So You Want To Own A Restaurant - Letter to Michelle B.

Dear Michelle B.

Thanks so much for your quick note via txt msg requesting us to send your latest time-sheet to your culinary school and for your request to mail your final paycheck to your mother's address in Dallas.

It was with only the greatest sadness that I came to know of your recent and sudden departure from our employment. I only wish I could have been there myself to say goodbye and to wish you a "Bonne vie!"

In the short month you worked with us, I feel I came to know you not just as a prep cook who over-inflated dumplings to the point of bursting and who couldn't remember that the red plastic prep tubs were meant for raw meats only, but also as a human - a human dealing with an almost incomprehensible series of family tragedies including (but probably not limited to) your brother's mystery illness on weekend number 1 to your mother's terrifying coma and brush with death on weekend number 3.

Now please don't get me wrong! Both Chef and I, (along with the rest of the staff) were elated to hear your mom was going to be okay after her hospitalization which continued for 3 or 4 days upon your return to work after having gone to sit with her on her death bed earlier that weekend!

And, just as we were happy as all get-out to know this latest crisis appeared to be behind you (and us) we were just as understandably confused when 2 days later your mother arrived at the restaurant with the strength of many horses (literally towing you behind her) as she came to announce your immediate resignation and imminent return to Dallas due to an unfortunate and unplanned bout of domestic violence at the hands of your boyfriend the night before.

Of course, we cannot blame your mother for doing whatever is necessary to protect her daughter. I might-well do the same were my daughter in a similar situation (but only if I lived in Dallas... if I lived elsewhere then I'd probably be returning her to THAT place instead of Dallas because otherwise that just wouldn't make any sense...)

As for your requests, we will of course be more than pleased to send your check along to your mother's residence. We will, however, be unable to assist you with your continuing relationship with your culinary school.

Upon your mother's resignation on your behalf, we sent a note to the school informing them of your departure from your externship, and they have yet to even as much as reply. From our perspective, our agreement with them ended the day you quit without notice and our responsibility for the administrative tasks associated with your education ended with it. But not to worry! I'm sure you'll have no trouble working that out with them as you continue to pursue your voyage culinaire.

Sincerely,
David - Owner