Opening a restaurant is not for the faint of heart or for those that are not dedicated.
If you are going to put in the effort to open a high risk business such as a restaurant you need to be aware of what you are getting into and you need to be willing to see it through. A great deal of planning goes into covering the steps for opening a restaurant and making it successful. Before you can even go for financing you need to sit down and create the concept of your restaurant.
The Restaurant Concept
The first thing about restaurant planning needs to be the concept. This is what is used to base everything off of. For example, you may start with a particular time period or a particular type of cuisine. This gives you the menu. The first draft of a menu is called the concept menu. This is basically the types of foods that you are going to prepare and the level of difficulty that is required to create the dishes. This needs to be done prior to the creation of the floor plan.
Food preparation flow is an absolute in kitchen design. Different types of foods may require different things so a kitchen to be effective must be customized to suit the needs of the particulars of the concept menu.
Restaurant Consultants
Hire a consultant. Do this in the beginning stages especially when opening a restaurant. The reason for this is because many people forget the small things especially if they are not in the industry themselves. For example, drainage for cutting boards, and even using a garbage disposal attached to these drains in order to deal with the cuttings, trimmings and other waste.
Restaurant Advertising
Advertising is another essential when opening a restaurant. Do not limit yourself to traditional forms of advertising make use of the internet and the variety of options that it gives you when it comes to marketing. Many of these options are free. Put yourself in the address book online and make sure to include your information with mapping programs. This will help people to know that you are in the area and how to get to your restaurant.
Restaurant Computers and Ordering Systems
Digitalize as much as possible. This saves on man power and mistakes. It is also easier to keep records and to track and report on various aspects of the restaurant operation. These numbers can come in handy for a variety of future uses. It is also important to make sure that your opening staff is fully trained and versed before the restaurant opens. This presents a completely professional appearance and eases the way with grand opening crowds.
Restaurant Vendors and Supplies
Get to know the vendors and the suppliers in your area. Running a restaurant is not a single operation. You rely on the people who deliver the food to your restaurant. Having a good relationship with them is essential. Check out local producers as well as larger chains.
A restaurant is part of a community and supporting the community can increase its viability and presence., So when opening a restaurant think of this community.
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