitely a bigger connection than just incredible sex.
We clicked in conversation, sense of humor, and snark.
Even those few blissful moments of cuddling felt different.
The fact that I’m still stewing over her as the cab pulls up in front of The Grill tells me it’s not in my head, but I push that thought away, because as I told Fitz, this is a business meeting, and that was pure pleasure.
I’m ten minutes early. As I climb out of the cab, I see Seth walking down the street. He’s an interesting guy. I wasn’t sure what to make of him at first. It’s not often you meet a self-made billionaire who’s as laid-back as a surfer and always looks a little disheveled.
As he approaches, I notice his flowered blue shirt is buttoned wrong, hanging askew. His salmon shorts have yellow boats on them, and his red leather boat shoes have got to be hot as hell in the summer heat. But to each his own.
“Hi, Seth. Thanks for meeting me.” I shake his hand.
“It’s good to see you again, Wells.”
“I would’ve been happy to come to your office.”
“I don’t really have an office. Too confining.” He pulls open the door to the restaurant, and we head inside.
The Grill is classy but not stuffy, with dark hardwood floors, elegant candle-style chandeliers, and brick walls with circle-head windows along one side. The hostess lights up when she sees Seth. “Hi, Mr. Braden. Your table is ready in the back. Melanie should be right up to seat you.”
“Gretchen, what have I told you about calling me that?” Seth asks.
She blushes. “That every time I say it, you think your father followed you in.”
I chuckle.
“That’s right. Please don’t age me before my time,” he says kindly. “We’ll seat ourselves.”
I follow Seth through the dining room and beneath one of three brick archways into a massive bar area with tables and private, curtained booths. “This is a beautiful place,” I say as we sit at a table by a window.
“Thanks. There are two private dining rooms back here.” He motions to doors on either side of the bar across the room.
A waiter comes over with water and menus, and we take a minute to order drinks and sandwiches. When the waiter walks away, Seth says, “So, a new restaurant. That’s exciting. Have you seen anything you like since you got into town?”
Just your sister . I take a drink to distract myself from that thought. “I’ve seen a few properties that would probably be fine, but nothing has wowed me yet. I’m looking for a certain vibe.”
“And what vibe would that be? Something that draws people in for a hell of a good time, and then you never see them again? Or are you going for more of a long-term scenario?”
Victory must be really screwing with my head, because I wonder if we’re still talking about restaurants, which is ridiculous.
“I definitely want people to enjoy themselves, whether they visit for a night or return every week, but my goal is to build long-term relationships that stand the test of time. And I want to say that I appreciate you offering to fill me in on the differences you’ve encountered while running restaurants in touristy areas and bigger cities, but I don’t want you to think I’m here to get your trade secrets.
I don’t believe our brands are in competition. ”
“They’re not, and I wouldn’t have suggested we meet if I thought you were that kind of guy.”
“I appreciate that.” I wonder if he’d be so forthcoming if he knew I spent last night with his sister.
“There are plenty of challenges that come with running a business on an island, some of which you’ll encounter here. But running a restaurant in this particular city has its own unique set of challenges…”
Seth shares his wealth of knowledge, covering everything from real estate, business infrastructure, and logistics, to the fierce competition in the city, costs and struggles with staffing, and the difficulties of managing the sourcing of high-quality ingredients, supply-chain delays, and even transportation delays that commonly occur in the city and can screw up the best-laid plans for deliveries.
We discuss keeping up with food and marketing trends, and I’m proud to be able to hold my own in the conversation.
We talk well past when we’re done eating lunch, and then Seth sits back and says, “You’ve got a good sense of things.”
“Thanks. I’ve been looking at expanding for a while. I’ve spent the last year researching this area.”
“It shows. Can you paint me a picture of what you envision for your restaurant?”
“Sure.” What is it about Bradens and painting pictures?
“Ideally, it will be on the water, which I know is nearly impossible. But a water view would be nice, or some other element that would make it a truly unique experience. I prefer to offer indoor and outdoor seating, like I have at Rock Bottom. I’m hoping this will be the first step in carrying my brand forward to other locations. ”
“I’ve got my pulse on the market, and I know of nothing that’s got a water view.”
“That’s why I’m looking at other options.
That said, while water view or waterfront locations are limited, if I can find it, with the right marketing and experience, it should draw people like flies.
I built my reputation at Rock Bottom by getting to know my customers by name and expecting my staff to do the same.
I realize city clientele will be different, but personal attention goes a long way.
Everyone likes to be recognized, and I know it means slower service, but that extra few minutes per table has proven to be worth it with my current location.
My customers come back year after year, and I’m confident that in combination with excellent food and service, I can make that happen here. ”
“I like that idea, but it might be even harder than you think to pull off in this area.”
“Maybe so, but we see roughly one hundred and fifty thousand tourists on the island each year. Many come from this area and other big cities. My methods haven’t failed me yet.
That’s not to say they won’t fail, but if I have it my way, the people of New York will see Rock Bottom as the comfortable, happy place they think of first when they’re going out with friends or family to enjoy a great meal and a good time.
But the experience goes further than that.
I’d love to have space for live music and dancing, but I also want families with children to feel comfortable in the dining room.
I’ll keep it rustic and beachy, which I know is very different from city life, but my goal is to bring a slice of paradise to the city.
When customers leave, I want them to feel like they’ve been on a mini vacation. ”
“That’s a fresh idea, and a lofty goal.”
“What other kind of goals are there?”
Seth grins. “You’re asking the wrong guy. Everything I do is over the top in one way or another.” He takes a drink. “I’ve had my eye on a few properties that might interest you. They’re not waterfront, but they’re unique.”
“I don’t want to steal anything out from under you.”
“I’m considering them as investments, but I haven’t made any decisions about what I might do with them yet.
Maybe we can work something out. I’ve looked into your business, and your annual growth is impressive.
Have you ever considered partnering with another company?
I know you have plenty of capital, but my business partner, Jared Stone, and I have restaurants down to a science.
He’s a world-renowned chef and an excellent businessman.
Partnering could accelerate your ability to expand to different areas, and we’ve got connections with local architects and contractors to do the build-out. ”
The question takes me by surprise. I’ve looked into Seth’s businesses, and everything he and Jared touch turns to gold.
I’m hit with several thoughts at once, but two speak louder than all the rest. I’d be a fool not to explore this opportunity and Victory .
I’m not done with her, even if she thinks she’s done with me.
Seth is looking at me expectantly. This could be the chance of a lifetime, so I take the biggest risk I’ve taken since buying the restaurant, knowing full well it might stop this conversation in its tracks.
“I haven’t considered partnering in the past. A number of aspects are important to me, including maintaining creative control. That said, I’d be interested in talking about it, but before we have that conversation, I want to be completely transparent with you about something.”
Seth lifts his chin. “What’s that?”
“I’m interested in your sister.” I hold my hands up in surrender. “I might be barking up the wrong tree. You saw her rebuff my advances at the holiday dance at the Silver House and at Flynn and Sutton’s wedding.”
He arches a brow. “I’m pretty sure everyone saw that.”
“Yeah, which probably makes me a fool. But I can’t shake the feeling that there’s something between us, and if I can convince her to give me a shot, I’d like to explore it. If that’s a deal-breaker for you, I understand.”
Seth studies me for a moment. “You’re willing to walk away from this opportunity on the off chance that Victory will go out with you?”
“Yes. I know she’s fiercely independent, which I admire, and she might kick me to the curb again, but that’s a chance I’m willing to take.”