So, you’re thinking about opening your own restaurant? Restaurants can be very exciting and dynamic places to work in, however, there is a lot of work that goes into the business before you can even open the doors. Here are just a few tips on how to start a restaurant business, to help get your very own restaurant planning underway!

Choose a concept

What sort of restaurant do you want to open? Is it a cuisine you are passionate about, or does your community have a great need for this type of food? No matter your motivation, you need to choose a specialty for your restaurant, so people know what to expect and look forward to from your menu.

Find your target market

Who do you think will be eating at this establishment? Looking at local demographics can be a huge help – find the average income of nearby residents so you know potential price points for your menu. What age range are you trying to serve, and is that population located within a convenient range? Is this a family establishment, or a hip cocktail spot for young professionals? These are just a few things to determine your target market before opening your restaurant.

Make your menu

Keeping your concept and target market in mind, come up with a menu for your restaurant. Remember: menu choices will be reflected in your costs – filet mignon is more expensive to source than hamburger patties. Your menu choices will also affect the speed at which you are able to serve – fast food means more turnover, while a sit-down meal will take more time, but also attract more money.

Write a business plan and obtain funding

Restaurants can be pricey to open, so most would-be restaurateurs will need to obtain funding to get the cash they need to get things off the ground. A business plan is a must-have to present to potential lenders – make sure your business plan is clear and concise for the best chance at success. Consider seeking outside help with this!

Choose a space

Using your concept and target market as a guide, find the ideal space for your restaurant. A high-rent area may be offset by more foot traffic, so keep factors like that in mind when site-shopping. Does your concept require a large kitchen? What are local liquor laws? Find the answers to all of your questions before committing to space.

Find a supplier

Food costs can make or break a restaurant business. Find a food supplier that meets your needs for both quality and costs.

Find staff

Almost just as important as the food, the customer service of your establishment will stand out to customers. Decide what you want in your employees, and seek out a very strong hiring staff before your opening.

Hire a consultant/restaurant expert

You don’t have to do this alone! Nor should you – trained consultant and restaurant expert Jason Carron can help you get your business looking the way you want to. His expert eyes can be the difference between being a boom, or being a bust.

Congratulations on your decision to open a restaurant business. Opening your own business can be a lengthy and complicated process, so make sure to do lots of research before deciding that it is right for you. Always keep in mind that Avery Restaurant Consulting will have answers to any of the questions you still may have.