You are here: Home >Archive for the ‘Restaurant Industry’ Category

Your Restaurant Business Plan

To obtain funding for your endeavor, you will need to have a well thought out restaurant business plan. This restaurant business plan will need to be top notch or you may not get the startup money you need.

You can find websites who offer templates and resources to help you devise a workable business plan. This approach to writing a restaurant business plan, will help you to think about all of the major and minor costs that you will need to attend to. All of these things are vital in a restaurant startup. You can use the resources on these sites to make the process easier, and get your restaurant business plan out there faster. They provide templates that will allow you to write a professional business plan that will attract investors to you.

Many of these sites will provide you with checklists for your startup, and other resources for budgeting and to stay on track. You will also have access to tools to develop how your business will operate and procedures to help you get organized and be ready when the day comes to open your restaurant business.

You can find sites that will provide you with customizable documents and detailed business plans, to make everything faster and easier to formulate a concise and professional restaurant business plan. They also provide guidance for the preparation of a business plan. This includes business concept, market analysis, marketing strategies, operational plan, and more. You will have access to everything you need to produce a professional restaurant business plan.

 

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • Twitter
  • RSS

Running A Restaurant

Running a restaurant can be more than a full time job. In that first risky year of business most restaurant owners find themselves working more than the standard eight hours a day. However, if the restaurant industry is your calling then dedication and perseverance will pay off.

One of the most important aspects of running a restaurant is proper money management. Strict accounting of all money matters is essential in maximizing your profit and minimizing your loss. It’s not usually recommended to do your own accounting unless you have official training or experience. Even the smallest glitch can create total chaos and when it comes to the numbers, there’s no room for mistakes.

Hiring a professional consultant has been a positive business decision for many restaurant owners. Consultants specialize in helping business owners increase sales. By pinpointing weaknesses and strengths they can greatly increase your chances of success. Analyzing consumers regarding location and demand can do plenty to inform you of changing trends. When running a restaurant, it’s important to know when to change and when to stay the same.

Technology is an ever present day to day part of life now. Staying on top of what is currently available will enhance the quality of your business. Anything that can save time or money may be worth the investment. Doing your research never hurts. Restaurants that do see a great level of success have found something that works for them. In a competitive industry there is no harm in staying aware of what it is that makes the competition tick. It’s a dog eat dog world and not everyone can be on top, but there is only one way to find out where you fit. Running a restaurant isn’t an easy task but hard work and commitment will pay off.

 

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • Twitter
  • RSS

Restaurant Makeover – 12 Less-Expensive Strategies

Many restaurants experience a plateau in sales after a few years in operation. Sometimes, menu or staff changes aren’t effective and owners turn to renovations to attract customers. A restaurant makeover allows you to appear new again in the eyes of your customers. But as a restaurateur, one doesn’t always have the capital to do so. Here are 12 less-expensive tips you can incorporate to give your establishment a much-needed makeover without breaking open the piggy bank.

1. New Art – Arrange with a local artist or group of artists to showcase their art in your restaurant every month. Retain the right to veto any piece that doesn’t work for you.

2. Fresh Paint – Chipped and scuffed walls aren’t very appealing to guests. A fresh coat of paint can keep your restaurant looking new.

3. Change your music – Is your music dated? Consider changing your music to match the type of clientele you’d like to see more of. If you’re in doubt as to what they listen to, ask them.

4. Update signage – Is your sign visible during the day? What about at night? Maybe you need a fresh logo.

5. Reupholster – Refinishing and reupholstering chairs and other seating can give a restaurant a completely new look.

6. Rearrange dining room – Make your space more effective by moving your tables around. Strive to make every seat a good seat.

7. Upgrade your bar – Refinish your bar and barstools. Take a look at your premium liquors. Can their display be improved with lighting or new shelving?

8. Change your lighting – Make sure your lighting is properly focused. It should allow your customers to read their menus easily.

 

Tags: ,

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • Twitter
  • RSS

What You Need To Know About Starting A Restaurant

There are over 900,000 restaurants and eateries in the United States, and they serve more than 70 billion snacks and meals every year. You know a bit about food and wine, and you like people. Could you start a restaurant?

While it is a romantic idea, starting a restaurant is hard work. Do you know what permits you need? How much cash will you need to start a restaurant business? Where should you buy your supplies? How will you form your corporate structure? You need to learn the fundamentals of starting a restaurant.

Here are some answers to some pertinent questions about starting a restaurant.

o What Corporate Structure Should You Choose?

There are 5 choices to choose from for corporate structure: a partnership, sole proprietorship, limited liability company, or a C corporation.
Setting up an LLC will protect you from personal liability, if you are sued by someone who has visited your restaurant, your personal property (house, cars etc.) cannot be touched. This is the best corporate structure for your restaurant and any small business.

o A Lack of Qualified Labor.

This is one of the biggest challenges facing the restaurant business today. As the restaurant business continues to grow, the demand for qualified workers in a sparse labor pool is ever increasing. The rising labor costs and finding qualified workers are two of the biggest concerns for restaurant owners. You will need to decide the exact job description for each level of employee. You will need to define and outline clearly the duties and responsibilities for all jobs. You will need to list any special skills and other credentials for each job. You will need to establish a reasonable pay scale. Research what other, similar businesses are paying and go from there. There should be a minimum and maximum pay rate for each position. Waitresses are usually given a bit more than minimum wage, as they make tips in addition to their paycheck.

o Startup Costs and Ongoing Expenses.

You will need to decide whether to start from scratch, or take on the remodeling of an existing restaurant. If you decide to start from scratch, you will spend anywhere from $100,000 to $300,000 to purchase cooking and ventilation equipment, freezers, refrigerators, tables, chairs, bar stools, counters and cutting stations, shelving, and heating and cooling systems. If you remodel an existing restaurant with the same concept will cost less. The rent may be a bit higher, but in the long run you will realize significant savings.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • Twitter
  • RSS