If you’re looking for a business that’s actually likely to work out, and one that isn’t going to send you insane trying to run it day to day, a restaurant might be the way to go. It’s a solid business idea, especially if you happen to like food, but even if you don’t, it’s something you can still make work. There’s a lot to think about though, so do not overlook these 4 factors that really matter when you’re setting one up.
By Team Savant
Image: Mads Eneqvist
Find The Perfect Spot
This part’s huge. You can have the best food in the world, but if no one can find you, it’s pointless. Location makes or breaks a restaurant, so take your time with it. Somewhere with steady foot traffic and easy parking will always do better. Think about your local town or city and where people already go to eat. You don’t want to be stuck in a quiet corner hoping someone drives past. If you get the right spot, you’ll have customers walking through the door without even trying, and that’s what you want.
Get The Right Equipment
You can’t run a restaurant without the right tools. It’s worth spending a bit more in the beginning to get gear that won’t break down the second things get busy. A solid oven, grill, and prep area are all key, but one thing you should never skip on is a commercial freezer. You’ll need it for keeping ingredients fresh, cutting down on waste, and sticking to hygiene rules. A good freezer saves money long term too because you can buy in bulk and know it’ll keep. The rest of your equipment should be easy to clean and able to handle constant use. If your kitchen runs smoothly, so does everything else.
Focus On Hygiene
If you’re dealing with food, hygiene isn’t optional. It needs to be something you think about every single day. That means spotless counters, clean floors, and making sure food is stored properly. Stainless steel tables are perfect because they’re simple to wipe down and disinfect. You’ll also need to follow food safety laws and keep your staff trained on the basics. Bad hygiene can ruin a place faster than anything else. Get it right from the start and it’ll save you a lot of trouble later.
Get A Great Head Chef
Your head chef is everything. They run the kitchen, set the tone, and keep things moving. If you trust them, you can trust the food, and if the food’s good, people will come back. Take your time finding someone who actually knows what they’re doing and who fits the vibe you want. You’ll be working closely with them, so get someone you can talk to and rely on.
Running a restaurant isn’t easy, but if you pick the right spot, buy the right gear, stay clean, and hire the right people, you’re already halfway there. It’s hard work, but it’s the kind that can really pay off.