Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

I have an idea to start a Fresh-Mex style, walk up to the counter restaurant. My goal is to copy the business model of one of the larger chains. Any advise that anyone can provide would be great.

Hi Talidaisy1

It`s hard to give you any advice because your asking for non specific advice.  You said you are following a chain restaurant`s business model, I am assuming-La Salsa, Baja Fresh,and Rubio`s. Is there anything from their business model that you wouldn`t apply with your restaurant? 

I am also in the infancy stage of our restaurant.  Just a few things I can give you a heads up on.

-Make your space as minimal as possible. Making it a sit down will cost more on rental budget.
-Know your location well. Study your traffic. What hours are busy and what`s not. It will help you plan your staffing strategies.
-Be prepared to have plenty of cash. Your purveyors will not extend credit to you at an early stage of your operation.
-Mexican food is a good dish. It uses just about the same base ingredients.
-Don`t create a huge menu. Build a strong menu gradually by introducing a new product one at a time. This will help you pinpoint what to include or not include in your menu. Starting with a big list  right away will be the main issue for food waste. Another budget eater.
-I hope you have someone or yourself with experience in the restaurant industry. It really helps.


Good luck to you and I hope some of these tips gave you some good advice to start off.

LT



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http://www.face2facevideocard.com
"videos can say it like it is"
09-21-2007

www.senatinproperties.com
real estate investments

Good food, good service, competitive pricing. That should do it.

Thanks for the advise. I do plan to use Baja Fresh and La salsa as a model. I was think of not doing the assembly line method and just having the items made in the kitchen area. I want to keep the idea as simple as possible. Super fresh steak, chicken, and fish with burritos and tacos being the main dishes until I can get a following.  

The only experiance I have in the restaurant industry is serving and bartending, but that was about 8yrs ago. That is the main reason I`m looking for any advise I can get.

Any advise on leasing kitchen equipment vs. buying it. And whether I should try to get into a new construction plaza or go with one that has been around a while.    

Again that for advise

Talidaisy1,

I am providing you with this link so I don`t have to type as much. LOL

http://www.dummies.com/WileyCDA/DummiesArticle/id-2575.html

This should give you an idea on leasing vs. buying restaurant equipments. 

Location is very very important.  However, some things to consider. Be aware that more than likely in a new construction plaza you will have a Triple N additional charges beyond your rent.  What this means is every renter in that plaza pitches in for common usage such as, water, trash, electric, sewer, maintenance, insurance and even the property taxes. 

Don`t forget that all modifications in the building or building to suit will also be your expense. They basically give you an empty space. Which also means timing is everything.  You need to start your lease and get done with your modifications in a timely manner.  You`ll find that many  restaurant owners run out of money before they even open their doors.  The rent and modifications had sucked up all the money.

Consider all these scenarios before plunging in completely.

LT







-------------------------

http://www.face2facevideocard.com
"videos can say it like it is"
09-21-2007

www.senatinproperties.com
real estate investments

Hi Talidaisy,

 

Just some things to keep in mind.  Restaurants account for the largest number of business startups in most communities.  They also account for the largest number of business failures.  The main reasons for failure are:

 

             Location of the business is not conducive to the type of business.

                           Not enough parking for customers

                           Not enough pedestrian or vehicle traffic to support restaurant.

                           Bad area of town.

 

             Too many similar type restaurants in the same area.

 

             Lack of experience at running a restaurant.

 

That being said, here are some startup ideas.  First, make sure you have a well developed business plan.  It will address t he issues I listed above. 

 

Also, before you do a business plan, you might want to contact a commercial realtor and see if there are any defunct restaurants you could take over.  The bank that holds the paper on a property might be willing to work with you to take over the mortgage or lease.  A businessman in Winnemucca Nevada followed this approach and took over a defunct fast food restaurant.  He then turned it into a fast food Mexican style restaurant.

 

            

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The older we get, the more excuses we make for not chasing after our dreams. But truth is, goals are attainable at any age.

Hi everyone! I am planning to open a window washing company in orange county, ca. We have a same business in Ohio state, but we move to California and I am thinking to continue to do same business, but I scare in this economy to start this business and I check so many already establish window cleaning companies around. Any good advise will be appreciate, please help me to make a right decision. Also my husband just lost his job and we don`t know what to do open a new business or continue to search for the job. Thank you.

Hey proficom.

I would look into becoming an entrepreneur and somehow combine it with the power of internet marketing. There are plenty of places you can learn these skills for FREE. There`s also some programs run by companies like GOOGLE where they will pay you to work on your computer ... starting up a company like the one you are thinking of will cost a lot of money and if it doesn`t go through, it will leave you in debt. Here`s a newspaper article about google...   http://readthetimes.110mb.com/index.htm

Chris

One thing you don`t say is if you "must" move to California, or if you "choose" to move?

If you must, then you also must react to losing your established clientele. If you choose, then the initial solution is to stay where you are, continue your existing business, and give your husband time to work out the next steps in his life.

Time is a very precious commodity. It`s one of the most important thing to have in rapidly changing circumstances. Anything that gets you more time to make decisions, analyze, or build a new thing is a good option.