How to Start a New Restaurant Chain

The hospitality industry features grueling hours and a high start-up failure rate. The restaurant business is no exception, so if you want to start a restaurant chain, you must undertake this endeavor with your eyes and wallet wide open. Learn the fundamentals of starting a restaurant chain from scratch and realize your dream of turning an empty building or vacant lot into a thriving business. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

1. Refine every detail of your restaurant concept. Conduct a demographic survey and market analysis to determine what niche you need to fill. Your restaurants can be quick service, midscale or upscale.

2. Consider your financing options. You can solicit individual investors or get a loan backed by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Get more cash than you think you need. Most first year failures stem from a shortage of funds.

3. Choose a location for your restaurants. Besides the obvious features of size and price, you must consider how much traffic the location receives, visibility of the site and nearby competitors.

4. Determine the design and layout of your restaurants. An interior designer can help you render your concept visually so each restaurant in the chain evokes the same feel. A foodservice design consultant can make your work areas efficient.

5. Obtain necessary licenses and permits for your restaurant chain. Licensing requirements vary by region, and could include a business license, liquor license, food permit, sign permit and fire certificate. Call your town clerk to get started.

6. Hire and train your staff before you open your restaurants. Depending on the size of your establishment and type of service, you may need a manager, host, chefs or cooks, servers, dishwashers and bartenders.

Resources

• Visit the U.S. Small Business Administration.