Open a Cafe

If you dream of that cozy little café on the corner enticing visitors to come inside, it may not be as far off as you think. Making the decision to open a café is not an overnight choice. A lot of thought and planning must go into any business undertaking. Mapping out a complete and thorough business plan is always your first action.

A business plan will allow for a greater description of your café. If there is a certain theme or style you wish to apply to the café it will need to be expressed in as much detail as possible. Investors and business partners want to see that you have clearly thought out all aspects and possess a strong vision. The choice to purchase or lease your structure will come in here as well. There are pros and cons to each so you need to know what will be most beneficial to your situation. A lease is often easier to obtain and does not leave you with a building to sell if the café isn’t successful.

When selecting your location, choices should be based on your chosen target market. For example, some may open a café on the side of the highway because their chosen consumer is the travellers and truck drivers. Alternatively, you will also find cafes in quiet neighborhoods where they are accessible by foot as well as car. Location plays a huge role in deciding who will walk through your door with money in hand.

You want to be careful when planning your menu that you are as original as possible. A pre-baked donut can be purchased anywhere but home baked goods fresh from the oven may have an advantage. These are things you need to take into consideration when planning. When you are ready to open a café, effective preparation and planning will carry you through.

The statistics don't lie!

Most new restaurants don't survive a year! A little insider information might be ALL that is standing between a profitable restaurant, and becoming another unfortunate statistic!

Before you spend a small fortune opening (or buying) a restaurant, I suggest you read my FREE report I've titled "The Restaurant Industry's Dirty Little Secrets. To get your free copy of this insider information click here to get the report!

There was a single, unforgetable event that made me mad enough to sit down and write this. It is my hope that another rookie restaurant owner won't lose their dream due to a lack of good information. To read more of that story click here

Today's Independent Restaurant Business Tip

for . Make a point of scheduling a check of all lighting, (IN and OUT)! Some owner operators get so tied up inside their restaurant that they never take a stroll outside the building. I recall one marginally successful restaurant that had many lights out on their front sign for years. The owner always drove in the back alley and never walked outside at night time. You must try to keep a "critical" eye and see your restaurant as your customer does! (They aren't in the kitchen the entire time ;-))

Testimonial

Hi Patricia
I had to email you and tell you that your insight saved me from a $40,000 mistake.
Thanks,
Sheryl Gundham