How to Open a Pizza Shop
Opening a pizza shop is a great idea for those who love to cook and want to open a fairly inexpensive business. Pizza is very popular and the low price of the food ensures adequate business even through tough economic times. However, opening a pizza restaurant can be a daunting task for those without any food experience or cooking knowledge. Pizza shops build customer bases through good recipes, fresh ingredients and friendly service. Your customers will turn their allegiances to a different pizza shop if they believe your establishment is subpar.
Instructions
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Write a business plan. A business plan will specifically outline all aspects of your business venture. It should take into account start-up costs, rent, money for inventory, projected budgets and the manner in which you plan to run your shop. If you plan to acquire money from an investor, a well-constructed business plan will impress your potential investor and convince him that you are serious and thorough. If you already have the necessary funds, writing a business plan will allow you to pave the way ahead for your venture.
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Gather money for the investment. When calculating the necessary funds for your pizza shop, include the start-up costs, costs of the equipment and the cost of sustaining your business for six months. It takes time for new businesses to attract customers and develop a loyal base. You should have enough money to keep your pizza shop open during this initial period. You can acquire the funds from a private investor, family or a business loan. If possible, borrow from family and friends to avoid paying interest or giving away profits.
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Find a location for your shop. Pizza shops are fairly common usually are located close to other pizza shops. Since pizza shops sell pizzas in store and through deliveries, it is not necessary to find a location far from another pizza shop. However, the location should ideally have considerable foot traffic or enough parking for driving customers. Since pizza is relatively cheap, many customers impulsively decide to buy it. Thus, your restaurant should be in a location where people driving by can park and walk in to satisfy their pizza craving.
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Obtain the necessary equipment. You will need to invest in a pizza oven, refrigerator and ingredients. Buy fresh ingredients daily to enhance the taste of the pizza and bring back customers. Purchase a good oven for baking. A great oven will cook the pizza properly and will pay for itself in a small amount of time. You will also need to buy drinks, condiments and utensils, and hire employees to make the pizza and deliver it.
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Contact your state's health department to determine the requirements for obtaining a license. Contact the secretary of state's office to obtain the necessary documents for incorporating as a corporation. In addition, contact the IRS to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN). The EIN is necessary for filing taxes and hiring employees. You can obtain an EIN immediately by calling the IRS or filling out the forms online.
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Market your pizza shop. Place an advertisement in local newspapers to announce the opening of your restaurant. Offer special deals to lure new customers. Hire a person to stand outside the shop and give out coupons for pizza. Make your fliers exciting and colorful. Travel through the neighborhood and give out menus. A large portion of a pizza shop's profits will be through deliveries. Handing out menus will spread your name and bring in orders.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit pizza image by Christian De Grandmaison from Fotolia.com