T here are a few
important aspects to consider when starting up a new restaurant.
That first year is tough and it doesn’t get easier all that
quickly. In fact, in order to make your new restaurant successful,
you’ll need to have a few key elements down pat. But before
we get to those, make sure you are passionate about the restaurant
business. It is not a get rich quick plan by any means. Although
the potential for great success is there, you will need to have the
passion to get you through the hard work that is needed. So, start
with the passion but be sure to have the following key elements as
well.
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Perfecting Your Menu
When you are designing the menu for your new restaurant, be
sure to focus on giving your target audience what they want.
However, at the same time you want to make sure that you
don’t overdo it. Many restaurants have menus that are just
too large. Although this idea is generally thought to give
customers more choice it often just overwhelms them. Instead of
them ordering the items that you would like to become known for,
they will gravitate to tried and true favorites because of the
overwhelming amount of choice.
Hiring Good Staff
Hiring staff is easy but hiring the right staff, a great staff- is
a more advanced skill. The customer experience is often largely
based on their interaction with the wait staff, therefore hiring
people who are friendly, polite and take their job seriously is
key. Remembering that it’s about finding the right people and
less about their current skill set. You can train someone to have
the right skills, you cannot train someone to have a better
personality. This is why the interview process should be well
planned out. Take the time to get to know people before you hire
them..
Choosing a Tasteful and Comfortable
Décor
Pretty self-explanatory but so important. Garish, tacky and loud
décor are generally not conducive to a successful
restaurant. Keep it simple and comfortable is key. If décor
is not your thing, find someone for whom it is. A designer can help
as well as checking out the décor in other successful
restaurants that are similar to yours. Customers enjoy being in a
space that is warm and inviting so don’t skimp out on the
décor.
Have a Strong
Marketing Plan
The best advertising is word of mouth so start there. By giving
your customers a great experience, they will return and they will
tell their friends. Next is to use search engines and social media.
Claim your business on Google and other places. Use Facebook and
Instagram to post pictures of your food and connect with customers
who post about their experience in your restaurant. Be everywhere
online. Good marketing in today’s digital age is all about
exposure and engagement.
Follow these directions and your new restaurant will
reap all the success that you envision!
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