Planning to set-up your own restaurant?
Many people visit our website thinking they want to someday open their own restaurant. One of our missions is to help people make a more informed and intelligent decision about whether getting into the restaurant business is something they "really" want to (or should) do.
Here are some advice we would give our potential clients - "Don't do it unless you want to devote your life to it. If not, you won't be successful. If one of your main reasons for doing it is because... 1. You love to cook; 2. I have a great recipe for...; 3. I've always wanted to do it because it seems like fun... then more than likely your restaurant experience is limited and you should not quit your job." "If you have never worked in the business, get some experience. Consult people who are in the business. I've found that most "restaurant people" who are passionate about what they do love to talk about their experiences. I've also found that people who have entered the business and don't love it will be more than happy to fill you in on all of the reasons why."
"Ask yourself if you are willing to make the personal sacrifices required in order to succeed. We work when everyone else is off enjoying their friends and families. Brace yourself! If you love it, work hard at it and give it all you got, you have a shot. It's not an easy industry to be in but it can be quite rewarding in many ways." "Just learn the ins and outs and walk in knowing that it might not work out. "Have a thorough Business Plan. Have a complete Standard Operating Procedures, know your Restaurant Financials. If you have never worked in a restaurant, work in one for at least a year before you think of opening one on your own. Do your homework and educate yourself on how to run a business. Don't use up all your savings. If your business plan is good, you should be able to convince others to partner with you." "Have the energy level and commitment that this industry demands. Also the vision, passion, integrity and tolerance plus humility to learn from failure and a sense of humour. The sacrifice and commitment are too big to put into words. Make sure you know reality from myth. You must do a great deal of number crunching and don't expect to get rich, expect to work harder than you want to." "Have a concept that is fun, fresh, different & delicious. You must love people because you will be surrounded by them every minute of the day."
