Image generated using GROK AI
Jinnie got a lift from Jorja back to the port and was dropped at the security gate. As she was on foot, the guard carefully checked her cruise card before letting her pass. On the short drive from the Continental, Jorja had told Jinnie that she was very hopeful that this project would result in an order. But she had been listening to Jinnie’s pitch and thought that they should set up an outside catering business even without the film contract. What had made Jinnie happy was the news that the contract to supply and cook all the food on the oil rig was with the lawyers.
When Jinnie got back to the suite, everyone was on the balcony enjoying a gin and tonic or a beer, apart, that is, from the twins, who were in bed. Paolo asked, “So, how did it go?” “Pretty well,” replied Jinnie. “The Americans are going to ask us to quote against a specification. But Jorja has decided to set up a mobile catering business whether she wins the contract or not, and I agree with her. I’m going to phone Miranda tomorrow, just to tell her what we have done and suggest she could look at doing something similar. But Jorja also told me they have won another catering contract, this time on an oil rig off Trinidad.”
“What’s that?” said Paolo, “five orders in six months, they must be in serious danger of making a profit.” “I think you could be right,” said Jinnie. “I told Jorja I would pop in and see her tomorrow. I hope you don’t mind being left alone.” “I’m hardly alone,” replied Paolo, “there are eight others in the party. Well, six, because the twins have already told me they want to go to both morning and afternoon sessions at the Reef. It seems that Surfers on this ship is ‘enormous’ and ‘much better’ than Britannia. I wouldn’t mind betting they don’t realise you are off the ship.”
***
Jinnie, Paolo, the twins, Izzy and George arrived at the Epicurean for their breakfast and were surprised to be greeted by the trans restaurant manager, who was on Britannia last Christmas, who said, “Good morning, Dame Jinnie, it’s wonderful to have you on board. I saw your names on the breakfast list and told the staff about your twins, and my, haven’t they grown. Now, I don’t think I know this gentleman, and where is the rest of your party?” Willie said, “This is George, he is Izzy’s husband and is one of the King’s guards.” “You mean he is a soldier and wears that lovely red tunic and a bearskin?” said the manager. “No,” said a giggling Millie, “he is a policeman and goes around everywhere with the King and Queen.”
“I see,” said the manager, “now, as we are in port and it’s such a beautiful morning, we have opened the terrace. Would you like to eat out there?” “Oh yes please,” chorused the twins. The manager replied, “That’s good because I have had a table for ten laid up for you.” The waiters had clearly been briefed because they were ready with cushions for the twins, and everyone was reminding themselves of the breakfast menu when the rest of the party arrived.
“This is rather nice,” said Granny. “We chose to eat out here, Granny,” said Willie. “I wish we could eat outside every morning.” “I think it might be a bit cold and windy when we are at sea,” said Grandad. “Have you chosen your breakfast yet?” “Of course,” said Millie, “we chose before we left home. We want Rice Krispies and a boiled egg with soldiers. We are going to have a glass of orange and a glass of milk.” The waiter, standing ready to take Jinnie’s order, said, “I’ve got that. Now I assume you want a slice of bread and butter for your soldiers.”
Over breakfast, the discussion was what people were going to do on their first day on holiday. The twins had already agreed it was a day for the club and lunch by the pool. Paolo said if Izzy and George wanted to go ashore, he was more than happy to sunbathe, read and pick up the kids at lunchtime. Jinnie said she was going into town to do some work, so if Izzy and George wanted to share her taxi into the city centre, they were welcome. Penny said she and George had decided they were going to get a taxi to Harrison’s Caves and have an underground ride on an electric tram, and then a walk along the nature trail to an aviary full of tropical birds.
Granny said, “That sounds interesting, but we have decided that we are getting old and that we want an easy day to recover from travelling. So, we will be joining Paolo to have a lazy day by the pool.” After breakfast, everyone went off to do their own particular thing. Penny and George had a change of clothes and ship’s pool towels in a big plastic bag because they had heard that you could get rather wet in the caves. They headed for the taxi rank with Jinnie, Izzy and George, leaving the twins grumbling to their father that the Reef wasn’t open for half an hour and that wasn’t long enough for a swim. Paolo suggested they could have a dip at lunchtime, but Willie dismissed the idea as lunchtime was for eating hotdogs and chips.
***
Jinnie’s taxi dropped Izzy and George in the town centre before taking her on to the growing SuperBurger Group offices. Jinnie was collected from the small, unmanned reception area and shown up to Jorja’s office, where she and Sebastian were huddled over a spreadsheet. Jorja looked up and said, “Good morning, boss, it’s a bit mad this morning. Seb and I are trying to think what we need for a mobile catering business. We have been looking at a few websites to see what companies in America and the U.K. offer. I hope you don’t mind, but I have brought Anderson into the discussions, we need to get his help with fish dishes.”
“I don’t mind in the slightest,” replied Jinnie, “in fact, I was going to suggest you talk to him. Now, have you come across any roadblocks I can help with?” “Not really,” said Jorja, “we think we have sourced some trucks, and Seb has found someone who can convert them into kitchens and servery. We are not sure if we will need two or three support trucks to move all the tables, chairs, awnings, crockery, etc., around. We need a generator, supply of bottled gas, all the kitchen equipment, a warehouse with a yard, the list is growing by the minute.”
“How about finance?” asked Jinnie. “That’s one thing I’m not sure about,” replied Jorja. “We haven’t got anywhere near a costing. That’s almost impossible until we know how many we are catering for, how many meals a day they want us to serve, for how long. Even what they want us to serve. Will it be different menus for crew, extras, actors and stars? Will we be serving alcohol or just tea, coffee and soft drinks?” “Yes, it is not easy as yet to put a cost to some of the variables until we get a specification,” said Jinnie. “Now, if you don’t mind, can I use your office phone to talk to Brian, the Group Finance Director? We need to make sure we have money available for you to set up the company. Then I want to talk to Miranda, you know her, the Managing Director of TT Events.”
Brian answered his mobile and said, “Good afternoon, Brian Quarendon speaking.” Jinnie said, “Hello Brian, it’s Jinnie. I’m in the Bearcat Catering (Caribbean) office with the MD, Jorja, and Sebastian, the Development Director, on the speakerphone.” “Hi Jinnie,” said Brian, “I thought you were on a cruise.” “I am,” replied Jinnie, “but the ship is in Bridgetown until tonight, and a big opportunity came up last night, so we are trying to set up a bidding platform. It’s too complicated to explain over the phone, but we are setting up a new company, ‘Bearcat Outdoors Catering’, to quote for a film catering contract.”
“That’s a new direction,” said Brian, “and how much is this going to cost?” “That’s the problem,” said Jinnie, “we have no idea, as we haven’t got the specification yet. But I don’t want them to have financing problems. Can you move, say, £250,000 into their account? I don’t for a moment think that is going to be enough, and they will need more. We have decided that whether they win the contract or not, and there is no one else bidding, there is a business here for film, TV and outside catering, and we intend to address it. So, we need to sort out a warehouse, vehicles, equipment, staff, you name it. Can I give you Jorja’s mobile number? She may need money quickly.” “Of course,” said Brian.
Jinnie’s next call was to Miranda. The receptionist at the Wright Refurbishment offices in Crawley put Jinnie through to the suite of offices Miranda’s TT Events shared with her mother. Miranda said, “Hello Jinnie, I thought you were on holiday.” “I am, but something has come up I need to tell you about,” replied Jinnie. “Go on,” said Miranda. “I’m in the Bearcat Catering (Caribbean) offices with Jorja and Seb,” said Jinnie, “they have the chance to put in a bid for a contract for catering for a big Hollywood film being shot on location here. We have been having a look, and we think there is a business opportunity here even if we don’t win the contract, which they are the only bidder for.”
“Anyway, I have authorised them to set up a new subsidiary, Bearcat Outside Catering, and bid for the job. I thought I should be the one to tell you, as it was my decision. I have spoken to your dad as well, to make sure they have the money they will need. I’m sorry to have gone over your head, but the opportunity only came up last night our time, and it would have been two in the morning in Britain when we shook hands on being able to bid, and I didn’t think you would appreciate being woken up.” “That’s OK,” said Miranda, “if you say it’s worth bidding, then I trust your judgement.”
“Thank you,” said Jinnie, “but there is one other thing. What do you think about setting up a film and TV catering business in the U.K.? I know there are a number of companies already in the field, but with the group’s catering experience and group purchasing power, we should be able to compete. With a few catering trucks, you would be able to use them to cater some of those big country weddings you are currently using DKL for. Then you could cater at, say, Notting Hill Carnival, Barnet Fair, Hull Fair, the Nottingham Goose Fair. With a big catering truck, you could do burgers, hotdogs, bacon baps, chilli, baked potatoes, pies, pasties and, of course, chips, piles of chips.”
“It’s something I’ve never thought about,” said Miranda, “but I can see the sense in it. We do sometimes struggle to ensure the food at some of our outside events is piping hot when the DKL kitchen is some distance away. I thought I was going to have a bit of a break when the Christmas party season is over, now you really have given me something to think about.” “I saw Jorja and Seb working on a big spreadsheet with all sorts of things on it ranging from catering trucks to cutlery via awnings and a warehouse. I expect you already have some of that stuff, but a copy of their spreadsheet might help both of you.”
Jinnie took the opportunity, while in the offices, to have a chat with Anderson, Gracie, Keith and Leah. Gracie was finalising plans to move into the ABC islands, and Keith was in her office talking programmes. Both were happy to see the ‘Boss’, as everyone seemed to be calling her these days. Gracie explained that the last two programmed AuntyJoJo’s branches in Trinidad would be opened in the new year, and the big push was in Jamaica. To expand much further in the Caribbean, she pressed that they would have to start thinking about tackling some of the French or Spanish-speaking countries.
Jinnie thought for a moment before asking, “Which is the bigger market?” “Spanish-speaking by far. There are a whole load of Spanish-speaking nations in Central and South America, then there is the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, possibly Cuba,” answered Gracie. “Well, I think you have answered your own question,” said Jinnie. “It must be a Spanish-speaking country. I would suggest starting with the Dominican Republic and avoiding Cuba. I’m not sure the population would have the money to buy fried chicken, or the government would be very cooperative, and I don’t think we would be allowed to supply our own company to do the building work.”
Leah was delighted to see Jinnie and explained that she was more than happy with Artisan Donut sales in Barbados. The move into Trinidad was going well, and they were ramping up production, but she had been looking at the Krispy Kreme model, where they had three sorts of shops, those that sold donuts made in a Krispy Kreme factory, those that took only plain donuts from the factory and had the machinery to glaze all fifteen flavours in the shop, and outlets that made their own donuts and glazed them. Leah wondered if she should think about franchised outlets. At the moment, all donuts were made by Artisan Donuts and sold in their own shops.
Jinnie told Leah that franchising was the way AuntyJoJo’s was going, and she foresaw Artisan Donuts going down the same route, with their bakeries making the product and supplying the franchises. The franchisees then sold the product at a profit. She felt the company should supply all the donuts, the boxes and bags they were sold in, even the coffee and cold drinks the outlets sold. The shops should have a standard design, just like AuntyJoJo’s.
Jinnie explained how AuntyJoJo’s started as a wholly owned company, but soon it was realised that a mixed franchise/wholly owned business was a more profitable option, and it was now aiming at a 90% franchise, 10% owned model, where a new market was initially seeded with owned outlets. Leah said, “That makes a lot of sense to me, if we own the production, we can also supply anyone else, like a supermarket or AuntyJoJo’s. Do you think I should be talking to Monica about how to set up a franchising operation?” “That sounds like a way forward to me,” said Jinnie.
Finally, Jinnie got to talk to Anderson. He welcomed Jinnie and offered her a coffee. Jinnie gratefully accepted the offer, saying, “Would you believe that this is the first offer of a coffee this morning.” “Well, it’s because I want to get on the right side of you,” said Anderson. “I have a bit of a problem. As you know, I now have three profitable restaurants in Barbados, four, soon to be five, dark kitchens, and I’m building my first restaurant in Jamaica. But I have the option to buy a pair of restaurants in Ocho Rios and Negril, but I just don’t have the money, and my Bajan bank is unwilling to loan me money to spend in Jamaica, and Jamaican banks will not lend me the money as I don’t have a business history in Jamaica, so I’m stuck.”
“So, what do you want to do?” asked Jinnie. “I can think of a solution, you sell, say, half of your business and raise the money.” “But I don’t want to lose control of my business,” replied Anderson. “OK,” said Jinnie, “just sell 49% so you retain overall control.” “But who would buy into Anderson’s?” he asked, “it’s only a small company with big ideas, even with the two extra outlets I would only have six outlets and five dark kitchens.” “Well, I can think of two buyers,” said Jinnie, “I’m pretty sure that DKL would buy the 49% and then put up more money to expand the business more.” “You really think they would?” said Anderson. “Absolutely, I know they would,” said Jinnie, “I am the MD, and I would push it through.”
“So, who is the other buyer?” asked Anderson. “Me,” said Jinnie, “I would happily become your junior partner. I also have the cash on hand to write you a cheque right now and then make a substantial director’s loan to rapidly expand the business. I would like to try it in the U.K. I would start with an upmarket restaurant somewhere on the south coast and quickly expand it. I have the money ready to put in. I inherited rather a big sum, and most of it is sitting in a savings account waiting for an investment opportunity, and I think this is it.”
“But you have no idea how much my business is worth,” said Anderson. “True,” said Jinnie, “but I’m certain I have a lot more cash on hand than your business is worth. I reckon I could buy in ten times over and still have plenty of money left over. Look, if you want me as a partner, just say so, and I’ll write you a cheque for £500,000 here and now, while we get an independent valuation of Anderson’s. Then we can get our lawyers to sort out the details. We just knock the £500,000 off the agreed amount. Then we can sit down, agree a way forward, and decide how much I need to put in to get the company growing quickly.”
“I think I would like to accept your offer,” said Anderson. “I think I could work with you.” Jinnie reached in her bag and pulled out her chequebook and wrote a cheque to Anderson Fish Restaurants LLC for £500,000 and handed it to Anderson, who sat staring at it. Jinnie said, “OK, partner, I am on a cruise for the next fortnight, but I will have my mobile with me so you can keep me updated. You can now put a deposit down on those two new restaurants. Please let me know how the deal is progressing. Get your business valued, and then we can talk about finalising things. I think we might need to think about hiring a couple of administrative staff. This business is going places.”
***
It was the middle of the afternoon when Jinnie slipped onto the lounger next to Paolo, saying, “Hi love, where’s Mum and Dad?” “They have gone back to their suite for a nap. They went for lunch in the Meridian. I think they demolished a bottle of wine between them, and they are not used to it. They had steak and kidney pudding and couldn’t stop saying how good it was.” “Well, it is what holidays are for,” replied Jinnie, “eating, drinking and sleeping.” Paolo looked at her and said, “You clearly haven’t been living up to your own mantra. You have been working and look like the cat that got the cream.”
“Well, I must admit I have had a highly successful day. We have got the ball rolling on the new outdoor catering company, I sorted out problems for Gracie and Leah, and I bought half of Anderson’s Fish Restaurants LLC.” “You did what?” said Paolo. “Well, strictly speaking, Anderson agreed to sell me 49% of his fish restaurants, and I put down a deposit. He needed money to expand, and I have money sitting in my bank savings account that will earn a lot more building a chain of high-class fish restaurants. I have plans to open in England. I have been thinking, I reckon Brighton would be a good place to start.”
***
Paolo collected the twins from the club, and as they walked back to the Crystal Pool and their mother, they told him they had had a super afternoon. They had played computer games, then Rosie the Reef Ranger had read them a story. Tomorrow was a sea day, and they were going to choose puppets and make up a puppet show, so they had to go tomorrow. Paolo said, “I thought you two wanted to go swimming.” Millie replied, “We do, but we can go now, before dinner. Anyway, the puppet show is in the afternoon. In the morning it’s painting, and we like swimming better.”
George and Izzy had arrived by the pool only moments before the twins got back and were busy telling Jinnie about what a wonderful day they had just had. They had wandered the town, seen the sights, been to the market, been window shopping, had lunch in AuntyJoJo’s, taken a taxi out to Rockley Beach and had a couple of nice cold beers at a beach bar before getting a taxi back to the ship. The twins wanted to know what they ate at AuntyJoJo’s, and George told them roast beef and Yorkshire pudding, to which Willie said, “But they don’t sell that,” and George said, “Come to think of it, you’re right, it was pizza.” And so the game went on, with George telling them everything except chicken, and the twins roaring with laughter until Paolo suggested they had better make for the pool if they still wanted a swim before getting ready for dinner.
***
In the lift down to the Meridian Main Dining Room for the six-thirty dinner sitting, the twins nagged to know where their table was located. However, they were fascinated by some of the new places they went past. There was a big glass wall, and behind it was a distillery where the ship made its own rum. Then there was the entrance to the ship’s three-screen cinema. On they walked up the long corridor to the Meridian restaurant at the end. They went past the entrances on one side to the 6th Street Diner, which they said looked ‘interesting’ because it had a menu outside, and it said pancakes and fried chicken with maple syrup. But Granny pointed out they were reading the breakfast menu. Opposite the diner was another restaurant called the Olive Grove, where this time the adults stopped to read the Mediterranean-themed menu, and Grandad said he would like to try it one evening as it was included in the cost of the cruise, and the menu looked good.
Eventually, they got to the Meridian’s reception desk, and Paolo told one of the two receptionists their cabin numbers and that they had a linked booking for 18:30. The girl tapped on the computer and printed out a slip with a table number on it and handed it to one of the guides, who led them to their table. The twins were delighted they were right at the back of the ship in an area where there was a balcony from the Zenith Main Dining Room above them and, to the stern of the ship, double-height glass windows through which they could see the dock, a container ship being unloaded behind them, and the sun going down. Granny said, “Oh, isn’t this table just perfect.”
The twins decided on their seats, where they could both see out of the windows and what was happening in the dining room. They were also delighted to discover that they had grown enough not to need a booster cushion and were busy sorting out the napkins when the bread rolls and the iced water arrived, quickly followed by the menus. Willie was grinning from ear to ear when he said, “Mummy, they have got tomato soup, plaice and chips and mushy peas, and ice cream on the menu tonight, that’s yummy.” Jinnie asked Millie, “Are you having the same?” “Of course,” came the reply.
Paolo sipped his coffee before saying, “I enjoyed my dinner. Of course, it can’t be compared to the Trattoria Trevi or the Continental, but it was good. The asparagus and poached egg starter couldn’t be faulted. My steak in mushroom sauce was cooked just right, and the sticky toffee pudding reminded me of my old Nonna’s cooking. A most satisfactory meal.” “I agree,” said Jinnie. “It’s mass catering, and obviously some corners are cut to keep the price down. But I doubt many not in the trade would ever notice. It is decent value for money, and I enjoyed my dinner. Now I see tomorrow it’s a formal night, and they usually up the game and put on an enhanced menu. I’m looking forward to seeing what we get different.”
Izzy put the twins to bed and then slipped into Jinnie and Paolo’s suite with George to watch a film on the TV, with the interconnecting door to the twins’ cabin cracked open. Everyone else went up to the Crow’s Nest for a nightcap. It was still quite early and not too busy, so they were able to find a window table and watch as the last couple of lines were let go and the ship got underway. First, it used its thrusters to move sideways away from the berth and clear of the container ship behind them. Then they went astern into the turning basin, where again the thrusters were used to turn the ship on the spot until it was pointed out to sea, and they were underway. Jinnie said, “It’s odd, but I really don’t ever consider the holiday has properly begun until we leave Barbados.” A grinning Paolo replied, “That’s because you usually spend the first day working, and today was no exception.”
In Chapter 4 – New Islands
© WorthingGooner 2025
