Congratulations! All of your dreams are starting to come true as you make progress in building your family owned restaurant. No matter your choice of cuisine, it’s important to plan ahead to see success.
Running a family owned restaurant is world’s different than cooking from home. We’ve put together a simple guide to get your restaurant off the ground. Read on and get cookin’!
1. Come up with a menu.
Creating the perfect menu is key to attracting new customers and keep them coming back. You may find inspiration from exotic cuisine or work with what you know. Many restaurants use family recipes and name special dishes after the original chef.
Be sure to come up with a yummy kid’s menu and consider specials for senior citizens, as well as gluten-free options. Be sure to look into liquor licenses if you’re thinking about supplying alcohol.
2. Assign specific jobs
You know your family well and should have an idea of what they can offer your restaurant. Skilled cooks will validate your menu and can help train new employees. Family members with customer service skills work well as hostesses and wait staff. Younger family members are acceptable as bussers and dish washers.
3. Create a welcoming environment with decor
Think about what makes your family unique. You can frame old family photos and hang artwork from your clan for diners to admire. If your restaurant is specified to a certain culture, decorate with fascinating relics from the homeland.
Restaurants around the world even take dining outside. Look to colorful plants and durable tables and chairs so diners can enjoy the sunshine.
4. Think about special events
Do you have a talented family? Let their skills shine with events such as open mic nights and live music. You’ll also want to think about customer appreciation nights and benefits to draw a crowd.
However, not everyone wants to listen to loud music when they’re eating. Make sure to clearly advertise your events and hold them on weekend nights for the younger crowd. Another great idea is to have pool tables and arcade games for kids with free play a few times a week.
5. Create history!
The easiest way to brand your restaurant is to name it after your family. Try to tie in something about the type of cuisine you offer. As your business grows, new generations will fill the roles of staff. Memorialize your history to create a fan base of devoted customers.
Always Remember: Family Comes First
Being in business with your family is a lot different than just living with them. You’ll want to establish ground rules and remember to treat everyone the same, even if it means tough love. It’s important that everyone pulls their weight around the restaurant.
Try not to take your work home with you. It’s vital to have a happy working environment that your customers can see. We hope this new venture brings you success and strengthens your important bonds.
