Starting a restaurant can be an exciting, yet challenging endeavor. Passion for food isn’t the only thing that matters, you also need a passion for business, the know-how to balance both concepts, and the understanding of the industry overall.
In the wise words of Jarrad Grigg, co-founder of MenuZen “Running a restaurant isn’t just a job, it’s a lifestyle. The hours can be long and you’ll likely face unexpected challenges. But with good planning, passion, and resilience, it can be a highly rewarding venture.”
Here are our top tips to ensure your food business is successful.
Research And Understand Your Market
You need to understand the kind of customers you are targeting. Are they families, students, working professionals, or tourists? What are their dining habits, preferences, and what kind of cuisine do they prefer? This will help shape your restaurant concept, menu, pricing, and location.
For example, a family would prefer family discounts or free meals for children. They would also need entertainment such as coloring tools on the menu.
Concept And Business Plan
Your restaurant should have a clear concept that sets it apart. This could be a unique type of cuisine, a special ambiance, or an innovative service model. Once you’ve defined this, create a detailed business plan. This will act as a roadmap for your restaurant and will be crucial when seeking funding.
Your concept should be unique but instantly understood. Anyone who sees your logo, or walks into your restaurant should understand what they are getting into.
You don’t have to be so unique that no one has thought of this concept before. As long as your competition isn’t close by, you can continue with your plan.
For example, if you’re the only Renaissance Tavern in the town, it doesn’t matter that the next city over has this niche experience. However, going back to your market research, if there is very little interest in a Tavern then you may end up splitting your audience.
Make sure you balance your ideas and concepts with your research.
Location, Location, Location
The location of your restaurant can make or break your business. Factors to consider include visibility, parking, proximity to your target audience, and competition in the area.
In some cases putting your new fast food restaurant along the same road as another will have its benefits. Locals will know that road “take-out road” or something similar – funneling your target audience all into the same place.
Alternatively, if you start your coffee shop near Starbucks, the dominating brand will easily take your custom.
Hire The Right Staff
Your employees are the face of your restaurant. Hiring experienced, friendly, and reliable staff can significantly enhance the dining experience for your customers.
If you have an odd niche, then you need your staff to be interested in these ideas too. A seafood restaurant? The chefs need to understand the delicate flavors in these dishes. A singing restaurant? The waiting staff needs to enjoy performing.
Menu Planning
Your menu should reflect your concept and target audience. Keep it simple and focus on quality rather than quantity. An overly complicated menu can confuse customers and place unnecessary strain on your kitchen.
Ideally, you should plan ingredients that can be used in multiple meals, that way you don’t produce food waste from non-picked menu items.
Food Costs And Pricing
Understanding how to calculate food costs and set menu prices is crucial. Your prices need to be competitive, but also high enough to cover costs and make a profit.
Compare similar restaurants and their prices to understand what a competitive rate is. You should network with suppliers too, this will help you achieve better deals.
Marketing And Social Media Presence
In the digital age, having an online presence is crucial. Invest in a good website and maintain active profiles on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Use online delivery platforms, online reviews, and ratings to expand your reach.
Legalities And Permits
Understand the local laws and regulations related to running a restaurant. This includes food safety standards, licenses, permits, and labor laws.
Customer Service
Excellent customer service can set your restaurant apart. Train your staff to handle customer complaints effectively and to provide a dining experience that encourages repeat business.
Adapt And Evolve
The restaurant business is dynamic and trends change frequently. Be ready to adapt and evolve your menu, your service, or even your entire concept to keep up with the times.
Final Thoughts
Starting a restaurant is a difficult business, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Make sure you keep your concepts flexible and watch for the successful elements as they come. Use that information to ensure your restaurant becomes stable and successful!
