Once were steakhouses

Once upon a time, there existed a quaint establishment, a humble abode of meats known to the world as a steak house. ‘Twas a place devoid of fanciful airs, its humble stature and unadorned nature the very embodiment of simplicity. Manned by a small but dedicated crew, they upheld the values of locality and community with unwavering devotion.

As the wheel of time spun and the hands of destiny continued their unceasing march, this eatery underwent a metamorphosis, growing larger in both size and ambition. The boundaries of its menu expanded, and lo and behold, a new addition graced its offerings—a burger! This culinary innovation mainly aimed to cater to families who arrived seeking the carnivorous delights of steak but sought to appease their young ones with the simpler fare of burgers. Remarkably, this stratagem proved successful, as families flocked to partake in this harmonious blending of tastes.

But alas! The relentless passage of time ushered in a new era, a period marked by a different ensemble of custodians entrusted with the restaurant’s destiny. Alas, these fresh recruits possessed peculiar notions regarding the desires of their esteemed patrons. It seemed as though they possessed a muddled understanding, unable to discern between a succulent steak and a humble burger. While previous members of the herbivorous and vegan persuasion had joined the ranks before and found their place, exhibiting competence and proficiency, these novices appeared to be grappling with the basics. 

As time ticked by, the original staff detected a definite and unmistakable bias, from the custodians, towards the sale of …burgers! They seemed to pay little heed to the fact that eight out of ten individuals who graced their doorstep yearned—nay, were willing to part with their hard-earned coin—for the tender juiciness of a medium-rare steak, seared to perfection. 

Could it be, perchance, that these audacious newcomers possessed a semblance of wisdom? Might the general populace truly crave naught but burgers? Could it be that the yearnings for succulent medium-rare steaks were but figments of the imagination, transient desires that faded like a mirage in the desert? Only the relentless march of time would reveal the truth, as the discerning public voiced their verdict through the currency of their choice.