Have you always dreamed of serving delicious food and drinks to customers? Did you imagine yourself behind the counter of your very own food venture? Are you ready to turn your dream into reality?
When you want to put up your restaurant but are unsure how to begin, we have a quick and easy guide to get you started. Here’s a concise reference that you can use, from tips on making a rock-solid business plan to securing top suppliers of food and beverage solutions.
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Taking the First Step
Nelson Mandela said that everything seems impossible until it is done. When you’re setting up your food business, everything may seem overwhelming. However, you need to find a way to sort through it all and take the first step. Even if you take baby steps, it is better than not moving at all.
Here are some surefire ways to get you on track and on your way to realizing your dream of owning a restaurant:
1. Create a Solid Business Plan
First and foremost, you need to have a sound business plan. You do not go to war unarmed. The same goes for when you are starting a business.
Setting up a restaurant will require you to invest time, effort, and resources. You can’t run on dreams alone. You will need a solid strategy in place to get things rolling smoothly.
When setting up your restaurant, consider your customer, channel, and context. Who do you want to sell food to? This is an essential part of any business. You have to know who you are talking to, to create the right message and use the correct channel to communicate.
Would utilizing an iPad point-of-sale system help in streamlining your operations? Will social media marketing work for your target market?
You need to define your brand, your unique selling proposition (USP), and your restaurant style so you have a more concrete idea of proceeding with your plan.
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Are you a restaurant that will focus on burgers? Or do you plan to sell homemade food? What will set you apart from the rest of your competitors? How will you differentiate yourself in your competitors?
The answers to these questions will be your building blocks to set up your food empire. Define them, understand the nuances, and create a solid strategy to achieve your brand and business objectives.
2. Mind the Documentation and Legalities
Another vital part that you shouldn’t neglect when setting up your business is the documentation and legalities. These are critical elements in any venture, so you do not experience any legal headaches down the road.
Make sure that you secure the right permits and licenses for you to operate legally. You can go online to check on what the requirements and documents are.
If you are unfamiliar with legal requirements and processes, you can also secure a lawyer’s services to ensure that you understand the ins and outs of the business rules and regulations governing your area of operations.
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3. Choose a Good Location
Location is vital when setting up a restaurant. Refer to your business plan on the target market, objectives, and finances to guide you when looking for the perfect place. You don’t necessarily have to elbow your way to be in the trendiest place in town or not rely heavily on foot traffic.
Other considerations that you should have in mind when choosing a location are accessibility to customers, cost, local ordinances, proximity to other businesses, and future expansion plans.
Is the location near public modes of transportation? Can you afford the rent based on your sales and profit projections? Are there local regulations that have restrictions on delivery times? Is the area near schools or commercial spaces? How do you see the place in two or five years, especially when you plan to expand?
4. Design Your Space
Consider visual aesthetics and practicality when designing your restaurant space. Typically, restaurants dedicate around 45 to 60% of the space to the dining area and approximately 35% to kitchen space.
Bear in mind that when designing your restaurant space, you have to consider the smooth flow of traffic from the kitchen to the dining area and vice versa. The layout should be devised in such a way that people will be able to walk safely around the area. Your restaurant should also be visually appealing to add to the ambiance and entice people to enjoy their food.
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5. Secure Suppliers
One of the most important factors in the success of your restaurant is finding reliable suppliers. You should look for reputable suppliers for your food and beverage needs as well as your non-food requirements.
It is best to rely on suppliers who are consumer-centric, trend-driven, and solution-oriented for your food and beverage supplies. You should be confident with the culinary solutions that your supplier provides to create a menu that will delight your customers.
It will also help if you procure food and beverage items from a supplier that has a dedicated culinary center. Having this facility within their operations will ensure that certified food experts and chefs produce products based on research, market dynamics, and lifestyle trends.
Cooking Up Success
When you are setting up your restaurant, it is ideal that you have a comprehensive and thorough plan. It is best to lay down a solid foundation to ensure that your plans can be realized.
