Kevin had spent the afternoon researching construction companies in Springfield and found one with consistently high reviews "The Only Foundation Repair Company in Town," which operated under the name Surly Joe's Foundation Repair. It seemed like the best local option for a full restaurant renovation.
Following his GPS, he drove through the streets of Springfield until he reached a two-story building with a large, weathered sign out front. He parked his car, grabbed the rolled-up blueprints from the passenger seat, and stepped inside.
The interior smelled faintly of coffee and sawdust. Behind the counter stood an old man with yellow skin and grey hair, wearing a blue cap and a matching blue uniform. He looked up from his newspaper with a gruff but professional expression.
"Morning," the old man greeted. "Name's Surly Joe. What can I do for you today?"
Kevin approached the counter. "I need your services for a full renovation. I just acquired an abandoned commercial property and want to turn it into a restaurant."
Surly Joe raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Alright. Let's talk in the back office."
He led Kevin into a small but tidy private room filled with blueprints, tools, and coffee mugs. They sat down at a table, and Kevin unrolled the detailed blueprints that Bob and Manny had provided, the same designs used for the original Krusty Krab renovation.
"I want something very similar to this layout," Kevin explained, pointing at the plans. "Drive-thru window, updated kitchen, modern dining area, fresh signage, and full structural repairs. The building is the old Krusty Burger on Elm Street."
Surly Joe studied the blueprints carefully, nodding as he took notes. They discussed the address, the scope of work, timelines, and materials. After some back-and-forth on costs for demolition of old equipment, new plumbing, electrical upgrades, flooring, and exterior work, they reached an agreement.
"Total for the full renovation comes to $520,000," Surly Joe said. "We can start tomorrow morning if you're ready. Should take about three to four weeks, depending on any surprises we find in the structure."
Kevin shook his hand. "Deal. I'll have the deposit transferred today."
With the renovation contract signed, Kevin exited Surly Joe's office, a sense of accomplishment mixed with resignation.
The deal was quite hefty, but he'd had little choice; this company appeared to be the sole construction option in town. Their slogan, "The Only Foundation Repair Company in Town," certainly reinforced that notion.
Now he need to find a place to stay for the next few days while he oversaw the initial work and met with Roger Rabbit for training.
He pulled out his phone and searched for hotels in Springfield. Three options stood out:
- Springfield Inn: A luxury hotel with five-star reviews.
- The Happy Earwig Motel: A four-star motel.
- Sleep-Eazy Motel: A cheaper, seedier option known for its deteriorating condition and coin-operated everything.
Kevin chose the Springfield Inn without hesitation. He entered the address into his GPS and drove over.
The hotel was impressive even from the outside, a multi-story building with a modern architectural style. The main structure was predominantly beige with numerous rectangular windows glowing with warm yellow light. A prominent covered entrance led to double doors, and a smaller single-story section sat to the right. The landscaping was well-maintained with green bushes, small trees, and scattered rocks. A large white sign on sturdy posts clearly read "SPRINGFIELD INN."
Kevin parked and walked inside. The lobby was clean and upscale, with comfortable seating and a polished reception desk. Behind the counter stood a receptionist with brown hair and yellow skin.
"Welcome to the Springfield Inn," she greeted with a professional smile. "How may I help you?"
"I'd like a room for four nights, please," Kevin said.
After a quick check-in process, he paid using his card and received the keycard. "Room 812, eighth floor. Elevator is to your left."
Kevin thanked her and headed to the elevator. When the doors opened on the eighth floor, he stepped out and nearly bumped into a woman walking down the hallway.
Her hair was medium-brown, styled in soft waves that framed her face and reached her shoulders. She wore a simple yet sophisticated outfit, a dark grey turtleneck sweater, black pants, and black shoes. A small round earring glinted on her left ear.
When she saw him, her face lit up with surprising joy.
"Oh! Hello there!" she said brightly. "I'm Persephone Odair. Nice to meet you!"
Kevin was momentarily taken aback by her over-friendliness but recovered quickly. "Uh, hi. I'm Kevin Harlan."
He gave her an awkward smile and continued to his room. He found Room 812, slid the keycard, and stepped inside. The room was spacious and luxurious, with a large bed, a sitting area, and a great view of the city.
Kevin kicked off his shoes and flopped face-first onto the bed with a long sigh.
"Finally… a moment to breathe."
He still had a lot to do in Springfield, overseeing the renovation, meeting Roger Rabbit for training, and exploring the city but for now, he allowed himself to relax.
Tomorrow would be another busy day.