Brandon's Buffet

This afternoon, the children, the boys especially, having made it through the morning without being placed up for adoption (and let me tell you, between the hours of 10:00 am and 1:00pm, I was investigating the legality of that option), decided to open a restaurant downstairs. It was the most amazing synergy I have seen from the boys in a long time. Brandon was the manager. Jon and Noah were the employees.

The bar was set nicely with paper plates and napkins. The area was completely (and to my utter amazement) cleared of accumulated toys and clutter. It was even..washed off..miracle of miracles. I took my place at the bar to be served; there was no consensus as to what number customer I actually was ever reached, as they were unsure whether or not to count themselves as customers. I was rapidly served a 7up and a Nutrigrain bar.

After I completed my meal, I participated in a "promotion" that was going on at the restaurant: I had to try to throw mini stuffed animals through a basketball hoop that Jonathon was moving up and down and around. The explanation offered to me for this event: The management is constantly working on things to keep their place entertaining and fun because they do not want their customers to be bored. They are working towards becoming a sports bar, but since they are not allowed to have the TV on in the afternoons, options are currently limited and they are focusing on promotions.

Once I was done with my promotion, which, I failed miserably at, by the way, I went upstairs. I was soon followed by Noah, who informed me that he had been fired by Brandon. Brandon was quickly up the stairs too, explaining to his brother, "I am not going to pay someone to lay around and sit on the couch all day. Jon's working, so Jon gets paid. That's final."

Noah wasn't keen on being unemployed and left out of the family business, so I convinced Brandon to hire him back as a bathroom cleaner; after all, who wants to go out to eat at a place with skeevy bathrooms? So, Noah, cleaning supplies in hand, was gainfully employed again, Brandon was happy, and my downstairs bathroom was clean.

One of the most interesting parts of this story is trying to explain how Brandon managed everything, including his brothers; firing Noah was just one example. When Jonathon became disgruntled with his "lowly" position, Brandon said, "I'll tell you what Jonathon, you can earn higher levels, all the way up to 10. You are level one right now. You can earn level 2 by not bothering Noah for twenty minutes. I will go upstairs and set the timer right now." AND Jon agreed. And was proud of himself for accomplishing level two. Jon also reached level 3 when he did not bother Lauren for twenty minutes, although this happened later in the running of the business.

There was also the constructing and the making of the sign and menu, which Brandon also oversaw, and took intense concentration and cooperation by all three boys. Both the sign and menu welcome everyone to "Brandon's Buffet" as they walk into the downstairs family room. After the sign making, Lauren and a friend were brought into the family business. Sadly, the friend had to go home, but after she left an area was set up behind my couch for "employees only." This is where the owners brainstorm on ideas on how to grow their business, keep customers, run their business more efficiently, and what kind of food to offer. Again, Brandon is what is known as "the lead" in the industry during these meetings.

After two hours of running a business, Brandon found out even an owner/manager needs sustenance to maintain his energy and came upstairs in search of the ever popular PB&J. He asked me to make it for him as he was hustling two ice teas downstairs to his employee meeting. When I asked him why I had to do it now that he owned his own restaurant, this was his response: "I am very busy now. Besides, you spread the jelly faster and you just make them better."

Brandon even managed to melt me enough to make him a PB&J.