3 Tips For Making a New Restaurant a Success By Chris A. Harmen

Republished by Asep Setiabudi

Opening a new restaurant is exciting business. There are more details to consider than anyone could ever imagine and every one of them is important. Furnishings, equipment, property leases, licenses, staff, advertising, record keeping... the list can feel overwhelming and it can distract you from what attracted you to the restaurant business in the first place.

Here are three valuable suggestions to help ensure that your new business is a success. While most new businesses in the United States fail within the first three years, this advice can help you avoid some of the common pitfalls faced by new restaurant owners today.

Decide On A Concept

Before you ever open your doors, you need to decide upon a concept for your business. The concept will set the tone, determine the decor, and create an ambiance that will bring your customers back again and again. Your concept can be a family friendly establishment, a romantic getaway, a laid back bar & grill, an ethnic experience, or something else entirely that makes your place unique and memorable. Trying to do too many things at the same time is nearly always a bad idea. This is especially true in the food service industry. Sticking to a single concept will provide your loyal customers with a dining experience they can count upon to be rewarding and enjoyable.

Location, Location, Location!

Location is the Golden Rule of nearly every business or major investment. You can have the greatest concept, the best prices, the finest food, and a talented staff, and it will all be for nothing if your restaurant is inaccessible, impossible to find, or simply in the wrong neighborhood. After determining your concept, take the time to identify your future clientele and figure out where they live, where they go, and where they are likely to be willing to go to eat.

Issues such as parking, rush hour traffic, access to public transportation, and surrounding venues should all be considered. Often, a promising location is centrally located in an area frequented by a wide variety of the community, thereby increasing the likelihood of expanding your clientele over time.

Hire A Great Kitchen And Wait Staff

Nothing great is ever done alone. Your kitchen and wait staff will be the face and substance of your business. They must be skilled, experienced, and professional. The best indications of a well run, successful dining facility are the stability of its kitchen and wait staff. In an industry plagued by fast employee turnover, a great kitchen and wait staff will assure your guests of excellent food, the very best service, and an experience they will want to repeat for many years.

Deciding upon the best concept for your menu and personal style is the first step to creating a successful restaurant. Next, find the best possible location, with plenty of parking and plenty of potentials customers. Finally, hire the very best kitchen and wait staff that you can afford. They will be the reason people come back and tell their friends about this wonderful new restaurant that they simply must try!