60% of restaurants don't make it
past their first year. It's one of the toughest businesses to break into, yet
people still keep trying and competition keeps growing.
Have you decided you want to open up
a restaurant and wow the world with your ideas and food? Don't be intimidated
by those failure numbers but rather get motivated to do it right.
Here are six crucial restaurant
business tips to give you a roaring start in the culinary industry.
1.
Create, Clarify and Commit to Your Concept
Figure out what kind of restaurant
you want to build. A homey diner-style place, an eclectic experience, or a fine
dining hot spot? If you have a unique idea, great - roll with it. If you're not
really sure, then first spend time honing your concept so you have a clear
direction.
2.
Master Your Food
Once you've clarified your concept,
you can start working on the cuisine and the menu. Whether you're hiring a chef
or cooking yourself, become a master of your food before you even think of
opening the restaurant doors.
This doesn't just mean cooking
excellent food. It's about understanding how much stock you'll need so that
you're never short or over, how to prep for a dinner rush, how to use leftover
ingredients and so much more. Finding the best DSD services
provider is an extremely important element of mastering your kitchen.
3.
Know How to Run a Business
Many people are attracted to the
glamor, the energy, and the buzz of the restaurant industry. What they forget
is that it still runs like a business and you'll need to know how to keep it
afloat. If you're wondering how to start a restaurant business plan, research
thoroughly to cover all the less glamorous bases.
You need to understand, and be able
to do, the administrative tasks. You'll be investing in equipment, hiring
staff, handling costs, and orders. A little bit of business knowledge will go a
long way.
4.
Hire Great Staff & Take Care of Them
Everyone from your main chef to your
waiters and dishwashers is the backbone of your restaurant. Select staff
carefully, taking into consideration how many people you'll realistically need.
Take your time to train staff members properly, especially waitstaff and
floor managers who are the face of your business.
Once you've got a star staff lineup,
be sure to treat them well. People work well in positive environments.
Compensate your staff fairly, offer benefits when possible, and don't overwork
anyone.
5.
Get the Word Out & Don't Stop Marketing
Opening night is the most important
night for any restaurant. You cannot open your doors and just expect customers
to flood in without working hard to get them there. Use multiple channels to
promote your restaurant for opening night and beyond.
You can't just rely on repeat
customers. Ensure you have a solid web presence, with a good website and social
media accounts. Host charity events or sponsor fundraisers, stay on top of
trends, and never stop marketing.
6.
Look After Customers
'The customer is always right' has
never been so true than in the restaurant business. Even those that need to
know how to start a restaurant with no experience, will know that keeping
customers happy is crucial. This way you'll keep repeat customers and get a
load of new ones via word of mouth.
Restaurant
Business Tips for Success
Hopefully, you're feeling inspired
by these restaurant business tips and ready to hit the ground running. Opening
a restaurant is hard work, but taking these crucial elements into consideration
will make it a tiny bit easier.
Head over to our food blog for some
creative ideas and more inspiration!
