Billy hadn't passed through San José in at least four months, and he preferred not to take in its surroundings. He originally owned a building, which he sold in small portions to Raimon and other businessmen at extraordinary prices, while retaining ownership of the surrounding establishments. Seven storefronts were in his hands, and he leased out three more. At the heart of it all was a food court that symbolized wealth itself: his fine Italian restaurant à la carte, a fast-food burger joint that served split halves, and next to it a pizza chain with its own seating area. Alongside stood three other eateries—a seafood place, one called Maurens serving exquisite traditional dishes, and a Japanese restaurant. Add to this a massive bookstore and countless brand-name stores, all converging at the lively hub of a roundabout, where Billy periodically bought up new pieces, letting the place expand under a carefully laid plan of charm. It was quickly becoming one of the city's most renowned plazas.
-There are nearly three hundred spots where we can establish ourselves, - Raimon said, fully aware of both the quality and the challenge of developing such a space. Now he was mapping out another nearby roundabout to help manage the entire restaurant system, while Billy's next acquisition—a Buffalo Wings franchise—was already on the horizon. Billy was also set on branching out by acquiring a Mexican franchise named Chipotle, the first that fell into his hands, and developing a new sandwich-focused outlet with a clean, simple style of creation.
The last option on the table was a BBQ restaurant, but researching it had proven difficult. A rigorous study was already underway to determine what kind of food would fit perfectly within both the fast-food and artisanal food markets, balancing delicious flavors with popular appeal. Ideas ranged from a pasta-only restaurant, offering thousands of varieties, to a Brazilian-style churrascaria that struck the right proportion between speed and craft. Most likely, it would employ a Korean grill to achieve exactly what diners sought.
-What's your plan, Raimon? - asked Thomas Carson.
-Well, the sushi place has been very well received, and our brand Box—food delivered in small, medium, or large boxes—has become a go-to comfort meal. I was considering a move into sandwiches while we search for another brand to launch. Perhaps Indian cuisine; the proportions are promising, though some issues arise. I think an Arabic restaurant might be a more interesting fit for this food style. – Raimon replied.
-We're about to inject one of the largest sums yet—almost three million dollars, - Thomas responded.
-Well, the Buffalo Wings price tag is nine million. We can buy and negotiate the transfers while the brand consolidates. Billy's plans are always remarkable when they hit the mark, -- Raimon replied. – We aim to promote the brand through football teams, ensuring people think of our restaurants during games. The beer consumption alone could be staggering. -
Still, the idea carried considerable risk.
-What's Billy's plan? -
Raimon leaned in and lowered his voice.
-Are you sure? -
-Yes. Billy holds a 60% market account with American Cheesecake; he's on the verge of acquiring the brand outright by buying shares, and he'll do the same with other famous restaurants, - Raimon explained. – These are two separate companies that will be tied to the parent company but won't operate as direct subsidiaries, although he's open to stock purchases. Food is a major step toward wealth. -
-I have plenty of money, - said Richard Carson, who had long followed his son's footsteps in finance and business. He himself invested and profited alongside Billy. Being a lawyer brought him significant wealth, but he also earned through more sophisticated ventures. And as the head of the entire fast-food brand, which had pioneered a minimalist restaurant concept, his influence was undeniable.
Every sign of success was welcomed. Investments, debt, the company's expansion—all were strong foundations for Rapid Food to grow in ways once deemed impossible. Month after month, Billy's purchases became bolder, acquiring more licenses through brilliant food campaigns while keeping costs in check and refining his vision of company growth.
His business was already being valued as one of those poised to gain recognition in the financial world. By managing the franchises under his own name, he positioned them as a pillar of support not just for himself but for anyone willing to manage a franchise within a culture of growth.
-What catches my attention is the airports. Have you thought about that? - asked Thomas, who saw great potential in food outlets inside airports. The basic model was simple: a small-scale purchase offering food that was quick, easy, and enticing—exactly what travelers sought, a fast flavor at the moment of purchase.
-I'll speak with the new representatives,- Raimon said with a sigh. He distrusted airports for anything beyond basic food services; to him, they hardly mattered.
-Raimon, I'll see to it everything gets done, - replied Thomas Carson. For at least fifteen days he had been considering ways to iron out any obstacle. Transitioning from lawyer to entrepreneur made supervising work far more complex and demanding.
-I'll talk to Billy about expanding fast food into airports. Viability could be taken up by any fool, but I trust only Billy's vision, - Raimon remarked.
-Don't worry, he'll bring it up. For now, it will only be market research and corporate quotes, - Raimon added, walking away with a smile. He had been certain for quite some time of the interests—and inconsistencies—at play.
...
Raimon grabbed a quick flight. His Camaro, adorned with a Batman emblem, awaited him. His old stash of gummies and Coca-Cola had been swapped for sparkling water with lemon, peanuts, raisins, almonds, and mixed nuts, along with grapes, melons, and plums.
The song playing was the Star Wars theme. He always listened to it when stressed—and right now, he was very much stressed.
-What an ungrateful thing life can be, when it's nothing but work, - he muttered, struggling with the rigid diet that weighed heavily on his voice.
...