Many people dream of owning a busy restaurant that provides a good living, yet when opening an eatery, success is never a given. There are many variables that all have to come together for a winning business, much like the ingredients of a delicious meal, and with that in mind, we decided to offer what we think is valuable information to help you create a successful restaurant business.
Choose a theme
Every restaurant should have a concept and if you are thinking of opening a food outlet, you probably have a theme in mind. Do some research to identify all the restaurants and put pins on a map, with information on each; style, number of tables, menus and location. If your concept is unique, you are off to a good start and knowing your competition is important.
Suppliers
Luckily, there is an established organic fruit and veg wholesaler in Melbourne and Google can help you find the following:
- Meats
- Wine, beer, spirits, liqueurs
- Cheese, butter, dairy products
- Bread, cake and ice cream
Of course, there are many other items you will need and Google can source local suppliers and you can set up an account with monthly billing. Daily deliveries ensure freshness, plus you have adequate cold storage for food.
Location is everything
Resist the temptation to lease the first premises that seems to be good; take your time, as this is a critical choice. Take note of other eateries within a 3km radius, look for a venue on a main road, to maximise passing traffic and study the immediate area. Parking is a must; people won’t stop if there is nowhere to park; unless, of course, you plan to be in the CBD. Click here for tips on dealing with excess heat in the home.
Fitout
Even a small restaurant (10-20 tables) is going to be a significant investment and by talking to a leading Melbourne fitout contractor, you can create the perfect ambience. Once a design is agreed, a quote can be given and if you are happy with everything, a timeline can be set up. It doesn’t pay to be price focused when fitting out a restaurant, whatever the style, quality is essential. Choose a top-rated fitout contractor with experience in restaurants and you should have no issues.
Marketing
Hire a local digital marketing agency to put together an aggressive digital marketing plan; focused on your grand opening, with social media marketing and a website. Localised SEO will help the local community to know your restaurant and you can hand out flyers a week or so before your grand opening.
Write a business plan
Some entrepreneurs mistakenly think that a business plan is only needed when you are trying to source investors, which is not correct. A business plan is actually a guideline to manage the business effectively and every single entrepreneur should be able to compile a comprehensive business plan that covers every aspect of the organisation. Indeed, this would be the first thing you do once the idea surfaces and this plan will be your guide to success.
Once the business has been registered with the Australian government, you can start implementing your business plan and hopefully, you can build the business to be an integral part of the local community.
