Restaurants can be some of the most demanding businesses to open and run. Obstacles such as regulations, codes, competition, and fluctuating food prices, are the usual challenges restaurant owners must face head-on. However, these are just a few things that will come up. There are so many things to do, and consider that just getting to opening day can feel like a victory.
It also usually takes a good bit of money, skill, and innovation. With new equipment, appliances, and possible construction or renovation, a new restaurant business owner can incur any number of startup costs. Additionally, there are more than one million restaurants in the U.S., so restaurant owners must be creative and incentivize diners. Before opening a restaurant, many things must be done, from planning for equipment and supplies to designing a unique menu and customer experience. However, many people find great success in opening up their restaurants every year. Let’s take a look at some of the things to put on your to-do list for opening your own restaurant.
Equipment and Supplies
You’ll need quality commercial kitchen equipment. From appliances like stoves, ovens, and freezers to good pots and pans, restaurant equipment can come with a hefty cost. Therefore, if you are in the market for new equipment, you can expect a significant investment. Additionally, you have to consider things such as the energy efficiency ratings of the equipment, as that will impact your energy bills and overall operating costs. However, it doesn’t have to break the bank.
With the high cost of opening and operating a restaurant, many restaurant owners have found out how to save money on commercial kitchen appliances. Shopping around for used commercial kitchen equipment should be on your to-do list. Many restaurant supply stores offer quality refurbished and used commercial equipment. Often they will have energy-efficient equipment that has been traded in or bought from closed restaurants for significant savings. If you’ve priced a commercial refrigerator or freezer, you know that they come with hefty price tags. So it’ll be well worth your time to browse used equipment supplies.
Unique Customer Experience
With so many dining options, customers are looking for a great place that offers the best experience. Restaurant owners must make providing a great customer experience a priority. To give a unique experience, you should focus on customer areas. From the dining room to the waiting areas, there are several places for innovation. Depending on your theme and focus, you can select unique furniture, finishes, and accessories that create a cohesive environment.
If you want to think outside of the box, you can try looking at a sporting goods store for a selection of different items. Think of how cool it would be to lounge in hammocks and relax in camping chairs outside while you wait for your table. If you want to create a unique situation, you could create a hunting lodge atmosphere for your family dining establishment, as an example. You could appeal to the angler or hunter by bringing in items from a place like De Leon Sporting Goods. Part of providing great service is providing a great atmosphere.
Just as crucial as your atmosphere is your menu. Continue your theme throughout your food offerings. For example, if you are going with the hunting lodge theme above, you aren’t going to offer coyote or raccoon on your menu, but you might consider bison meat burgers. Your customers will appreciate your attention to detail and a uniquely crafted menu.
Starting a restaurant can be difficult, and the costs of opening a restaurant can be high. However, if you make a budget and look for discounted or used equipment for your commercial kitchen, you can save money and use it to help build a unique experience for your customers. So, while your to-do list might seem like it’s never-ending, with some time and planning, you can be on your way to opening a cool, successful restaurant.
