Chapter 73
The Beginning of a Business Revolution
"What does the new governor think?" In the corner, Charlie Lee and Yevich were casually chatting.
"White wants to meet you," Yevich said
"You might not know that White and I grew up together as playmates," Yevich replied, his tone light.
"Are you showing off?" Charlie said with a chuckle. "That's childish."
"Charlie, you've made a huge move in California. Do you really want to relocate here?" Yevich pressed, eager to dig deeper.
As soon as White took office, Yevich arranged a meeting with him to discuss the matter at hand.
The overall economy of Illinois, like the entire United States, was in a severe decline. During such a time, any business that could maintain forward momentum amidst the disaster was crucial and worth attracting.
Looking at the economic contribution of Charlie Lee's Aegis Bureau and Baikede, the numbers spoke for themselves—over 5,000 jobs created.
Although most of these jobs were taken by Chinese workers, it didn't take away from his accomplishments. Especially since, after Nick was elected, the vice president's administration was keen on eliminating racial differences, embracing cultural diversity, and fostering a more pluralistic society. If anyone dared question this policy, Nick had the authority to make their opposition publicly known in Congress.
The employment of over 5,000 people had generated a significant consumer demand in Chicago, and politicians like Yevich recognized the political value this brought. Moreover, Charlie Lee didn't just have Aegis Bureau and Baikede to his name. He had established a new company, the Golden Arch Corporation. Aside from the newly opened McDonald's outlets, another chain brand was in the works.
Yevich had personally visited the stores under construction, which promised even more jobs. If all went according to plan, it was expected that Charlie Lee's employee count would skyrocket to tens of thousands.
Had White not been new to the office and burdened with too many matters to address, he would have visited Charlie Lee to discuss this potential relocation in person.
"Yevich, that's not something we should focus on right now. It's too far away," Charlie said, his expression thoughtful. He hadn't fully committed to moving his industries to the West just yet. However, for now, he was inclined to keep the headquarters of Aegis and Golden Arch in Chicago. Even if Los Angeles surpassed Chicago in size and stature in the future, Chicago would still remain the financial center of the United States. The city occupied a unique geographical position and held an irreplaceable status in the country's economic landscape.
"Charlie, don't forget about your friends here," Yevich said earnestly, his eyes serious.
"Of course, I will never forget my friends," Charlie replied with a warm smile.
Meanwhile, the reception event was winding down as the shop owners quietly left to attend their respective store openings. At 10:00 a.m. on February 1, 1930, the newest McDonald's franchise in Illinois opened its doors in a bustling pedestrian area, right at the intersection of the main trunk road. Firecrackers popped, gongs and drums played, and the lion dance team paraded through the streets, marking the official opening of the store.
The area was completely transformed into a lively carnival, complete with a fire show, iron flower displays, and flaming hoops. The crowd stopped, drawn by the spectacle, and their curiosity was piqued by the novelty.
"Welcome to McDonald's! Today, we're offering a 50% discount. Come on in and experience it for yourself!" shouted Yan Yan, who wore a star-spangled flag graphic uniform, enthusiastically greeting the passersby.
A family of three, who had recently moved to the suburbs, approached, intrigued by the commotion. The woman curiously peered into the storefront.
"It looks good. Should we try it?" she asked.
"I don't know. If it costs more than a dollar, we're leaving," her husband grumbled, hesitant. Many of the Chinese immigrants in the area were still suspicious of new foods. Their experiences had taught them that these foreign foods often gained popularity only to fade away. The man hoped that wouldn't be the case here.
As the family stepped inside, they were struck by the clean, gleaming interior. The space, made entirely of glass, showcased neat dining tables, and stars and stripes adorned the walls. Behind the counter, the staff greeted them with warm smiles.
The atmosphere was inviting, a far cry from the bleakness many people had come to expect in difficult times. People longed for a place to smile, where they could escape the despair of daily life.
"Welcome to McDonald's, where you can experience the feeling of home!" a large banner above the cash register read. It made the family's hearts lift with warmth.
"My God, honey, it's so cheap!" the husband exclaimed. The prices were remarkably low.
The price list on the back wall revealed just how affordable it was:
• Hamburgers: 15 cents
• Coke: 5 cents
• French fries: 8 cents
• Free drinking water and dining space, no tips.
The allure of these prices, paired with the promise of no tipping, was irresistible. The concept of an affordable meal in a clean, comfortable space with no hidden fees felt like a breath of fresh air to the family.
"What should I do?" the man wondered aloud. This was a new experience for him. The clean floor, leather sofa seats, and friendly atmosphere felt more like a high-end restaurant than a fast-food joint.
"Sir, simply place your order here. Your food will be ready in about 30 seconds, and you can pick any available seat you prefer. After you're done eating, just place your trash in the designated area and return your plate to the counter," explained the cashier, flashing a bright smile.
The man raised an eyebrow at the idea of cleaning up after himself, but the cashier's cheerful demeanor made it hard to object.
Behind him, the impatient murmur of the line grew louder. He turned around and saw that the line had extended outside the door, with more people joining in the excitement.
"I'll take three hamburgers, two cokes, and one order of French fries," the man quickly ordered.
Ding!
"Your total is 36.5 cents," came the voice of the cashier's typewriter.
"God, 36.5 cents? That's so cheap! Hurry up!" someone behind him urged, eager to get their food.
In less than 30 seconds, his food was ready, and the man took his tray, feeling grateful for the speed and efficiency.
"I'll have four hamburgers, two cokes, and two French fries. Are those still 50% off?" asked the excited girl who stepped up to the counter next.
"Of course! Everything is 50% off today!" the cashier assured her, smiling as she handed over the food.
"Would you like a takeaway bag?" the cashier asked.
"No, thank you," the girl replied with a smile, clutching the free paper bag, which featured the iconic gold arch logo.
"McDonald's, a great time for the family," the bag read, the strong material making it suitable for reuse. Many customers were already thinking of how they could use it as a shopping bag.
A man who was next in line counted his change and placed his order for ten hamburgers, four cokes, and extra fries. His food was ready in under a minute, and he was on his way.
The store buzzed with energy as the line continued to grow. Fresh hamburgers, crispy fries, and cold cokes were quickly packed and handed out to eager customers. Yan Yan, standing behind the counter, couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. "McDonald's, it's a success," she thought.
The same excitement was happening all over Illinois and even spreading to neighboring states. The campaign slogan, "McDonald's, a great time for the family," had taken hold.
When Charlie Lee read about the success of McDonald's in the newspapers, he was standing in front of the Oscar Star Theater in Hollywood, where an event was about to set the stage for an exciting night in the film industry.
While little Norma was left behind in Chicago, Charlie Lee had come to Hollywood with business on his mind.
The eight major film companies—Warner, Columbia, Redwood, Paramount, MGM, United Media, Fox, and Universal—had all sent representatives to meet with him. Most of the prominent independent directors in Hollywood were present, including Frank Bouchard, John Ford, Sidney Franklin, and Joseph von Sternberg, among others.
These were the pillars of the film industry, and Charlie Lee was about to make his mark in Hollywood, signaling the beginning of a new chapter in his business ventures.
As McDonald's continued its triumph in Illinois and beyond, Charlie Lee's influence in both the fast-food industry and the entertainment world seemed poised for even greater things.