As we sat negotiating the menu and price for an anniversary celebration, there was a list of potential considerations. Starters, main courses, desserts, and drinks were just the start. The timing for our buffet event was unique for this restaurant. Candidly, in my mind, I was not sure how much of it was going to come together. Organizing a celebration and meal at 3pm on a weekend was not an ideal time for maximizing the number of attendees. While we had our list, how many would make it?
There was a final piece begging for a consensus remaining. We agreed that three starters, five curries, two kids of rice, naan, two kinds of dessert, and hot and cold drinks would all be on the menu. The only uncertainty was the number. How many?
“If you commit now to the number, I will not count who comes in the door.”
“Interesting idea. Are you concerned about the risk?”
“I am concerned that I will make a lot of food and not get paid. If you are confident with you numbers, I will accept it.”
We had a list of names. The notepad was visible to everyone. As we looked at it, we decided that 10% attrition would be a reasonable guess. “How about 55? Will that work for you?”
“Yes. I think 55 will be a good number. If you can lock this in, we are done. The price will include everything. No tip is expected or required. It is always appreciated of course.”
We shared the same fear. How many would show? In hindsight I should have focused on my speech, the quality of the food, or when people would show up. I had fallen into the old model of where to place my worry. “If anything, you have more concern for the lower parts than the higher. If you had to choose, wouldn’t you prefer good digestion to full-bodied hair?” (1 Corinthians 12.24)
We arrived 15 minutes early to find people waiting. The buzz, numbers, food, and event surpassed all expectations! Everyone was a winner.
