Restaurant Dreams

Quite a number of people have a dream of opening their own restaurant.  There's nothing wrong with having a desire like that.  However, owning and operating a restaurant is a lot of work.  A lot!

I think some individuals would do well to add a pinch of reality to their dream of having their own restaurant.  Probably the first question to ask is a simple one:  why?  Like with most anything worthwhile, there is likely to be some rough going at times.  And knowing your why, clearly knowing what motivates you about having your own restaurant will help ground you as you traverse these rough waters.

So, ask yourself why you want this restaurant.  What is your primary motivation for a restaurant?  Don't let anyone tell you that a pure profit motive is wrong for your restaurant vision.  Making money in this venture better be a big part of your business plan or your doors aren't likely to be open for very long.

One practical suggestion is that you might go work in a restaurant if you've never done that.  Doing so will give you some real and valuable hands-on experience of what all is involved before you launch out.

Restaurant Equipment

Depending on what kind of establishment you're going to have will dictate much of the equipment you'll need.  With the tough economic times of the last few years, quite a few restaurants have not survived.  Consequently, there are some great bargains to be found in used restaurant equipment.  I suggest you use the Internet to do some research and learn about this option.  You do not have to purchase everything new.  Just be careful and do business with a reputable firm that offers some protection, like eBay or a similar online company.

A Few Really Important Restaurant Things

Location is a big deal.  It's not the only thing, but it's a big deal.  So pay attention and don't jump at the first opportunity.  Do your homework especially if you don't know the area very well.  I've seen more than one restaurant who had developed a good following for their food and service do great in a bad area.  But I definitely would not try to go that route with a new opening.  You want a place that is visible, easy to get into, and in a safe area where people feel okay about being there.

Another big deal is first impressions.  You've likely heard the saying that you never get a second chance to make a first impression.  This is very true in the restaurant business.  This does not only apply to location.  The same can be said of appearance, inside and out, the greeting, cleanliness, service, and food quality and taste.  So pay attention to these things.  Any one of them singlehandedly could sink your place.  The people that pay, your customers, must feel that they are getting great value for the money they're giving you.  Guard that first impression like a hawk!

 

Restaurant Impossible - Villari's - S01E01 - Part 1

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