5 tips for aspiring restaurateurs

Successfully open your own restaurant business
StockSnap/Pixabay
StockSnap/Pixabay
Alexandra Gorsche © Conny Leitgeb Photography
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!
Copyright for the featured images used:
StockSnap/Pixabay

Bites & Pieces May–Aug 2025

Flavor that leaves an impression

From liquid gold to fermented subtlety: here you will find everything you need to take your culinary repertoire to the next level. This section showcases food discoveries, ingredients, and gourmet products that everyone should know about—to refine, seduce, and amaze.

Between trust and control

How much should AI be allowed to do on its own?

A new service employee is wanted. The position needs to be filled urgently, time is short – and the application arrives at half past midnight. Not by email, but via WhatsApp. The first questions are answered by an AI-supported chatbot, and the date for the trial period is suggested automatically. Everything runs efficiently, quickly and seemingly without any human intervention.

Such processes are no longer a future scenario, but reality. But this is precisely where the question arises: How much should AI be allowed to decide on its own – and when is human control necessary? A new area of tension is emerging between automation and responsibility, which must be handled with sensitivity, especially in labor-intensive industries such as catering and food production.

quick & dirty
Erfolgreich den eigenen Gastronomiebetrieb eröffnen © StockSnap/Pixabay
5 tips for aspiring restaurateurs

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.