Opening a restaurant is an exciting venture, but it also comes with major risks and challenges. As a restaurateur with over 25 years of experience building a hospitality empire in the competitive New York City market, I, Sarid Drory want to share my hard-earned advice for aspiring restaurateurs. Follow these tips to set your new restaurant up for success.
Choosing the Right Location
Choosing the optimal location is one of the most critical decisions you’ll make when opening a restaurant. Consider these factors when evaluating potential spots:
Foot Traffic and Visibility
Look for areas with heavy foot traffic, such as busy downtowns or tourist destinations. Being visible and easily accessible for potential diners is key. Avoid quiet streets or isolated areas.
Local Demographics and Competitors
Thoroughly analyze neighborhood demographics to ensure there are enough people likely to dine at your type of restaurant. Study competitors to identify unmet needs or opportunities to differentiate.
Accessibility and Parking
Convenient parking and access to public transit is essential. If parking is limited, offer delivery and validate parking to offset this.
Rent and Operating Costs
Carefully vet the spaces you’re considering in terms of rent prices and operating expenses like utility costs. Focus on spaces you can affordably operate in for the long term.
Designing a Compelling Menu
Your menu acts as the face of your brand, so thoughtfully curate options that align with your concept and meet customer cravings and preferences.
Conduct Market Research
Menu R&D starts with understanding popular dishes and trends. Pay attention to what’s selling at other area spots and foodie hype on review sites and social media.
Focus on Your Specialties
Build your menu around dishes you’ll execute extremely well. Emphasize specialties that play to your strengths (or your chef’s strengths) and set you apart.
Include Audience-Appropriate Options
Ensure your menu has broad appeal by including vegetarian, gluten-free, and other restricted diet options to accommodate diverse needs and preferences.
Refresh and Rebalance Regularly
Evolve the menu seasonally while keeping signature items in place. Tweak underperforming dishes based on sales data and customer feedback.
Handling Regulations and Licenses
The restaurant industry is heavily regulated. Prepare properly to avoid delays or penalties by doing the following:
Research Relevant Requirements
Familiarize yourself with food safety, liquor licenses, zoning permits, disability access, and other regulations applicable to your location and concept.
Hire Specialized Help Early
Work with lawyers, architects, and consultants from the start to ensure you interpret and address all rules and requirements correctly.
Allot Extra Time and Budget
Leave ample lead time and financial contingencies in your plans to smoothly handle licensing, inspections, and any necessary upgrades throughout the process.
Building Front and Back-of-House Teams
Hiring talented staff is what transforms concepts into exceptional dining experiences. Focus on:
Define Roles and Responsibilities
Create detailed descriptions of role requirements and duties before posting openings. Screen candidates thoroughly regarding necessary experience and competencies.
Interview Extensively
Take time to deeply understand applicants’ qualifications and fit with your workplace culture through panel interviews, working interviews, and reference checks.
Invest in Training
Once hired, thoroughly train staff on your policies, systems, menu, hospitality standards and other areas relevant to each role before opening. Maintain ongoing training programs.
Incentivize Excellent Service
Implement programs like tip pools for support staff and performance-based bonuses or advancement opportunities to motivate and retain top talent long-term.
Opening a restaurant requires immense passion, planning, research and resources. By carefully choosing your location, designing an appealing menu, navigating regulations, and building a skilled team, you’ll establish solid foundations for many successful years serving diners memorable meals. Reach out via the contact page if you need any personalized guidance!
