How to Open a Restaurant: A Simple Guide for Aspiring Restaurateurs
Do you have a great recipe that everyone rants and raves about? Maybe you are the one responsible for all the main dishes at the family get togethers. Now you have ambitions to be your own boss and run your own restaurant. Opening a restaurant is a dream for many, but turning this dream into a reality takes planning, passion, confidence, and persistence. Whether you are aiming for a small trendy cafe or looking to open the next big franchise, this guide will help guide the foundation of your future success. This guide will also include some tips for those wanting to open a barbecue restaurant.
Step 1: Define Your Concept
Understanding what type of restaurant you want to run is the first step of becoming a successful entrepreneur. Start with a clear idea. What kind of foods and drinks will you serve? What type of atmosphere do you want, casual, upscale, family friendly? The answers to these questions will guide you from menu creation to branding and beyond.
BBQ Tip: This is the step when you want to decide what type of barbecue you want to specialize in. There are several styles, like Texas, Kansas City, Carolina, Memphis, etc, or maybe you want to combine recipes and make your own unique style.
Step 2: Write a Business Plan
Your business plan is your roadmap to success. This will help guide you when you get lost or overwhelmed, which can easily happen as a new business owner. Your plan should include your concept and mission, market research, who is your target audience, budget and financial projections and expenses, and marketing strategies.
BBQ Tip: Include equipment costs, like smokers, wood, etc. Also factor in the longer cook times and labor needed for smoked meats. This is where Ole Hickory Pits can be beneficial with less labor needed to maintain the cook and can provide higher product yields.
Step 3: Finding the Right Location
Determining the right location makes or breaks a new business. You want to look for a location that has good foot traffic, visibility, and access to your target market. You also want to consider rent costs, nearby competition, and parking.
BBQ Tip: Outdoor spaces can be a huge benefit to a barbecue business. Think about an outdoor picnic with tables and music, the smell of smoke in the air, the happy family atmosphere. Ole Hickory smokers are designed to be used indoors or outdoors.
Step 4: Handling Legal Requirements
When opening a business, there are a few legal requirements that must be met. Our first recommendation is to consult with a local business advisor or attorney to make sure you are covered. Some responsibilities include registering your business, get licences and permits, including heath, food service, and liquor licenses, and making sure that your location meets zoning and safety regulations.
BBQ Tip: Check with your local ordinances regarding fire safety and ventilation, especially if you are using wood burning pits.
Step 5: Begin to Build Your Team
Hire Staff who share your vision and values. From your chefs to your servers, your staff will ultimately shape your customers' experiences. Train your employees well and teach them the reason behind your methods. This will help them understand the process and your vision.
BBQ Tip: Look for a pitmaster or take your time training someone with a passion for barbecue. Barbecue is an art and consistency is key in any business. This Ole Hickory smokers are designed with consistency, ease of use, and quality in mind.
Step 6: Design Your Menu
Keep your menu focused and aligned with your style and concept. Test your recipes, source your ingredients, and most importantly, price your items wisely. You dont want to lose money but you also don't want to price yourself out of the market.
BBQ Tip: Offer a mix of barbecue staples, like brisket, pulled pork, and ribs, and sides, like mac & cheese, slaw, cornbread. Consider rotating our specials and seasonal items to keep things fresh.
Step 7: Create a Marketing Plan
Before you are ready to open your doors, you want to make sure to build some buzz and desire for your business. Use social media, local press, and community events to help build awareness. Consider tasting and soft openings to generate word of mouth. This will also help with determining if any changes need to be made before the doors open.
BBQ Tip: Share the process behind the scenes, like smokers, wood selection, rubs, etc. BBQ fans love the craft and story behind the food.
Step 8: Grand Opening
Open with confidence but be prepared for issues. No matter how prepared you think you are, there will always be curveballs. Trust in the training of your staff, the kitchen is stocked and prepped, and systems are ready. Be prepared to adapt and learn as you go.
BBQ Tip: Host a grand opening cookout or festival. Invite local influencers, offer samples, and overall make a memorable first impression.
