10 quick tips for starting your own restaurant

Owning a restaurant is one of the most courageous and difficult career decisions. Not only does it require a culinary mindset, but it also demands a being capable of deciphering budgets and managing staff. If you have a knack for cooking and creating exceptional dining experiences, becoming a restaurateur could be a fun business venture for you. Launching a restaurant often involves numerous people and some extra investing to hit the ground running, as there are plenty of upfront costs including equipment and ingredients.

When you’re ready to serve your delicious dishes to the world, use this quick and easy guide for starting your own restaurant from beginning to end.

1. Develop a Concept and Logo

So you love cooking? If you have a passion for food and playing chef in your own kitchen, maybe it’s time to expand beyond your friends and family and serve your own personal menu to your community. When you think you’ve developed your culinary skills enough, begin by developing an overall concept of your restaurant. What do you imagine serving? What type of cuisine do you plan on cooking? Will you serve breakfast, lunch, dinner, or all of the above? Before you begin investing in your restaurant, come up with a set business and operation plan so that you understand the numbers and the business setup costs.

Simultaneously, you'll want to come up with an appropriate logo. Work with a designer to create one for your restaurant, and place it on any custom work clothing or uniforms your staff will wear.

2. Create a Menu

Now the fun can begin! Once you’ve nailed down your hours of operation and type of food, you can start creating your menu. Come up with items that your audience will like and appreciate. Be prepared for some major feedback from customers, and occasional ingredient shortcomings. You’ll need to be adaptive in your first few months of operation as you change your original plans based on any kinks you need to work out. In the beginning, create a simple menu without too many items, as you can always add more later. And to ensure that your "future" staff communicates what your diners do and don't like after your restaurant opens, have them use custom company notepads to record the feedback.

3. Find a Location

Pick a site that is busy and convenient for your client base. A bustling strip mall or a stand-alone building on a main road is perfect for passing traffic. You’ll want to find a location that is designed to be a restaurant or can easily be outfitted as one. Also, for advertising, consider a space where you can use a big sign and attract any passing potential customers.

4. Purchase Equipment and Hire Your Team

Now that you’ve found the perfect location, invest in the right equipment to create your menu. Outfitting your new location can get costly, so be on the hunt for any liquidation sales or wholesale deals where you can purchase items such as tables and chairs, ovens, refrigerators, and other necessities. You’ll also want to begin the hiring process. Make a list of the staff you think you’ll need, and post jobs around town or on social media and job websites.

5. Develop Your Branding and Marketing

Closer to your launch, begin branding and marketing your restaurant. You may even consider placing your logo on everyday items such as custom company mugs. At this time, you should also start developing the social media and website for your restaurant. Be consistent with your messaging, and share any updates with your audience.

6. Host a Grand Opening

Now you should be ready to open. Consider hosting a grand opening and inviting neighbors, family, and friends. Include your social media network, and tell everyone you know about the grand opening. Printing flyers could help spread the word. Custom company hats and custom company shirts are a great way to build excitement.

7. Invite Press and Engage with Your Community

Reach out to your local news network, and create a press release announcing your opening. Share your menu with as many people as possible, and give out samples and promotional products when you can. Drop into other local businesses with coupons and free samples, and tell them about how great your restaurant is.

8. Host Specials and Events

Create daily specials and bargain events, such as a happy hour or early-bird seatings. These specials are designed to get people in the door. You can share your specials and deals with your audience through social media or with flyers.

9. Unveil New Menu Items

As your customer base starts to grow and you receive better feedback about your dining experience, begin to expand your menu items. Add new dishes and create excitement around them by announcing them on social media. Offer specials around your new items, and post photos on review sites and social media.

10. Serve Great Food

The #1 tip for anyone starting a new restaurant is to serve great food! If you do what you love, people are sure to enjoy your food and restaurant, so serve great food and continue to be hospitable and passionate about what you are doing!