5 tips for aspiring restaurateurs

Successfully open your own restaurant business

StockSnap/Pixabay

8. August 2023 |

Alexandra Gorsche

8. August 2023

Alexandra Gorsche

Opening your own restaurant is a big dream for many people. However, it requires thorough planning and implementation in order to be successful in the industry. We reveal five tips for aspiring restaurateurs to pave the way for the successful opening of a restaurant business. From market analysis and location selection to customer loyalty.

1. market analysis and target group identification:

Before embarking on restaurant business planning, a thorough market analysis is of great importance. What are the current trends, the preferences of potential customers and the competitive situation in the chosen region? A comprehensive market analysis helps to identify the target group and tailor the offer to their needs.

2. location selection and concept development:

Choosing the right location is a decisive factor for the success of the restaurant business. Factors such as footfall, accessibility, parking facilities and proximity to the desired target group can be decisive or at least helpful. A well-chosen location can have a significant impact on sales. Simply be different and unique! Make sure you stand out from the competition. A clear positioning and an individual gastronomic concept can help you to differentiate yourself in a highly competitive market.

3. financial planning and resource management:

Sound financial planning is essential to ensure the financial stability of your catering business. Nowadays, nothing works without a detailed business plan! All costs need to be taken into account: including rental costs, staff, food, equipment and marketing. Unforeseen expenses are always lurking. A sufficient capital reserve is important to avoid financial bottlenecks. Statistics show that the start-up rate for accommodation and catering businesses in 2021 is 4.4%, while the closure rate is 5.8%. A solid financial basis is therefore crucial for long-term success.

4. team composition and training:

The right team is the key to success in the restaurant business. Qualified staff is advisable. But even more so is a team that shares the same passion and enthusiasm for the industry. Investing in training and further education to continuously improve the skills and expertise of the team should definitely be taken into account. A well-trained team can have a positive impact on the customer experience and help create a pleasant atmosphere.

5. Customer retention and marketing:

Customer acquisition and retention are essential to the success of the restaurant business. Marketing channels such as social media, an informative website and targeted advertising campaigns to reach the target audience are essential these days. What do guests expect? A unique experience, excellent service, great food - because only then will guests become fans and regular customers. Studies show that an extremely satisfied customer can generate up to 14 times more revenue than a dissatisfied one. Feedback systems can help to collect customer opinions and continuously work on improving the offer.

From market analysis and location selection to customer retention, thorough preparation and consideration of these tips will help maximize the chances of long-term success in the restaurant industry.

A la table, s'il vous plaît! A la table, s'il vous plaît! A la table, s'il vous plaît! A la table, s'il vous plaît!

Lost, forgotten, in love: Vermentino Nero

Unknown grape varieties worth discovering

Between sea breezes, steep slopes, and sun-kissed coastal hillsides, an almost forgotten grape variety is making a comeback: Vermentino Nero—the dark surprise from Liguria.

food & beverage

From brigade to beta version

How AI, robotics, and digitalization are reprogramming the restaurant

There is a tension between digital progress and emotional hospitality that is redefining the restaurant industry. AI, automation, and data-based processes are changing not only workflows, but also attitudes, communication, and expectations. What was once considered a gimmick is now becoming a strategic necessity. And perhaps the most important question of our time: How can humans remain relevant in a world that is becoming increasingly digital?

future trends

The truth lies in the dough

What makes a good pizza: Lessons from Vienna's First Pizza Association

Pizza is one of those dishes that everyone has an opinion about. Almost everyone thinks they understand it—and yet a surprising number of people fail at this culinary “common property”. In Vienna and beyond, Neapolitan pizzerias are now springing up everywhere, some excellent, others whose interest in good pizza comes to an abrupt end. As we all know, quantity does not equal quality. Or, to quote Martin Albrich from the First Vienna Pizza Association: Pizza is bread. And bread forgives nothing.