Whether you’ve worked as a head chef or have been in the hospitality industry for several years, you have always dreamed of opening your own restaurant. You can wait no longer, and you are ready to take the plunge, but where do you begin? There is so much to do and consider.
Here is a very quick checklist of some of the important things to consider when opening a new restaurant.
1. Create a Concept
Concept is everything these days. If you look around at the restaurants that are flourishing, you will probably note that each one is based on a concept. It could be fast food or it could be ethnic cuisine. Some restaurants focus on organic health foods while others are simply good old-fashioned diners. Once you have a concept in mind, it becomes easier to take all the other steps which must be taken.
You have an idea of the kind of menu you want to serve, so this step shouldn’t be as tricky as it sounds.
2. Scope Out the Competition
Always remember to scope out the competition in your area. For example, if you live in a small city that already has half a dozen pizzerias or Mexican restaurants, you might want to opt for something else. Instead of a pizzeria, why not open a fine dining Italian restaurant?
There are always ways to give that something extra that the competition just can’t offer.
3. Choose a Killer Location
Here is where you can improve on what the competition is doing. So many restaurants today simply don’t have enough parking and lose a ton of business because of it. Choose a location where you can build a sizeable parking lot and then hire a general contractor to help you draw up plans.
In real estate as well as in any commercial endeavor, location is always vital, so keep that in mind.
4. Create a Business Plan
You will probably need financing, so make sure to give your business plan the attention it needs. Don’t just throw together ideas of what you want to do. Rather, you need to show projected figures showing the profits you intend to make and how you will be able to repay the loans you qualify for.
You will do well to check out small business loans like those you can find from AdvancedPoint Capital. Bear in mind that no lender will work with you if the risk is too great. Your business plan will be your ace in the hole, so make sure to do a professional job if you need the financing.
5. Hire and Train Staff
Finally, it’s time to staff your restaurant. Yes, you need to have your building well under way and a menu planned, but once that is done, it is time to hire and train staff. This is one of the most important steps you can take because staff can make or break your business. Take time to show them how you want things done and make sure each is certified.
Whether or not your state requires it, food handling is what your restaurant is all about, so make sure your staff is adequately trained.
Let us know how you get on!
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