Rebirth in Hong Kong: From Dessert Shop to Industrial Empire

Chapter 31 Entering the Game (Please add to your favorites, vote for monthly tickets, recommend this chapter, and keep reading!)

The warehouse next to the Kwun Tong Food Factory has been completely renovated.

The exterior walls were painted the same light gray as the main factory, and a brand-new metal nameplate was hung above the gate: "Chenji Food R&D Center".

The interior space is divided into several functional areas: an equipment area, a physicochemical analysis laboratory, a sensory evaluation room, and a project meeting room with a long conference table and a blackboard.

A faint smell of paint and cleaning agents still lingered in the air.

The atmosphere in the project meeting room was somewhat somber at that moment.

The rectangular conference table was filled with people on both sides.

On one side were Chen Bingwen, Gao Zhenhai, and Zhong Qiang, two key personnel in charge of quality control at the Kwun Tong factory, and four technical backbones who were to learn from Professor Zhou.

On the other side was a research and development team led by Professor Zhou from Hong Kong Polytechnic University, including two doctoral students and a senior engineer with many years of experience in food factories.

The four phrases Professor Zhou wrote on the blackboard—"flavor stability," "room temperature storage," "natural preservatives," and "packaging compatibility"—felt like four heavy mountains weighing on everyone's hearts.

Zhong Qiang and the technical backbone of the Guantang factory frowned. They were familiar with the stove's heat and manual cooking, but they felt both unfamiliar with and in awe of terms such as "Maillard reaction" and "lipid oxidation".

Gao Zhenhai felt the pressure more directly. The grand blueprint described by Brother Wen, which was like "bottled sugar water," encountered a tough nut to crack right from the first step.

Professor Zhou put down the chalk, turned to face the crowd, and said in a calm tone, "These four questions are interconnected. Solving any one of them is not easy, and tackling them all at the same time increases the difficulty exponentially."

If the flavor cannot be locked in, then even a long shelf life is meaningless.

Adding a large amount of chemical preservatives goes against Mr. Chen's original intention of "natural and healthy".

If the packaging material reacts with the sugar syrup, or if it doesn't seal properly, all efforts will be in vain.

He looked at Chen Bingwen: "Mr. Chen, the path of bottling is more difficult than we expected."

The project has just started, the cost investment will be huge, and the risk of failure is also high. Do you still want to continue?

All eyes were on Chen Bingwen.

Gao Zhenhai clenched his fists instinctively, while Zhong Qiang held his breath.

Chen Bingwen's gaze slowly swept over the difficult problem on the blackboard. Instead of backing down, his face ignited with an even more fervent fire.

He stood up, walked to the blackboard, and pointed heavily at the words "flavor stability".

"Of course we must continue!" His voice was firm and resolute, filled with unwavering determination. "The reason why technological barriers are barriers is that they are difficult to overcome."

But once we cross that, it becomes our Chenji's moat! Professor Zhou, I understand the difficulties you've mentioned. But it's precisely because it's difficult that it's so valuable!

He turned to his team: "Gentlemen, how did our Chan Kee come out of Sham Shui Po?"

By improving traditional recipes, by standardizing production in central kitchens, by expanding the market through mobile outlets, and by establishing a high-end brand through mango pomelo sago!
Every step is a trial-and-error process, every step carries risk. Bottled products are our next major breakthrough, and we must conquer them!

He paused, then his tone became more pragmatic: "Professor Zhou, please take the lead in developing a detailed plan to tackle this problem."

Funding is not a problem; I have set up a special fund for the bottling project.

The staff, including the factory's technical backbone, Zhong Qiang and A Hai, are fully cooperating with your team.

"Whatever the R&D center needs—sites, equipment, etc.—we'll provide it immediately!"

Chen Bingwen's determination and clear instructions were like a shot of adrenaline to everyone in the room.

In particular, the confusion in the eyes of Zhong Qiang and Gao Zhenhai was replaced by determination.

Professor Zhou's eyes flashed with admiration: "Good! With Chen Sheng's courage, we will definitely do our best!"
My initial approach to this challenge is to take three steps: First, flavor preservation and prevention of layering are the core foundations.

The laboratory will simultaneously explore methods such as screening natural stabilizers and optimizing homogenization processes.

The second step is to simultaneously explore natural preservation solutions.

High-sugar environments have a certain antibacterial effect. We can combine ultra-high temperature instantaneous sterilization technology with screening natural plant extracts to find synergistic effects.

The third step is the selection of packaging materials and the filling process.

The compatibility, barrier properties, and sealing properties of different glass, tinplate, and composite film materials with sugar water need to be tested.

"You decide on the technical details," Chen Bingwen decisively authorized. "I only care about the results."

There is only one requirement: natural and healthy is the bottom line.

Chemical preservatives should be avoided if possible, and used sparingly whenever possible.

Our bottled sugar water's selling point is its freshness and deliciousness, just like freshly made; we can't put the cart before the horse.

"Understood!" Professor Zhou nodded solemnly. "We will prioritize tackling physical and biological preservation methods."

As soon as the meeting ended, the R&D center sprang into action.

In the laboratory, engineering students in white lab coats and technical staff from the Kwun Tong plant, under Professor Zhou's guidance, began countless rounds of formula adjustments, process tests, and data recording.

The air was filled with the sweet aroma of various heated sugar syrups, as well as the low hum of the instruments running.

Chen Bingwen did not interfere much with the specific experiments.

He only needs to come over from time to time and casually provide Professor Zhou with some research "inspiration" to speed up the experimental progress as much as possible.

At the same time, the production lines at the Cheung Sha Wan and Kwun Tong plants are operating at full capacity.

Chen Kee's traditional signature red bean paste and sesame paste have been consistently and stably supplied to distribution points in the industrial zone, supporting the foundation of its cash flow.

What truly stirred up the market, brought in substantial profits and generated a huge buzz, were the two high-end desserts that were the first of their kind in Hong Kong: coconut sago pudding and mango pomelo sago.

In just one week, their sales figures across five standard stores in Causeway Bay, Tsim Sha Tsui, and Central completely dispelled Gao Zhenhai and the workers' doubts about the price.

Mango pomelo sago, in particular, with its stunning appearance, complex taste, and sky-high price of "three to five dollars," has quickly become the top choice for white-collar workers, young women, and tourists who pursue quality and fashion.

Word-of-mouth spread like wildfire, and customers even started making special trips to try it. The average daily revenue of the standard store was boosted by nearly 50%!
"Brother Wen, the Causeway Bay store is almost overwhelmed! There are long queues every day, and the staff are working non-stop. The mango pomelo sago will definitely be sold out before 3 pm!"

Holding the latest sales report, Gao Zhenhai spoke with a mixture of excitement and anxiety, "The situation is similar in Tsim Sha Tsui and Central; many customers are complaining that they can't buy anything if they come too late."

Should we open a few more standard stores on Hong Kong Island?

Chen Bingwen stood in front of the huge map of Hong Kong Island in his office, his finger tracing the core business districts such as Mong Kok, Yau Ma Tei, and Wan Chai.

The success of the new product in the high-end market validated his strategic direction, but also exposed a serious shortage of supply.

Relying solely on five self-operated standard stores is simply insufficient to meet the ignited market demand, let alone maximize the influence of the "Chen Ji" brand.

Moreover, relying solely on self-operated stores is too slow, has a limited management radius, and puts a lot of financial pressure on businesses.

"Open it, of course we should open it." Chen Bingwen's voice was steady and powerful. "But it needs to be fast and have a wide coverage area."

It would be too slow for us to handle everything ourselves, from site selection and renovation to training and opening of stores.

For the Hong Kong Island market and even the future core area of ​​Kowloon, we need a two-pronged approach: self-operated flagship stores + franchise expansion!

"Franchise?" Gao Zhenhai was taken aback; the term was somewhat unfamiliar to him.

“Yes,” Chen Bingwen laughed, “Let others provide the money, the manpower, and the shop space, hang up the Chen’s brand, and sell the sweet soup that we distribute!”

Chen Bingwen walked to the table and tapped the surface heavily with his knuckles, making a clear knocking sound: "What is the core advantage of our Chen's products?"
It is the quality assurance of standardized production in the central kitchen, the increasingly well-known "Chen Ji" brand, exclusive flagship products such as mango pomelo sago and coconut milk sago, and unified and efficient logistics and distribution.

These are all resources we can export.

"We authorize our franchisees to use the Chen Ji Dessert brand and trademark. All desserts and snack semi-finished products are produced in our central kitchen and delivered to the stores through Shunda Logistics to ensure that the taste is absolutely consistent."

At this point, Chen Bingwen asked with a smile, "What did the franchisees get?"

Before Gao Zhenhai could answer, Chen Bingwen continued, "They saved themselves the huge costs and risks of product development, brand building, and supply chain construction, and directly obtained a popular brand and mature products that have been validated by the market and have their own customer base, reaping the benefits without lifting a finger!"

"And we," he slammed his fingers on the table, "use other people's money to open our own stores! We'll exponentially expand brand coverage and market share! We'll quickly recoup our investment!"

Gao Zhenhai's eyes widened, and his breathing became rapid: "Brother Wen, this...this method is amazing! How much should we charge? How can we ensure they don't cause trouble and ruin our reputation?"

"That's the key!" Chen Bingwen said seriously. "Franchising is a double-edged sword. If mismanaged, even one bad apple can spoil the whole bunch."

Out of control and declining quality, Chenji's golden brand will instantly turn into scrap metal!
Therefore, we must establish a rigorous screening process.

Franchisees need to understand that joining Chen Ji is like having a powerful backer, but they must abide by the rules and work together to maintain that support.

Chen Bingwen spoke with absolute certainty.

Accelerating business expansion through franchising was not a spur-of-the-moment decision; he had considered this step as early as his time in Sham Shui Po, when he saw similar dessert stalls appearing.

These potential competitors will be transformed into a community of shared interests under the "Chen Ji" brand.

By leveraging their capital and local resources, they have planted Chan Kee's red logo in every corner of Hong Kong and Kowloon. At the same time, by controlling core ingredients, recipes, and distribution, they ensure that Chan Kee Dessert stays on the right track. This is the key to large-scale expansion.

However, before that, he needs to find someone with similar values ​​who can help him manage the franchisee system.

Chan Kee Dessert has grown to include over a hundred employees, two factories, dozens of mobile outlets, and five standard stores, with a franchise network soon to be expanded. It is no longer the small dessert shop in Sham Shui Po that relied on family ties to stay afloat.

However, a cold, hard fact is clear: Chen Ji's core team consists mostly of experienced master craftsmen like Zhong Qiang, or capable assistants like Gao Zhenhai who are loyal and eager to learn but have limited formal education.

Facing the daunting challenge of bottling, which requires profound expertise in food science, and the impending expansion of a franchise empire that demands meticulous management,

Shortcomings in the talent structure are like hidden reefs in the sea, which could cause a high-speed ship to hit the bottom and capsize at any time.

“We need someone who can help us manage people, stores, and rules,” Chen Bingwen’s voice was deep and clear, every word carefully considered. “Someone who can unite the franchisees, who are like a scattered pile of sand, into a cohesive force, and shape the ‘Chen’ brand into a golden name.”

This person must align with our values! They must understand franchising, know the rules, and have an iron fist!

Gao Zhenhai scratched his head: "Brother Wen, where can we find someone like this? There are plenty of people in the restaurant business in Hong Kong, but who understands franchising and is also to our liking?"

Chen Bingwen laughed and said, "Looking for a needle in a haystack? No, we need a precision falcon."

He picked up the phone and dialed Fang Wenshan from Dexin Accounting Firm directly.

"Accountant Fang, this is Chen Bingwen. There's something I need your professional expertise and connections for."

When the call connected, Chen Bingwen got straight to the point: "I need an operations director to help me build the structure of Chenji Foods and manage the business network."

This person must share my philosophy, value quality and brand as their lifeblood; be proficient in building and managing a franchise system; possess strong execution capabilities; and be familiar with the catering market in Hong Kong Island and the surrounding area.

Fang Wenshan on the other end of the phone was obviously a little surprised, after all, his major was accounting and he was proficient in financial management.

However, his more than 20 years of experience in the industry have given him a wide network of contacts.

After listening to Chen Bingwen's request, he quickly got into the zone: "Mr. Chen, your request is very precise and quite demanding."

Such talent is extremely rare in Hong Kong's catering industry, and most of them are firmly held by large chain groups.

However, after a moment's thought, "there is one candidate who might be worth a try. Her name is Ling Peiyi."

“Ling Peiyi?” Chen Bingwen was unfamiliar with this name.

"Yes. She was previously the operations director of Maxim's Cakes, a subsidiary of Maxim's Group. She built and managed more than 30 chain stores and has very mature experience and a rigorous system for standardization, quality control and franchisee management."

Fang Wenshan spoke faster, revealing his high regard for this person: "She suddenly resigned half a year ago. Industry rumors suggest that she had a disagreement with Maxim's senior management on the quality control of raw materials. In order to pursue higher profits, Maxim's tacitly allowed some franchisees to lower the raw material standards. This was Ling Peiyi's bottom line. She could not tolerate it. After arguing with reason to no avail, she resigned in anger."

Currently unemployed, but with high aspirations, he completely disregards ordinary invitations.

Chen Bingwen's heart skipped a beat.

Despite differing philosophies, they adhered to the bottom line of quality! Isn't this exactly the "shared philosophy" he had been searching for?

"Great!" Chen Bingwen blurted out, his voice filled with the excitement of discovering a gem. "Upholding the bottom line of quality, unyielding and unyielding, this is exactly the kind of like-minded person I'm looking for!"
The operations director of Maxim's Cakes is undoubtedly experienced! Accountant Fang, please introduce me to her! I need to meet her as soon as possible!

　Thank you all for your support!
　　
　
(End of this chapter)