Honest Advice Every New Restaurant Owner Needs

Owning a restaurant is a lifelong dream for so many people. But it is too often a task that’s seen through rose-colored glasses. Owning and running a restaurant is not an easy task, at least during the first few years. There will always be setbacks to work through until you figure out what works best for your intended customer base and for your employees. Once that happens, you can rest more easily knowing that you can keep customers coming back and stay profitable. Here is some honest advice every new restaurant owner needs to hear in order to make that happen.

Stick to an Effective Marketing Plan

How are customers going to find out about your new establishment? And even if they do hear about you, how are you going to convince them to stop in for a meal? You need a marketing plan, and you need to make sure it is appropriate for the type of patrons you’re interested in attracting. This involves branding your business with a name and logo that people will remember. You then have to get your brand out there in the public eye. Offer something they can’t get elsewhere and put the word out that yours is the best. In addition, get your logo branded on some promotional items that represent your restaurant. For example, if you run a coffee shop, sell some high-quality coffee mugs at the counter with your logo on it.

Reward Customer Loyalty

Back to that coffee mug: reward customers who buy one by offering them a discount on each coffee purchase. You can even go old-school and use punch cards, rewarding a free item after a certain number of purchases. Give them a reason to come into your establishment instead of someone else’s.

Use Reliable Software

Using technology can help you do your job more easily and even better. For example, an online inventory system can help you keep an accurate count of your food and beverage items so you never run out and so you can ensure that they’re not being misplaced (or even stolen). Food and beverage purchases can account for about 30% of your costs, so you want to make sure you manage them effectively. There are countless software programs available for restaurant owners these days, so take some time to consider any areas you can use help with, and don’t be afraid to enlist the help of technology.

Focus on the Details

Part of luring customers is focusing on the details that make your environment inviting. These could be details you may otherwise miss without enlisting the help of others. And if you ask for help, be sure to accept constructive criticism. For example, if someone says it is too bright, assume it is too bright even if you disagree. Make sure your restaurant isn’t too warm or cold and that it is spotless, aesthetically pleasing, and somewhere people won’t want to leave. The longer they stay, the more they’re likely to order and the more they’re likely to return.

Maximize Your Space

You’ll want to try to offer something for everyone. Although it isn’t always possible, chances are you might be able to. For example, if you have some unused outdoor space, consider adding outdoor seating for people who want to dine outside. Or if you are opening a sports bar, consider using that outdoor space for volleyball or cornhole with a bar outside that patrons can use instead of needing to come inside every time they want to order. Get creative. A tiki bar outside complete with sand and some custom promotional towels with your logo on them can make for a fun space. But the key is to strike a balance between being creative and being tacky. You may even want to consult with a professional designer who can make sure it is done right.

Keep Your Employees Happy

Happy employees equal happy customers. It costs more to replace an employee than it does to keep one, so if you have great employees, you want to make sure you show them your appreciation. Hold regular meetings with them where they can share their feedback on what’s going right or wrong in your restaurant. This will make them feel heard, and they may even have some great ideas. Another great way to show your appreciation is through buying their work uniforms for them. Some custom uniform work polo shirts shouldn’t be that expensive, and you can always ask them to return them should they leave your business. Happy staff equals happy customers.

According to some statistics, 60% of new restaurants fail within their first year of business. In addition, 80% fail before their fifth anniversary. Although these are alarming statistics, they are important to realize. You will always have people saying you won’t be able to make it. Do your best to ignore them. Stay positive, try your hardest and, most importantly, learn from your mistakes. Letting unfavorable experiences loom over your head will only make things worse. Instead, focus on what you can do to fix them and reduce the chances of them happening again.