Navigating the Battles of Ownship in the Restaurant Industry
The restaurant business is notoriously challenging, and owning a restaurant brings its own set of unique challenges. This article will explore the strategies required to run a successful restaurant business as an owner, rather than a hands-on worker. Key aspects include effective team building, hiring the right talent, and setting the right business environment.
Trusting Professional Managers: A Key Strategy
The path to owning a successful restaurant involves hiring competent professionals to manage the operations. Here, the old adage holds true: you get what you pay for. Hiring high-quality, versatile employees can be significantly more valuable than hiring multiple average performers. Quality outweighs quantity, and a single exceptional employee can be worth several average ones. Therefore, focus on hiring professional managers who can handle the day-to-day operations effectively.
Minimum Rules and Clear Guidelines
While it's crucial to have clear guidelines and rules for your staff, it's equally important to keep these guidelines concise and to the point. Overburdening your employees with too many rules or regulations will only create confusion and stress. Instead, ensure that your staff has a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities, which will ultimately lead to a smoother operation.
The Financial Reality
Running a restaurant, especially as an owner, comes with significant financial investments. Finding a skilled general manager who can manage the business effectively requires a substantial salary. Depending on the scale of the restaurant, this could range from $70,000 for a smaller establishment to $100,000 for a larger one. Keeping these figures in mind, it's important to assess whether you can afford these salaries while still maintaining profitability.
Hands-Off vs. Hands-On Management
While it might seem ideal to be a hands-off owner, creating a successful restaurant requires a balance between ownership and management. It's unrealistic to be completely hands-off unless the business has been operating smoothly for several years. As the owner, you must actively oversee the business or trust competent professionals who will make informed decisions on your behalf.
Strategic Hiring for Success
The success of a restaurant relies not just on the culinary skills of the staff but also on their ability to interact with customers. Hiring staff who can build rapport and provide a positive experience is essential. Not only should you consider their technical skills, but also their ability to work with customers and their communication skills.
Creating a Positive Customer Experience
To foster a positive customer experience, your servers should be able to engage with customers but not overdo it. Creating a balance between service and interaction can help maintain a positive dining atmosphere. Ensuring that your team members are skilled in customer service will leave a lasting impression that can significantly impact customer retention.
Marketing and Visibility
Marketing your restaurant effectively is crucial. Utilize high-quality pictures of your food and display them prominently to attract curiosity seekers and new customers. Regularly stock your fresh vegetables and, if possible, simmer onions to release enticing aromas that can boost customer interest.
Location, Location, Location
Lastly, location is a critical factor in the success of any restaurant. Choose a location that is easily visible and accessible to potential customers. Use bright lights, signs, and other visual cues to make your establishment stand out from the competition. These elements will help drive traffic and create a welcoming atmosphere for your customers.
By focusing on these key areas—team building, hiring the right talent, fostering a positive customer experience, and choosing the right location—you can increase the likelihood of building a successful restaurant business. Remember, the road to success is paved with hard work, strategic planning, and a keen eye for detail.