Ep 1. Business Plan

The show Family Business follows the story of a Jewish family in Paris who run a kosher butchery. In the first episode of season 1, entitled "Business Plan," the family is introduced along with their business. The patriarch, Gérard Hazan, has been running the butchery for over 30 years, but a lack of innovation and increased competition from other kosher butchers has led to a decline in profits.

His son, Joseph, is introduced as a would-be entrepreneur who has recently returned from a failed business venture in Los Angeles. Joseph feels that he can turn the butchery around by modernizing it and marketing it to a younger demographic. He enlists the help of his siblings, sister Aure and brother Olivier, to convince their father that they need to make changes if they want to save the business.

Their father is initially resistant, but eventually agrees to let Joseph create a business plan to present to the family. Joseph spends several days researching and writing the plan, which includes ideas to expand the butchery's social media presence, add new product lines, and revamp the store's design. The plan also involves approaching high-end hotels and restaurants to sell their premium cuts of meat.

When the family gathers to hear the plan, there is initial skepticism from some members. Gérard fears that the changes will alienate their existing customer base, while Aure is concerned about the increased workload that the new initiatives will bring. Even Joseph's girlfriend, who works as a social media influencer, is unsure if the plan is feasible.

Despite this initial pushback, Joseph is able to persuade the family to back his proposal. They agree to invest in the new initiatives and even decide to bring on a new team member, a young chef named Karim, to help with the expanded product line. The episode ends with the family excitedly discussing their new direction and planning for the future in their updated store.

Overall, "Business Plan" does a good job of introducing the main characters and their conflicts. The tension between Gérard and Joseph is palpable, as they have differing visions for the future of the business. The introduction of Karim as a new member of the team also adds an interesting wrinkle to the family dynamic. The episode sets up what will likely be the main conflict of the season: can this family successfully modernize their traditional business without losing what makes it special?