If you want to read 20 Chapters ahead, be sure to check out my Patreon!!!
Go to https://www.patreon.com/Tang12
...
Simon tossed it on the skillet, and almost instantly the air was filled with a sharper aroma. The garlic burned slightly in the heat, sending a spicy sting into the air that made Simon's eyes water. "Woo! That smell's strong!" he coughed, though a grin spread across his face. "But, boss, it smells good."
When the patty was ready, he slid it onto a bun. Caleb added a slice of tomato, then cut it into three again. He tasted his share, savoring the rich garlic infusion that enhanced the thyme, making the meat taste deeper, fuller, more complex. He nodded approvingly and handed the other two pieces over.
Simon and Troy devoured them eagerly. "Delicious," Simon declared. "It hits different. More flavor, more depth."
Troy agreed wholeheartedly. "It's stronger, but in a good way. People'll love havin' options like this."
"Then we'll have two patty variants," Caleb decided aloud. "One with Creeping Thyme only, the other with thyme and garlic. Garlic version'll cost a little more. That way customers can choose what they want."
The two men nodded, already imagining the success.
Finally, Caleb reached for the chilies. He chopped them finely, reducing them into a perfect minced cut, the bright red peppers staining the cutting board. He mixed a portion of them into another thyme based patty, then handed it to Simon to fry. The rest of the minced chili he sprinkled over a fresh bowl of fries that had already been salted, their heat rising as the peppers mingled with the steam.
The spicy aroma hit the air instantly, sharper even than the garlic. Simon coughed, waving his hand in front of his face, but his grin widened. "Boss, this one's gonna kick like a mule."
Caleb smirked, watching as the patty seared in the skillet. The smell was intense, bold, promising fire on the tongue. This was the daring option, the one that would set his food apart completely. Not everyone'll like it, he thought, but the ones who do, they'll come back again and again.
He turned his attention back to the fries with chili sprinkled over them, grabbing one and biting down. The salt and potato hit first, then the slow, building burn of chili that spread across his tongue. It was fiery, yes, but balanced, exciting. A flavor that demanded another bite. Caleb's grin widened. Perfect.
When the patty was cooked, Simon set it on a bun, and Caleb cut it in thirds again. He then took the first bite himself. The heat bloomed instantly on his tongue, sharp but not unbearable. He handed the other two slices to Simon and Troy, who both bit down, eyes going wide.
"Hot damn!" Troy coughed, fanning his mouth, but then laughed with watery eyes. "Boss, that's fire. That's… damn good fire."
Simon nodded, chewing quickly. "Spicy as hell, but it's good. Folks will love it. Especially them drunks who come around wantin' somethin' heavy to soak up the liquor."
Caleb grinned. "Exactly what I thought. A burger for the bold." He tapped the table, already naming it in his head. El Diablo Burger. The fries sprinkled with chili? That could be a side dish, Hellfire Fries.
Simon and Troy exchanged looks, impressed not only with the taste but with how Caleb always had a vision ready.
From here, Caleb began planning in his head how to introduce these new items to the customers outside. He'd test them quietly at first, giving a free sample here and there, watching how the crowd reacted.
If the feedback was good, he'd roll them out officially with proper prices. Cheeseburgers, garlic thyme patties, spicy chili burgers, cheese fries, and chili fries, each one an innovation no one in Valentine had ever tasted before.
By then, the line outside had grown even longer. Voices filtered in, impatient but eager. Jasper's shouts from the counter rang through the kitchen:
"Two burgers and three fries! Next order!"
Caleb could hear Jessie bustling back and forth with trays, her laughter mixing with the chatter of customers. Business was booming harder than ever.
He exhaled slowly, feeling the sweat at his temples, the fire in his chest. Everything was moving in the direction he wanted. The renovations had paid off. The new menu would be another leap forward. And with the Sheriff and the land deed settled, his foundation was solid.
He wiped his hands clean, then clapped Simon and Troy on the shoulders. "Good work, boys. Let's roll these out slow. Cheese burgers, cheese fries, garlic thyme burgers, chilli fries and chilli burgers, they're our future. But today we test them quiet. Only to a handful of customers. Don't flood the kitchen just yet."
Both men nodded firmly, understanding.
So after that Caleb helped Simon and Troy make the burgers and fries that were ordered by the customers first, ensuring every plate was out and served before they moved on to anything else.
The kitchen was hot, the air thick with the scent of sizzling beef, garlic, and oil. When all orders had been made and Jessie rushed them to waiting tables, Caleb finally turned his attention to the next step of his plan. He motioned for Simon and Troy to follow, and together, the three of them began preparing the experimental menu.
Caleb laid everything out with precision, explaining while he worked. "Cheese burgers, cheese fries, garlic thyme burgers, chili fries, and chili burgers. We're making three servings of each. Watch carefully. Don't just cook, learn the process. Consistency is everything."
Simon and Troy listened intently, following Caleb's instructions. They worked as a team, Simon grating cheese, Troy slicing tomatoes, Caleb forming patties and seasoning them. The smell alone was enough to drive hunger into anyone nearby.
Soon, the first tray filled up with steaming samples of cheeseburgers and cheese fries, golden fries covered in a gooey blanket of melted cheese. The second tray carried the bold flavors, the garlic thyme burgers, the chili fries with their fiery red topping, and the chili burgers still hissing from the skillet.
Satisfied, Caleb nodded. "Alright. Simon, Jessie, and Jasper, take these outside. Jasper, you're the mouthpiece today. Make it sound big. Make them want it." Caleb handed off the trays, then stepped back to the skillet, replacing Simon in frying patties for regular orders.
Outside, Valentine was buzzing. Customers lined the porch, the benches, and the tables beside the building. Jasper, carrying one tray while Jessie and Simon followed with the other, raised his voice with a showman's flair.
"Ladies and gentlemen!" he shouted, chest puffed out, playing the part of the proud owner. "Today, you fine folks are witness to the future of dining right here in Valentine. Our boss has been hard at work, cookin' up new creations, brand new burgers and fries like you've never tasted before. And today, we're givin' out free samples to a lucky few!"
The crowd roared with cheers and hollers. Some banged their fists on the tables, others shouted for Jasper to pick them. The excitement was immediate, electric, and hungry.
"Now, now!" Jasper bellowed over the noise. "It'll be fair! I'll be choosin' at random, one per table, so not every seat gets picked today. Don't you worry though, you'll get your chance once these beauties hit the menu!"
A loud wave of boos and groans rolled through the crowd, but the anticipation was still there, sharper than ever. Jasper grinned, milking the moment. Then, with exaggerated ceremony, he began pointing at tables.
"You there! Cheeseburger for you! You two, cheese fries! Back there, the garlic thyme burger's yours! Porch table, chili fries! And finally, chili burger goes to the gent with the hat there!"
The trays quickly emptied as Jessie and Simon handed out the samples. The chosen customers dug in with wide eyes and eager mouths, their reactions immediate and varied.
The cheeseburger eaters smiled instantly, nodding with approval. The cheese fries drew gasps and laughter at the gooey mess sticking to their fingers, but none of them cared. The garlic thyme burger testers hummed appreciatively, surprised by the depth of flavor.
The chili fries brought coughing and fanning, but also wide grins. And the chili burger? The man with the hat nearly choked from the spice, then slapped the table with delight. "That's fire, but I love it!"
The rest of the crowd leaned forward, watching closely, groaning with envy. They peppered Jasper with pleas and protests, demanding a chance, but Jasper only raised his hands and shouted back, "No more today! Y'all'll have to wait until they're officially sold!"
The testers, mouths still full, shouted out their reviews between bites. "Best I ever had!" one cried. "The garlic one's somethin' else!" another agreed. "That chili's kickin' me, but it's worth it!"
Raving reviews echoed across the tables, fueling the frustration of those left out. But at the same time, the energy of the crowd doubled. They were hooked already, and they hadn't even tasted yet.
Jasper grinned wide, raising his arms. "You heard it here, folks! Tomorrow, if supplies allow, you might see these beauties on the menu. Until then, keep your stomachs ready!" The cheer that followed was deafening, a tidal wave of anticipation.
Back inside, Jasper, Simon, and Jessie practically stormed into the kitchen, still riding the high of the crowd's energy.
"Boss!" Jasper called out, unable to contain himself. "They loved it! Every single one raved about it. Said it was the best they'd tasted. That chili burger? Had one fella sweatin' buckets but swearin' he'd pay double just to have it again."
Simon nodded, his face lit with pride. "Cheese fries too, boss. Folks went crazy over 'em. Said they'd buy 'em every day if we sold 'em."
Jessie added, "Garlic thyme burger had 'em shocked, but in a good way. They said it's different, but real good. Everyone's askin' when we'll start sellin'."
Caleb, focused on flipping patties at the skillet, listened silently. The steady sizzle of beef filled the room as he let the reports wash over him. Finally, he set the spatula down, turned, and looked at Jasper.
"You told 'em tomorrow, didn't you?"
Jasper blinked, then hesitated. "Well… yeah. Supplies'll be ready by then, right? Figured it made sense."
Caleb's lips curved into a small, knowing smile. He leaned on the counter, his voice calm but firm. "We're not selling tomorrow."
All three froze, confusion clear on their faces. Jasper frowned. "What? Why not? We've got the ingredients, the folks are hungry, and—"
"That's exactly why," Caleb interrupted smoothly. "You said it yourself. The crowd's begging for it. They're already hooked. If we hold off one more day, let the anticipation build, it'll drive 'em wild. They'll come in droves, and they won't settle for just one thing. They'll buy two, three, maybe more. Waiting sharpens desire, Jasper. We don't give them what they want immediately, we make them crave it."
The room went quiet as his words sank in. Simon and Jessie exchanged glances, slowly understanding. Jasper, at first resistant, finally exhaled and nodded slowly. "So you're sayin'… make 'em wait, build the hunger, then hit 'em with it all at once."
Caleb's grin widened. "Exactly. The day after tomorrow, we launch the new menu. And when we do, it won't just be a sale. It'll be an event. The biggest crowd we've ever had."
From there, Caleb already began mapping out the next steps in his head. He'd need to stock up on cheese, garlic, and chilies, more than usual. He'd need more beef too, bigger orders to keep up with demand. But that was all part of the plan. This was more than food. This was momentum, and he intended to ride it as far as it would go.
...
Name: Caleb Thorne
Age: 23
Body Attributes:
- Strength: 7/10
- Agility: 7/10
- Perception: 8/10
- Stamina: 7/10
- Charm: 6/10
- Luck: 8/10
Skills:
- Handgun (Lvl 4)
- Rifle (Lvl 3)
- Firearms Knowledge (Lvl 3)
- Past Life Memory (Lvl MAX)
- Knife (Lvl 2)
- Blunt Weapon (Lvl 1)
- Sneaking (Lvl 3)
- Horse Mastery (Lvl 4)
- Poker (Lvl 4)
- Hand to Hand Combat (Lvl 2)
- Eagle Eye (Lvl 1)
- Dead Eye (Lvl 3)
- Bow (Lvl 2)
- Pain Nullifier (Lvl 1)
- Physical Regeneration (Lvl 0)
- Crafting (Lvl 3)
- Persuasion (Lvl 2)
- Mental Fortitude (Lvl MAX)
- Cooking (Lvl 3)
- Teaching (Lvl 2)
- Germanic Language Proficiency (Lvl MAX)
- Inventory System (Permanent - 10x10x10)
- Acting (Lvl 2)
- Alcohol Resistance (Lvl MAX)
- Treasure Hunter (Lvl MAX)
Money: 1,899 dollars and 46 cents
Inventory: 102,917 dollars and 43 cents, 7 gold nuggets, 58 gold bars, 7 silver rings, 1 Double Action, 1 Schofield, 2 large bags of jewelry, 4 gold rings, 2 silver rings, 4 silver pocket watches, 3 gold buckles, 1 gold pocket compass, 2 platinum pocket watches, 2 Colm's Schofields, and land deed (Parcel)
Bank: -