LORENZO is on the phone with MADISON, CHASE, SAM, LINCOLN, ADAM, and REAGAN, six young lawyers and once regular patrons of the original Lorenzo's Kitchen in Indianapolis.
MADISONTell me exactly what they made you sign, Lorenzo.
LORENZO
Just one document.
LINCOLN
What was in the document? You really could have had us look it over for you, you know.
LORENZO
I have everything under control. I was once almost a lawyer too.
ADAM
You weren't almost a lawyer, you said you wanted to become one after winning a court case and then never did.
LORENZO
Hey, I can only follow through on so many of my promises.
SAM
I'd tell you you'd make a great politician if you hadn't already proven me otherwise.
LORENZO
LorenzoChair brought new chairs to 15 new restaurants across the State of Indianapolis, thank you very much.
CHASE
Didn't that get repealed?
MADISON
Guys! Focus! Lorenzo got himself in trouble again, remember?
LORENZO
Debatable.
MADISON
I can guarantee you got yourself in trouble. I know you. Lorenzo, what does the contract say?
LORENZO
Give me a chance to read it and I'll let you know.
Nobody speaks.
LORENZO
You guys there?
REAGAN
You...you didn't read it?
LORENZO
Nope.
ADAM
So you skimmed it.
LORENZO
Well...define skimmed.
ADAM
Oh brother.
LORENZO
I'll read it now, okay?
MADISON
Let us know while you read it.
LORENZO
Fine.
LORENZO takes a look at the contract.
LORENZO
Says something about streamlining the menu.
ADAM
Full sentence, Lorenzo.
LORENZO
'The products of Lorenzo's Kitchen shall be streamlined to optimize revenue streams. Products shall resemble that of competing ballpark concession stands, but presented in the restaurant format.'
LORENZO pauses.
LINCOLN
Sounds like you won't be offering your signature flavors of cotton candy. Go on.
LORENZO
'Lorenzo's Kitchen shall implement automated ordering systems for all products. Cutting-edge technology will be used to assist customers with their orders and guide them to optimize value spent.'
LORENZO pauses again.
LORENZO
Cutting-edge technology?
ADAM
You'll find out soon enough what that means.
LORENZO
You can't tell me?
ADAM
My guess is as good as yours. Probably something lame.
REAGAN
Well Lorenzo, it sounds like you signed an unfortunate contract.
LORENZO
One more thing: 'Lorenzo's Kitchen shall be more profitable than Primitive Park's least profitable restaurant by the end of the Santa Fe Primitives' 2026 season, or risk permanent closure.'
MADISON
Oof.
LORENZO
I have to talk to Heidi about this.
CHASE
We'll be down in Santa Fe tomorrow to help you.
SAM
We will be?
CHASE
It's Lorenzo! Of course we will.