Page 65 of Suddenly Beck
‘I’ve been putting together a relaunch and marketing plan for Sully’s,’ I begin. ‘These are samples of new business cards, leaflets and menus etc. I’ll explain as we go along, but there’s a lot to cover so bear with me.’ I draw in a breath and launch into speech. ‘The restaurant is currently closed, and we’ve decided to keep it closed for another week. Mel’s interviewing for new staff, and we’re going to give it a coat of paint to freshen it up. So, we’re going to need anyone who’s available to grab a paint brush and pitch in.’
‘Of course, we will,’ Ryan replies, and everyone nods in agreement. ‘What else?’
‘Scott did a stellar job of trashing Sully’s reputation, and I don’t think we need to mention the fish fingers do we?’ I smile slowly and hear Beck snigger beside me. ‘The numbers have dropped significantly; we’re not only not getting people through the door but we not getting customers returning. We need to make some significant changes. I’ve altered the menu; it will change seasonally, but I’ve kept several of your dad’s signature dishes, which I can recreate. Plus, I’ve added some new ones of my own.’
‘Whoa!’ Georgie interrupts. ‘You’re keeping the crab and avocado tacos, right?’
‘Yes, Georgie, we’re keeping the tacos.’ I grin with a little flush of pleasure as she whoops and fist pumps the air. ‘Now, Sully and Mel built the place up over time based on reputation, recommendation and repeat business, which kept it thriving. However, it has little to no social media presence, so we’ve purchased a domain name, and I have a friend from Uni who’s designing a brand-new website for the restaurant. There was a half-arsed Facebook page, which hasn’t been posted on in years, so I’ve deleted it and set up new accounts for Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. In addition, we need to start building up solid reviews and ratings on places like TripAdvisor. I figured we could talk to some of the locals and regulars and ask if they would mind leaving reviews.’
‘Wow.’ Juni blinks. ‘You’ve been busy.’
‘Which actually brings me to you Juni,’ I say.
‘Me?’ She blinks.
‘Yeah.’ I nod. ‘Your mum tells me you’ve just finished a media course at college, so I went and stalked all your social media accounts and they’re good. You’ve got some really innovative content that’s really engaging and fresh,’ I tell her as she flushes with pleasure. ‘I hear you’re going to Uni to study social media marketing?’ She nods, and I continue, ‘If you’re interested, I thought you could step in and take the reins on the restaurant’s social media accounts. That way we get great exposure and content, and you can use it as part of your portfolio for your degree.’
‘Oh my god, are you serious?’ She beams. ‘That would be amazing!’
‘Great.’ I smile. ‘So, if you have some time later, maybe we could go over some ideas?’
‘I’d love that,’ she replies enthusiastically.
I glance over at Beck and see him watching me with soft eyes, and a small smile playing at the corner of his mouth. I blush slightly, trying not to think about what I want to do to that mouth otherwise I’ll lose my trail of thought.
‘Uh.’ I clear my throat. ‘So anyway, what we really need are bums in seats. We need to get people through the door. Mel and I have come up with some promotions. A loyalty card for regulars and locals, a ten percent off introductory offer for new customers, and a recommend a friend discount for repeat business,’ I continue and find them all watching me avidly. ‘There are two large holiday parks on the outskirts of the bay, plus a smaller caravan park. I’ve spoken with all of the managers, and they’ve agreed to include our ten percent introductory voucher in their welcome packs for all new guests. Molly and Bea are going to do the same at the B&B and Florrie’s going to display some on the counter at the coffee shop.’
‘You did all this in the last forty-eight hours?’ Beck blinks.
‘Yeah.’ I nod. ‘We’re really going to have to hit the ground running if we want to make the most of the summer season, which has basically already started. Plus, we’ve only got a couple of weeks before the schools break for the summer, which will really kick things into high gear.’
‘Hey, man.’ Ryan scratches his beard as he studies me thoughtfully. ‘I thought you were just a cook.’
‘He’s not just a cook,’ Beck growls. ‘He’s a great cook, plus he has an MA in Finance and Economics.’
‘Okay, easy there, tiger.’ Ryan grins, holding up his hands in mock surrender. ‘Want a cheerleader’s outfit to go with those pom poms?’
‘Fuck off, asshole,’ Beck grumbles.
‘Beck, language,’ Mel says absently as Jesse sniggers, and Beck flips his twin the finger.
I glance down at Beck, and something in my belly shifts and warms at the look he sends me. I know Ryan was only joking, but I’d be a liar if I said I didn’t enjoy the way Beck instantly defended me.
I turn back to the matter at hand and try to force my mind back to the meeting before I do something stupid and embarrassing like climb into his lap and kiss his face off in front of everyone.
‘Lastly, before I bore everyone to death with the sound of my voice.’ I smile. ‘I had an idea. While I was researching the local area, I noticed that the bay used to host an annual festival of the sea.’
‘I remember that.’ Jesse grins. ‘Do you remember the sandcastle building competition, Beck, the one where we got disqualified for burying Deacon up to his neck as the tide was coming in?’
‘Yeah,’ Beck sniggers and Ryan joins him.
‘We also got banned from the pirate ship attraction for trying to make Georgie walk the plank.’
‘That really wasn’t funny,’ she replies, but the corners of her mouth are twitching in amusement.
‘Why don’t I remember any of this?’ Quinn frowns.
‘Because you were just a baby,’ Ryan coos.