What do I need to do to open a successful restaurant business with no business and restaurant experience?

Question

What do I need to do to open a successful restaurant business with no business and restaurant experience?

Answer 1

If you do not have knowledge or experience, I suggest you at least gain knowledge first before plunging headon to start a restaurant business. Restaurants are a hard business -- and COSTLY too. It is not something you can start with $5000 so you need to make sure you know what you are doing



It is always best to start your business by putting together all your questions and finding answers to them. You can do that with a business plan (and if you plan to look for investors or apply for a loan, you need to present your business plan). Here are some sample business plans that you can use



Sample Restaurant Business Plan (steakhouse) http://www.bplans.com/spv/3228/2.cfm

Sample Restaurant Business Plan (organic restaurant) http://www.bplans.com/spv/3259/index.cfm?affiliate=pas



Below are free information and resources that I've found on how to start a restaurant business:



National Restaurant Association http://www.restaurant.org/

Entrepreneur.com Marketing and Promotions of a Restaurant http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/0,4621,317716-8,00.html

Starting a Restaurant Business http://www.awib.org/content_frames/articles/restaurant.html

RestaurantOwner.com http://www.restaurantowner.com/

AllFoodBusiness.com How to Start a Restaurant http://www.allfoodbusiness.com/starting_your_own_business.php

6 Ways to Attract New Customers to Your Restaurant http://www.homebusinesscenter.com/how_to_start/restaurant.html

Canada Business Starting a restaurant http://www.cbsc.org/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=CBSC_FE%



You may consider the following resources (not free):



Palo Alto's Restaurant Business Plans http://www.bplans.com/st/restaurant.cfm

FabJob.com's Starting a Restaurant Business http://www.fabjob.com/restaurantowner.asp

Entrepreneur.com http://www.smallbizbooks.com/cgi-bin/SmallBizBooks/00047.html



Associations are great resources as well



National Restaurant Association http://www.restaurant.org/

National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (they have excellent training courses for restaurant owners) http://www.nraef.org/

Your state restaurant association (e.g. http://www.ohiorestaurant.org/ , http://www.azrestaurant.org/ , http://www.parestaurant.org/ , http://www.nmrestaurants.org/

If you want in-depth information, I suggest you check out the following books:



The Restaurant Business Start-up Guide (Real-World Business) by Paul Daniels

Opening a Restaurant or Other Food Business Starter Kit: How to Prepare a Restaurant Business Plan and Feasibility Study by Sharon Fullen

Start Your Own Restaurant (and Five Other Food Businesses) (Entrepreneur Magazine's Start Ups) by Entrepreneur Press and Jacquelyn Lynn

Start Your own Restaurant and Five Other Food Businesses (Startup) by Jacquelyn Lynn

Answer 2

first, you need a good chef, you know how to handle money, i mean, spend wisely and the rest, pray to God.

Answer 3

No knowledge or EXP!!



You are crazy. There is a lot to know. ?You should work in a restaurant for a year or so

Answer 4

solid credit and financial base

motivated, knowledgeable and professional staff

investors

great licensed kitchen

great business plan that lists expenses, assets, projected income

great menu at the right prices

great location

solid market research

word of mouth

Answer 5

forget about it

Answer 6

gain knowledge of the business before you make a commitment. you might find with experience you don't like this kind of work. you better know what you are doing.

Answer 7

A partner with more knowledge and experience than you.

Answer 8

well not everybody needs experience to get started. but here are few tips that might help u :1) u pick a good place where people will often be or around shopping places, 2) pick wat kind of food u wanna serve like chinese, fast-food, japanese etc. 3) decorate the restaurant that fits wat kind of of ur making.



i hope this tips help u but u dont have to use it, and good luck on opening ur restaurant!!!!!!!! =)

Answer 9

you need to proper planning for this. read some tips and articles on advertising and management, sales and much more about business on this article

Answer 10

Sorry but you are just setting yourself up for failure if you try to go into the restaurant business with neither restaurant nor business experience. In general restaurants tend to have a very high failure rate.



My suggestion would be to go to culinary school or if that's not an option get an AA in business at your local junior college or at the very least take some business courses.

While you are going to school get a part time job at a restaurant even if it is as a waiter/waitress or dishwasher so you can see how things run on a day to day basis.



In your spare time watch a lot of the Food Network shows to help gain some extra cooking knowledge.



Good luck!

Answer 11

The best routes to take are to research the process of starting a business as well as the industry you're interested in.



I recommend checking out the SBA, Entrepreneur, The Start Up Journal & Nolo. All 4 are great informational resources for the new/small business owner. I posted links for you in the source box.



Associations may be a good avenue to explore. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you'll inevitably have as well as many you haven't anticipated yet. See the source box for some relevant links.



Research, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can about the industry. Here are some book titles that are relevant:



* The Restaurant Business Start-up Guide by Paul Daniels

* Restaurants That Work: Case Studies of the Best in the Industry by Martin E. Dorf

* Restaurant Financial Basics by Raymond S. Schmidgall

* Opening a Restaurant or Other Food Business Starter Kit: How to Prepare a Restaurant Business Plan and Feasibility Study by Sharon Fullen

* Upstart Guide Owning & Managing a Restaurant by Roy S. Alonzo

* The Restaurant Managers Handbook: How to Set Up, Operate, and Manage a Financially Successful Food Service Operation by Douglas Robert Brown



There are plenty of free informational resources out there. Check the source box for links to articles.



Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

Answer 12

My family had two restaurants for over 20 years. It's a very tiring and tedious business if you don't know how to manage people. We owned a Coney Island and an Oriental Cuisine Restaurant.

The State Rules and Regulatioins on sanitation and food handling is a PAIN IN THE *** if you don't learn and follow them well. They can close you down based on this. You have to attend and pass several required seminars to be able to start.



I would suggest though, to focus on who are your customers, the location, the type of food you'll be offering, and ask yourself if you have good management skills because this is a service type of business.



I have a good friend who has a restaurant but specializes on a certain cuisine. He's the chef, so, it's not much of a problem. His restaurant is somewhat classy with an average of $30 per plate. Now, considering that all in his menu are expensive, his place is packed most of the time. Why? Because he offers something different to the palate. Something you cannot order or buy at a Coney. This is something to think about, what kind of restaurant you want to open.



Try to learn as much as you can. My family sold the restaurants 5 years ago and we were much happier.



Again, I have to stress that good management skills is a key. You cannot manage a restaurant by yourself not unless you want to be a slave of your own business.

Answer 13

Get some... knowledge AND experience.



Experience- (you can buy or earn this on your own)

Buy it- find a partner with the funds, interest and experience. Earn it- find a restaurant similar to your idea, and start working there. Learn ALL the positions and duties- busing, dish-washing, cashier, waiting tables/order taking, cooking, managing, ordering supplies, etc.



Knowledge-

Take courses at the local university or community college or even vocational center (Remember- you're not looking for a degree- you just want the knowledge). Accounting, Business finance, Business management- This is a business, after all! Also, if there's one on Entrepreneuring or starting your own business, that would be excellent!! Also a cooking or Restauranting course may be helpful.



If your idea is a mix of businesses, also get a job with that other type of business... My husband wants to some day open a dinner theater... for that example, work in a restaurant AND at a theater... again, learn all the positions and duties...

Answer 14

Yes. My experience with a new business is that people that are suppose to be your friends will take atvantage of you at all times. We have had a successful Motorcycle Business for 4 years now and our problem is this, the company sold almost $300,000 in sales and my husband only has 300$ in his pocket right now. That does not seem right does it. Well over many arguments and very frustrated days and night of no sleep, He has to become an asshole and start collecting money owed to him be these supposedly called friends that get a service done and do not expect to pay or just say "man i'll come back by and pay you on Friday" They dont though is the problem. So be very careful and consistant with "giving away" to friends and family, they will start to expect it. Atleast charge what you pay for the food and supplies plus maybe a 5-10% profit instead of 50%profit. The first 1-2 years is the hardest. One person can do it all but if you have a family they will suffer the stress too. Hope this helps.

Answer 15

About 60% of restaurants close within the first three years. If I had to guess at a reason, I'd say it's because people think that all it takes is being a good cook. In reality, it takes money and it takes time.



As for the money, you'll need a large cash outlay to outfit the kitchen and the dining room. You have to be able to pay your suppliers, usually well before you ever prep, serve, and sell the food. You'll also need multiple licenses, inspections, and certifications, because you'll be in a position of handling other peoples' food. Oh, and the taxes. Thoes can be hefty. Bear in mind also that unless you get some good publicity, business probably won't be all that good at first.



The single biggest thing you'll need, though, is time. In all likelihood, you will need to spend your every waking hour in that restaurant, cooking, supervising employees, shutting down at the end of the day, doing repairs, or keeping the books after everybody else has gone home. That, I think, is the one thing that people really underestimate about being your own boss. In any occupation, a self-employed person can expect to put in 12-16 hour days, every day of the week, for several months or years until the business is stable enough for you to take time off.



Have I scared you away? No? Well, people succeed in this business every day, so if you still want to take the plunge, go ahead. But do your research.

* Look into locations. If there used to be a restaurant at one of your preferred locations, try to find out why they closed.

* Assemble a menu, figure out your pricing, figure out who your customer base will be. If you're going to specialize in quick and tasty lunches for office workers, you're probably best off downtown, and operating only Monday-Friday.

* Pick a theme, and stick with it; if you're planning to offer burgers and sushi and burritos all in one place, you'll have three mediocre menus, which will drive up your food costs (especially spoilage) and make it hard for the cooking staff to keep up.

* Although you don't necessarily need a degree to work the kitchen, diners at a more upscale restaurant will expect it. They'll want to know that you've gone to culinary school and learned the craft, or that you hired somebody with the proper pedigree.

* Once you're open, keep it clean, maintain quality, and listen to your customers. They are the reason you're in business, and they can shut your business down if you consistently disappoint them.

Answer 16

You cannot be successful with no experience. You need to work in a restaurant for at least a year to learn the business. You can't go into it blind.



Being a good cook does not make you a good business man. More than 90 percent of non-chain restaurants fail within 5 years.

Answer 17

I would suggest you work in a few restaurants for a while. This will give you an idea of the day-to-day running of a restaurant.

Some colleges and universities offer courses on hospitality- restaurant and hotel.



If you already have a job and just want a "feel" for the profession, maybe you could "shadow" a restaurant employee? Also, interviewing owners, chefs and wait staff may help.



Many restaurants fail in the first year. You will need to get lots and lots of experience before you get started.



Partner with someone who is knowledgeable in the field. It would be a shame if you did a lot of work and have it all go "belly up."

Answer 18

To open ANY type of business with NO knowledge or experience in that business is foolhardy to say the least. The restaurant business in particular is one of the easiest to FAIL at even when you DO know what you are doing. Your help is going to steal you blind unless you know how to manage the business.



The only thing to do is keep your great idea to yourself (so no one else will steal it,) and go and get a job working for someone who is running a successful restaurant. While you are there, work hard (a given) and keep your mouth shut and watch and learn. After a year go and get another job at another successful restaurant and do the same. Then you MIGHT be ready to risk your money on your own place.

Answer 19

Get a job as a cook in a restaurant much like the restuarant you'd like to own. Keep your eyes open and take notes on how you would run the restaurant to make it better. Take notes on what works great. Ask if the manager will feature some of your best dishes for their daily specials. See how all this goes. If you've got the money, offer to by the owner out and put your experience to work. Be ready to work 24/7.

Answer 20

hmmmm, you love to cook and therefore you'd like to open a restaurant without any formal knowledge or experience.



well, i think i'd like to be a brain surgeon. i enjoy picking splinters out of my hand with a pocketknife--but i've never been to medical school.



you are a choad.



do you have ANY idea how many sole proprieterships fail during the first year?



you need to get the knowledge and experience---hell, start off by being a cook in a restaurant--although that may be tough to do since you have no formal education or training.



i think Dutch Master has it right. this is a pretty deadbrain idea. go get a job, probably working odd hours and at low pay, to get the knowledge and experience you need. then if you still want to open a restaurant you'll have a fighting chance of making it survive that critical first year.



good luck!

Answer 21

First. you need to find the very best Location,that is the Beginning of a success full Restaurant. Make sure you Know What type of Establishment !

The Number # 1 Restaurant that will take Off to a Great Start is Seafood.

you do that I Guarantee you have in EMPIRE!!!! take my bait you will catch a

big TUNA. I am a Manager of a successful EMPIRE, then you go to your

personal Bank take out a nice Business Loan buy the Property, you and

your partner go over your Menu make decisions come to conclusions.

Hire a nice staff no more than 13-15 employees any more will be costly...

make the delivery call around town find the nice deals on production,

get it pop in,you can do it ,because it's possible.go get those perm it's.

those License find clientele put the word out,make commercials

expand those horizon,then Holla @ ya BOY down in the N.O. so i

can come try you delicious food..Good Luck One............

Answer 22

You need a lot of luck.

A lending institution wants to know that you have experience and knowlege in the area that you want to do business in. No experience and knowledge does not look good, and to them this means that they will probably not get paid back on your loan, because you lack some fundamental things in order to grow and sustain your business.

You need to get credentials, my friend. Unfortunately, that's the way it works. Even great ideas don't succeed by themselves.

Another reason you'd need a lot of luck is because restaurants don't have good track records - they have one of the highest failure rates of new businesses across the board - so from the lending institution's perspective, that's another huge risk factor.

Search for grants that will pay you to get the knowlege you need, or help with capital.

Also consider partnering with others who may have something to contribute to your dream, but keep in mind: they will expect to be paid back just like the bank...with interest. There are also Angel Networks of venture capitalists - these people will want good returns, as well. So, your lack of experience in the restaurant business won't allow you to give them these certain guarantees. Get me?

Get the skills, do the research, but never, ever give up.

Answer 23

Well if you read the answers beyond Derail King (how very adolescent of you, Mr. King), the first thing I would want to hear is how many restaraunts are successful. Look at the statistics - 98% of all restaraunts go out of business in the first year. Owning your own restaraunt entails 120 work-weeks for at least the first 6 months (and probably more). You need to have good math skills - tax prep, wages, food-cost assessment, and ordering require more than basic math. You will also need to have good people skills - It is imperative that you inquire into the quality of your customer's meal and dining experience. You'll also need to be a good judge of character to be able to hire workers off the street who won't steal from you, will show up to work on time, or far worse cause your customers to run for the door. Generally speaking this is the rule of thumb regarding word of mouth advertising. Satisfied customers will tell 1 person about a positive experience, and they will tell at least 10 of a bad one. One moronic waiter, or cook with a vendetta could ruin you. Finally, the best advice I can give you - other than run for your life - is to pray earnestly. You're going to need a great relationship with God to get you through this experience. Best of luck!

Answer 24

If you are opening a restaurant with no knowledge at all you have to gain some and study hard.Keep up the cooking and go on some different web sites.It might be hard but it will all pay off at the end.You also need a place for your restaurant to be it has to be clean,fun to hang out at,and the food has to of course be the best in town. You also need people willing to help. Lights, red tabels and orge chairs might make the place more fun.

Answer 25

This might come off vague and in-direct but if you can't do it you probably not "worthy" for a restaurant:



Research your *** off on anything and everything you can possibly logically think of about starting/running a restaurant, find the answers from all your questions and your answers will need to more questions, and more answers/questions from talking to ppl until you have a good gasp and feeling about it. That's the only way to go, to feel confident enough at the end of this to use real DOLLARS and put it on the line to start it. If you can't even ask logically questions and be creative and determine in find your answers.... you really aren't made for being an entrepreneur rather you should just follow rules and get a job or buy a franchise or something....



some avenues: books, Internet, chat rooms, the SBA, mentors, volunteer at soup kitchens, call restaurants and pretend to be a student doing some research etc... be creative... asking questions here ans researching on is great but you will eventually blend it up with going out there and get some longer span of time with ppl to really have a long enough conversation to learn..... anything goes as long as it works in business..... good luck!

Answer 26

That's like asking if you need a university degree to operate a blender. Anyone can open a restaurant, but the real question I think your asking is "Will my education directly assist in making my restaurant endeavor successful?" Obviously the more education you have DIRECTLY related to the industry the better. I have been to restaurants owned and operated by retired mechanics and I would give them a 5 out of 5. On the other hand, I have been to places where the owner had 6 other restaurants in his life, and the over all rank would be no more then 2.1 out of 5. So it always depends on your passion, perseverance, and personality! Good Luck!

Answer 27

I am not so certain that owning a restaurant is what you should be looking into. Reminds me of the story of the fella that loved to fish. He loved to fish so much, he purchased a fishing resort up north. After a short while, he was so busy running his resort, he didn't have time to fish.



You have been forwarded so much information already I'm not about to try to top it. Or expanded upon it. You have plenty to digest already.



From what you say in your question, 'love to cook' and 'have a great idea like no one else', maybe you would be happier as a chef? There are so many other aspects to running a successful restaurant, that you may find yourself without time to fish (or cook).



Good luck with it.

Answer 28

In such a case as yours you will need financial backers and partners who have business and operational experience. One thing always to be wary of is the possibility that someone may take your idea and use it as their own, which would not be helpful to you.



If you live in or near a major city that has a business college, speak to a professor or director of the program; what would be even better would be if the college also taught restaurant management. Then you would have even more specifically focused brains to pick.



And you might consider taking such courses yourself. Many people can whip up great meals, some people have great ideas that can be made to work, but very specific skill sets are required - especially nowadays - to turn these sorts of ideas into reality.

Answer 29

Before u open a restaurant u can work in other restaurant several monthes or one year , it is easy for u to get knowledge or experience,both of them r very important,they will help u to be successful.After open a restaurant u must work hard, it is also very important to u, at the same time u must prepare to lost r monney at first six month,if u can stare all of these u will be success, best wishes

Answer 30

There is no substitute for experience .So first of all you get yourself a job in a good restaurant to get a first hand experience of running a restaurant in a professional manner.you work for a year and two and learn all the nuances of running a restaurant succesasfully.You can add to your knowledge by buying some books on management of a restaurant simultaneously.Save as much as possible of your money to start a restaurant.approach any good bank for finance for your restaurant to begin with and zoom you go in your business by being the best in menu. if your menu gets the customers happy ,you can grab the sky with good customer service.

Answer 31

Get an experience chef/cook to show you how to run the kitchen.



In short, you need a food and sanitations permit. You need around 100 to 500,000 dollars depending on what kind of restaurant we are talking about. You may need a liquor license so that will eat up a good chunk of than money. Your lease will eat up some of the money. Your machinery and fixtures will eat up a good portion of that money. What is left is start up costs of goods sold, linens, and dishes. Anyway, you need to find a good location with adequate parking and good traffic. You need fo get with that chef and set up a menu. You need to get the board of health and the liquor people to clear the palce for opening. You need to set up your soda pop contract unless you want to add to your fixtures and costs of goods sold out of pocket costs. You need to hire a wait staff. You need to set up a financial plan, books, budgets and so. You need to see about a catering permit. You need to advertise, paper the neighborhood. And if you don't have the money for your restaurant you need to do all of this before you apply for a loan so that the bank knows that you are legitimate and that you are not a high risk. In short, you need to make it look like you don't need all the help you absolutely do. Why don't you just get a job in somebody else's restaurant and learn something, then do the rest if you still want to. It isn't as easy as it looks on television. This is not a nine to five job. And, more startup businesses than not go under. Good luck.

Answer 32

i would find a business partner that has that expierence or maybe even a business degree. or if you know someone who has a restaurant try asking them how they got started or maybe even who thier suppliers are.

running a business is a tough job and can be scary. when we started a sound company things were pretty tight for the first 5 years (many businesses don't start to break even till about 7 years) so hang in there. good luck on opening up a restaurant!

Answer 33

Hire people who you trust that are smarter than you when it comes to running the business...then learn all you can about it.



You can take basic business & accounting classes for small business at a local community college, they are usally just 6 weeks long. You will meet others like you that you can network marketing ideas with and promote each other's businesses. I did all this and opened a very successful Hair Salon, great stylist but didnt know anything about running a business so the classes really helped me open the doors to a booming business. It really helped me gain confidence!



Goodluck!

Answer 34

you certainly need to get that experience first. loving to cook doesn't mean you could run or would love to run a restaurant. you might prefer to be a caterer. try to get a job as a cook in a restaurant before you try opening a restaurant. lots of other things besides just cooking. have you ever tried to cook different foods for 50 or more people?

Answer 35

You either need to get some business training or food training if you want a bank to take you seriously and give you a loan... Only the independently wealthy start successful restaurants from nothing and even many of those don't work!

Answer 36

Lack of experience is a major set back. At least 80% of restaurants lose money their first year, not all of them make it to their second year. Its a rough business.



Why not go work part time in a restaurant before you get started with this idea? You will be surrounded by people who have experinece in the restaurant business, get an idea of what you're in for, get familiar with OSHA& LCB rules, and what really goes into making a sucessful restaurant run.



I also suggest looking into adult ed at you local community college for some type of class on small business ownership. It will help. (Not necessarily a degree but just a one semester workshop, my community college offers them in fall and spring)



Work on your idea for your new business, work on what theme (if any) food, location, etc. Prepare yourself to showcase it ~



Funding is next. Are you able to pay for this? Will you be getting a loan? I suggest going to the small business administration (sba.gov) before you go to a bank. If you are getting a loan for anyone be prepared to tell them your idea and how you can make it work.

Answer 37

Don't. Restaurants have the highest failure rate of any small business. If you don't have any knowledge, or any experience, you are going to fail. Either get some yourself by working in a restaurant, or find a partner that does. Keep in mind, you go the second route, you are entirely dependent on your partner.



-Dio

Answer 38

A few ideas



1] You'll encounter losses and difficulties earlier on because of lack of experience and knowledge.Be prepared Stick it out

2] OBSERVE. go to successful and busy hotels with a business eye and note down points you can use

3] Get in touch with or try to meet up with hotel owners,staff etc

or make friends with some of them SOMEHOW. The contacts and tips they can provide you will help bring you up

4] Try and think of ways to attract your neighbours and friends to your restaurant first before thinking of strangers

5] Provide value added services or Attractive benefits to certain

customers like a Free meal or coffee for those on date or children etc at least initially

6] Provide varied and diverse cuisine

7] Prompt and courteous service is a must

8] Even if small, the restaurant must be small clean and homely

9] Plants and refreshing/relaxing colours, Music



Best of luck

Answer 39

There are manuals and books that will walk you step by step. I suggest however that you get a partner who has the experience. Best bet for you is someone for the front of the house (server, bar, host). Start looking at ingredient cost and location. Find out what you need to open from the city/county/state government and you'll start to develop a plan.



All the above answers...print them out take from them what you can. It's a big process and I wish you luck.

Answer 40

I can see you did not put your thoughts into action. You just made the field vibrate with your intention. Your thought needs a lot of courage, insight , plain knowledge and above all perseverance.



Go work in a kitchen 1st and see if it is really that appealing.

Coocking @ home and for guests is a way different ballgame.

Read jamie olivers books

Buy books on the separate issues, while you work in the restaurant.

read into it & read into it. so you'll be well prepared.

Ask succesfull restaurant businesspeople what it is like

love Frans

Answer 41

Find a restaurant in a small town to start out. Hire a manager with experiance. Stay open late. Cater to food that everyone likes. you will gain experiance threw trial.

Answer 42

Luck - - - but truly maybe you are selling yourself short. What skills does your current job entail and apply it to your new business. What about your circle of friends? One of them may have skills & might have confidence in your dreams. And there is always the Holy Savior route - - - go find an existing restaurant that needs a drastic change - - - take it over and steer it towards your vision - - - though this requires great people skills - - - what staff to retain, who to ditch, who to bring in and how to work those staffers into the mix. Most business success is chutzpah & balls & sweat. Good Luck.

Answer 43

Well to start with no knowledge, is quite hard. But for that you can consult case studies for restaurant business which would be quite helpful.

But my personal point of view is to first work in this industry then go for business, while working you would get to know most of the details, which you won't find anywhere in the book or in the case studies.

Answer 44

Work for a successful restaurateur, and learn by observation. A love of cooking is a fair start, but a restaurant is a business - and most fail within two years. So unless your intention is to bankrupt yourself, study, learn, and emulate.

Answer 45

4] Try and think of ways to attract your neighbours and friends to your restaurant first before thinking of strangers

5] Provide value added services or Attractive benefits to certain

customers like a Free meal or coffee for those on date or children etc at least initially

6] Provide varied and diverse cuisine

7] Prompt and courteous service is a must

8] Even if small, the restaurant must be small clean and homely

9] Plants and refreshing/relaxing colours, Music

Answer 46

First, research. Never start unless you have a plan.

That means a business plan, and a marketing plan. You have to scout locations, think about zoning issues, business licenses, hiring your staff, interior decorator, creating a restaurant name, etc. The list goes on and on.



I would suggest you pick up a copy of Entrepreneur Magazine's "Start your own buiness" -- great book full of every aspect of startups that you need to know.

Answer 47

You have the cooking experience so you'll need;

1. Lots of money,

2. a business partner with lots of money & business skills & experience

3. Loads of patience

4. & an enormous amount grey hairs

GOOD LUCK!!

Answer 48

Reject negative people like "Dutch Master." There are people who started businesses after researching and were successful. Guard your business plan with your life and have a lawyer draw up an agreement that prohibits employees from revealing original recipes. If you don't try, you will always regret it. You've gotten some excellent advise. Good Luck.

Answer 49

Go to the type of restaurant you want to open and get a job there. Work there for a couple of years and learn everything you can.

Answer 50

You should get a job as a cook first. Then you get to be known around town as you move up through the ranks. First you would start off as a line cook, then move up towards Executive Chef. Beleive me, I work in the food industry, and it is kinda tough, but worth all the trouble.

Answer 51

In your situation, best is to get a experienced partner or join a existing restaurant with a partnership. That is the shortest rout to your success. You can also work somewhere first and gain experience first. That is the long rout.

It is up to you, what suits you according to your temperament.

Answer 52

Two things ... capital and a partner who can help you with the P&L, inventory control, payroll, licensing, the health department, zoning, hiring, purchasing equipment, beating off sales people, etc. etc.



Hit every website you can find. Talk to local entrepreneurs in your area. Expect to not make a solid profit for your first two years of operation - this is not failure, but normal. PATENT and COPYWRITE your recipes, and make sure to have those that are uniquely yours.



If your credit is stable you can expect to need a small business loan of no less than $250,000. E-mail me with ANY questions you have.

Answer 53

I would go to school to gain the knowldege and as far as experience goes I would try to get a job in a restaurant. And then go from there. Goinf out on your own with zippon behind you is pretty risky. Get the knowledge and experience and then go for the brass ring. Goood Luck

Answer 54

Work in a restaurant and ask to shadow the chef and management. I'd suggest also going to school and at least take some culinary classes.

Answer 55

Find a business partner that knows the food/restaurant business and form a partnership.

Answer 56

The advice and guidance of someone with TONS of business and restaurant experience. Talent and creativity alone are not enough. Get someone who's savvy in the areas you're lacking to get on board with you!

Answer 57

Get some experience and make your mistakes in someone else's restaurant. Save your money and pay close attention to everything going on around you.

Answer 58

Well to get experience you will have to work at a fast food place first. You have to pass a state board test as well.

You cannot open anything without a license for it. So there is much to do before you get there.

Answer 59

You need to do a LOT of research (about business licenses, business loans, department of health regulations, bookkeeping/payroll process and tax regs, your state's employment laws, etc.) and hire yourself a very experienced and hard-working crew.



Owning and running a restaurant is VERY hard work. Do your homework before staking the farm on it! Good luck!!! : )

Answer 60

Start home delivery from your own home first to build a client base. Have enough capital and then get into the market with a restaurant.

Answer 61

Its not hard to get experience. Schooling can take four years. See the American Culinary Federation Web site (acfchefs.org) for information about accredited culinary schools, apprenticeships, certification, jobs and related organizations.



& Stay up-to-date on food trends and advances in kitchen equipment. Read as many culinary magazines and journals as possible.



Good luck :)

Answer 62

For sure ,you must on first to got a nice place,in a good location,for came many people to see you`re restaurant.After you must put inside all good tehnologii,what you need,for cooking and think to make something specialle,or different ,than have others.For the start you must make a party and invite people and friends there and after start working!

Answer 63

You will end up working 80 hours a week and earning close to minimum wage. Don't bother starting your own restaurant.

Answer 64

learn how to open a successful restaurant business

Answer 65

Get in the restaurant GAME, by getting a job, first. Then KNOW someone at "City Hall."

Answer 66

I guess at the beginning you need pen and paper only.



1. Put your strength, weakness, resource, opportunities, etc. on paper

2. discuss the paper with friends and families

3. Ask consultation with professionals

4. prepare schedule for implantation, END of paper work



ACTION: First perform very easy and simple tasks.



I am 100% sure that you will be successful!

Answer 67

Get some expierence with a local restaurant

Answer 68

get all your money together...........next hire a person with that knowledge and experience that you don't have...........work with him looking for a good location......have him as a manager and let him hire a cook,,you will need help cooking if you get busy....and the waitresses or waiters...........most of all....do not take all the profits out of the business......bank some for your future.........and keep most going back in.......

Answer 69

Get a new idea. the restaurant business is cut throat.

Answer 70

Any business requires experience even just to run it or experiment it. To run it successfully, you need the loads of experience.



so, I think you should work in a restauarant for some time in any capacity before you even dream of owning one.

Answer 71

Great food. Sexy waitresses. Good location.

And I have an idea. Lottery. Each morn pick tables whose diners will eat free, say, twice a day (change the hours daily to keep clients guessing).

Answer 72

hey

it isn't that tough,

u can take a tour in the city u live in , and take a look at the restaurants , and then u'd know what's best for u, i had a friend who did that, he entered every restaurant in da city, to have Experience about 'em... and he did the best

good luck

i'm here for help

Answer 73

Take a quick course in Business Management and another in Marketing, and ask around ( in other areas) other small businesses and where they get their supplies, etc.

Hey, if Quizno's has made it this far with using rats in their commercials, anybody can do it! LOL

Answer 74

Hire profressional chefs and staffs that no what they are doing.. if you have the money take out newpaper ads and stuff looknig for a consultant too help u get started.. good luck

Answer 75

Get a job in a restaurant and learn all you can before betting your life savings on it.

Answer 76

Hi there,

it takes money to make money. Check out the business opportunity on my page at: www.prepaidlegal.com/go/nicoleehring. You can make a lot of money if you work at it. Listen to the information and get back to me if you're interested. Thanks.



-Nicole

Answer 77

Boat load of cash!! Most biz. lose $ for 6 mo. to 1 year. Best have a lot of cash and a great idea.

Answer 78

Since you already have the drive and the determination, it seems that all you're currently lacking is a large sum of money! Don't let this minor matter hinder you from following your heart's desire.

Go for it!

I admire you!

Answer 79

start from little then work your way up . First start making foods you know how to make , look online for recipes . The best kinds of restaurants are pizzerias , chinese , latin , or IHOP and TGI Friday's kind .

Answer 80

Go work in a kitchen 1st and see if it is really that appealing.

Coocking @ home and for guests is a way different ballgame.

Read jamie olivers books

Answer 81

Do you want to know how to make a million dollars in the restaurant business????????



Start with 10 million..........

Answer 82

How bout going back to colledge and taking a course? I will be at your restaurant opening night! :) Hope it works out!

Answer 83

Cook dinner,take cooking classes,voulenteer to cook at a rest home or a homeless shelter!

Answer 84

DON'T DO IT!!!!! It's very hard and costly, I suggest working as a chef or cook for at least a year and see if you still want your own place, even then DON'T DO IT!!! I've had several places and they almost destroyed me

Answer 85

Try going to a cooking school its opens on weekdays from10;00-12;30noon

Answer 86

take classes on how to open a restaurant

Answer 87

Get knowledge and experience or you are doomed to fail before you start

Answer 88

get a job working in a restaurant will be a good place to start.

Answer 89

easy. do nothing. Some bloody idiots will create problems where none exist in the first place, wont solve any problems they create, but they will blame you for the results. If by hook or crook you escaped their stupidity they would have the audacity to say, "It took me a while to figure out what I was good at".

Answer 90

Get a partner with experience.

Answer 91

GO TO THE ONE MOST SUCCESSFUL IN YOUR AREA....TALK TO THE MGR OR HEAD WAITER.... REQUEST OF HIM TO SPEND SOME TIME EACH DAY THERE TO LEARN........WITHOUT DIVULGING YOUR IDEAS FOR YOUR OWN....JUST THAT YOU THINK YOU ARE GOING TO LOVE THE RESTAURANT BUSINESS.......YOU WILL THEN LEARN THE INS AND OUTS OF THIS TYPE OF BUSINESS......

Answer 92

you should take a couple of bussiness classes in you local community college its cheap and its an investment so you can know how to run a proper business

Answer 93

if u r not living in india open an indian restaurant and if u r living in india open an chinese or western style restrarant.

Answer 94

You need to have dedication and self belief in you. Additionally you can search the net to find our more on hotel business and its management. Good Luck !!!!!!!!!!

Answer 95

You need to start at the beginning, dude. Get an education first.

Answer 96

Learn how to cook first

Answer 97

Hire a dumb waiter. Only joking. Couldn't resist. Lots of luck in your venture!

Answer 98

try advertising as for no knowledge or experence hire a person to help you who has experince in this field between you both you can make it work very well in my opion?

Answer 99

Get a partner who does and learn the ropes as you go along.

Answer 100

Find yourself a good restaurant manager, and let him run the show, you mustnt interfere....

Answer 101

Aside from capital, a good team of cooks/waitresses, a bookkeeper, an assistant manager or two; a manager....and LOTTSA LUCK!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 102

Have lots of money to lose, prepare yourself for a broken heart.

Answer 103

Alot of money and alot of friends who like your cooking.

Answer 104

Go work in Hell's Kitchen and get Gordon to show you how.

Answer 105

Ask people who do have experience. And, hire people with experience.

Answer 106

Begin with paying guests.

Answer 107

TRY Opening a RESTAURANT FOR DUMMIES!

Answer 108

im a chef & sinse you dont even know anything about the restaurant bizz or anything else FORGET it

Answer 109

Lots of money goes a long way.

Answer 110

You need to go on Hell's Kitchen..Chef Ramsey will take care of ya..WUUUHAAAAAAAA

Answer 111

goto a library or book store and buy a bunch of restraunt buiness books and read

Answer 112

you do not need to know anything, just hire a contractor for the building hire people and lets get started.

Answer 113

You need to go to college to get a Culinary Arts Degree and also get certified to pass several sanitation tests.......I've been there done that......YOU NEED TO GO TO COLLEGE!!!!

Answer 114

First you need a lot of capital. Without it you won't get far.

Answer 115

You need some experience & fast!!!! Good Luck!!!!!

Answer 116

A partner with both.

Answer 117

You have got so many answers already.Please start implementing immediately.

Answer 118

get a few good books on the subjet

Answer 119

Pray, Pray, Pray.

Answer 120

since you have no expererience you are def. going to have a lot of trouble. so you need lots of money

Answer 121

go to school and get some resteraunt and cooking expierience

Answer 122

Lots of money!

Answer 123

Lots of money.

Answer 124

you need a bible , lots of prayers and loads of stupid customers , sort of like yourself for posting a dumb , ignorant , and braindead question like this . Do you also have terminal stupidity ???

Answer 125

you have to get some kinde of license i think

Answer 126

a partner

Answer 127

Then have courage and take risk.

Answer 128

food

Answer 129

you REALLY need a loan, and mabey a partnership. i hope your buisness is successful!! :-)(-:

Answer 130

= D

Answer 131

If you have any brains then you would know.

Answer 132

go for it any way

Answer 133

GET SOME EXPERIENCE!!!!!!!!!!LEARN!!!!!!PREPARE!!!!!!COOK GOOD FOOD!!!

Answer 134

good question, but I don't know

Answer 135

another idea

Answer 136

Partners that do...

Answer 137

money!! a whole lot of it!!

Answer 138

all i can say is Good Luck!!!!!!

Answer 139

BIG shaved BALLS