As an entrepreneur who is considering opening a small restaurant, you have to think about whether you are to invest time, money, and hard work into making it a proper business.
Otherwise, you could easily face problems pretty quickly along the way, and not just with money but liquidation could be a real issue, too. Instead, know what the key ingredients are to opening a restaurant business successfully, as told by MatTek.
Choose the best location possible
The location of a restaurant, especially if it’s a small one, affects largely on future income.
You should know that it’s quite difficult to find the right location that also offers space available for a restaurant. It’s important to keep your options open because many times unusual places – an old factory, for example – could work out great.
Don’t forget to mind parking and visibility to increase the chances of always having customers around.
Determine the concept
You may already have the restaurant concept in mind or you may still be looking for the right inspiration. The truth is this – the type of restaurant, the target customers you want to attract, as well as the unique offer are all incredibly important.
By coming up with a concept, you are giving your restaurant a “voice”, which could and should differentiate you from the competition. The sooner you establish the character of your restaurant, the more quickly you will be remembered. Find the way to challenge the usual and to incite interest.
Create a business plan
To attract investments and other team members, as well as to clarify your goals, it is necessary to have a business plan.
You shouldn’t be daunted by it – there are many resources at your disposal that will help you come up with a business plan. It doesn’t have to be long – just a few pages of what your investors and staff need to know about the concept, the budget, and long-term plans.
Utilities
The monthly costs that will include electricity and gas will be the greatest blow to your budget. So, it’s essential you choose the right supplier for your business among numerous ones out there.
It would be a smart choice to opt for an independent utility provider because then you will get great customer service from a flexible supplier, often at a lower price when compared to commercial suppliers.
Staff and equipment
You need reliable staff that enjoys their work – only then will you manage to dazzle your guests with lovely, delicious meals.
As not to waste too much money on looking for the right employees too many times, it’s important you are very clear about what kind of workers you are looking for and what you offer in return. That way, you will get it right from the first time.
Also, make sure the working conditions for your staff are highly satisfying, to build loyalty and ensure quality work. Get quality kitchen appliances for your staff to use, or consult professionals like MatTek and put an anti-fatigue mat in any area where one of your employees has to stand for a longer time. This is also important for their safety and health.
Regulations and licenses
Every country has several regulations and licenses required when opening a restaurant, and it’s your job to obtain them all.
You mustn’t allow yourself to be on the shady side or simply forget to get all your documentation straightened. This is the future of your business that’s at stake – fines for failing to obtain a specific license could easily ruin your start-up.
Promotion from the very start
Today, there are so many ways to promote a restaurant, starting from advertising it in local papers and on the radio to using Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other social media platforms to raise awareness.
It would be great to create a social media marketing campaign that would not only help you attract the right customers but will also help you become visible much faster and stand out from other similar businesses.
Never stop evolving
Connect with your peers by joining the local or national organisations – you will probably discover not just new food trends but also manage to participate in workshops and learn how to advertise your restaurant in a whole new way.
Visit regional cooking schools to spot the talents which you can later scout and subscribe to gourmet magazines to keep up with the trends and culinary novelties.
Bottom line
Excellent preparation is the key to starting up a restaurant and turning it into a successful business. Having all the aspects covered is the way to minimise the risks and make it out there despite the competition.
More on starting up a small business and running a restaurant.
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