What You Need to Know Before You Open a Restaurant
Important Information to Know Before Opening a New Restaurant
BY LORRI MEALEY
It may seem glamorous and fun, but it all
boils down to hard work. Ask anyone in the food business, and they will tell
you about long hours they put into it. It’s important to understand all the
various jobs that are involved in running a restaurant. From bookkeeping, to
cooking to PR, as the owner you are responsible for it all.
You Need a Clear Restaurant Concept
Deciding what type of restaurant you want to open
will depend of a variety of things.
Often time’s people who want to open their own
restaurant want to serve food they like to cook, in an atmosphere they feel
comfortable in.
Restaurants Aren’t Quick Way to Get Rich
Reality food tv often glorifies restaurant
life as a way to get rich quick and/or become a celebrity chef or other famous
star. The real reality is that most people who own their own restaurant fall squarely
in middle class. They don't have their own TV shows or line of cookware at
Target. They are regular people, who go to work every day, just like everyone
else.
Restaurant Menus Change Over Time
No menu should be set in stone (or laminated- ever). In order to keep your food
cost in check and keep up with the other costs of owning your own restaurant,
you should update your menu at least once a year. This doesn’t mean that you
have to rewrite the whole menu or add all new dishes. It is simply a good time
to make sure that prices are where they should be, and to assess menu items and nix any that aren’t
selling.
Advertising is Necessary for a New Restaurant
New restaurants need advertising to get
customers in the door. Before you begin placing newspaper ads and building a
fan page on Facebook, decide who your target audience is. Are you hoping to
lure in families, business people, the after-hours crowd? Once you've decided
who you want to attract, decide how much money you have to spend on your
initial advertising campaign. Advertising for a new restaurant is not
the place to be tripping over pennies. It is essential, so don't skimp on it.
Restaurants Require Insurance and Licenses
Running a restaurant involves far more than just serving food and drink. Restaurant owners and managers are responsible for everything from employee safety to liquor liability. Insurance, licenses and safety procedures are just a few of the areas that restaurant owners should be familiar with. Read on for the basics of behind the scenes at a restaurant. Choosing the right restaurant location is vital for
success. It won’t matter how good your food is, or how stellar your
service is, if the location is bad. So what makes a good location? Visibility, parking, foot
traffic are all important. Read on for more about how to choose a great restaurant
location.
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