Food glorious food, it’s all around us and we just can’t seem to get enough of it.  Every city in the world is peppered with gastronomic options that could have us dine around the world in 80 days and virtually never eat the same dish twice.

But not every aspiring restauranteur makes it and these days there’s a lot of evidence to prove it.

So how are you going to do it differently?  Read on.

Image By auricadina75

The first thing you’re going to do, assuming you’re not in the business already, is to look local. Far too many restaurants and food emporiums go bust because they started too big, too quickly and if you want to avoid that fate (and you do), then look around you first.  It’s always tempting to want that corner space on that fashionable high street, but the financial implications of chasing that dream too soon are seldom positive.

Something that has proven to be pandemic proof is food trucks.  They comply with social distancing rules, are inexpensive and with the upswing in their popularity or better regulated to ensure health standards and the public can’t seem to get enough.

Think about ways that you can passionately produce your authentic take on food and then think about how you’re going to get it to your consumers in new and innovative ways that don’t necessarily need a restaurant per se.  We’ve seen chefs survive economic downturns by preparing gourmet meals in their homes and then having them delivered to clients homes.  This is a particularly good idea if you’re just starting out as a chef and want to build your business from the ground up but to elevate this method even further, how about going to your customers’ homes and cooking for them, there?

THERE ARE ALWAYS MORE EFFICIENT WAYS OF DOING THIS

Nowhere is this more true than in catering related industries where price and efficiency are constant companions.  Technology is your friend here and if you can find ways to automate certain processes in your business plan (ahem, yes you do need one), then do it.  The money you save today becomes the money you invest tomorrow.  Find out more about how bakeries are using air mixers to increase efficiency.

Know who you are as a business even before you become that business.  It’s all good well learning about fast and efficient ways of food preparation, but if it’s your goal to have your diners feast lavishly on luxurious ingredients in opulent surroundings, then that may not be your immediate concern.  If you’re a fusion fundi then you need to consider what access you have to the freshest ingredients in your local community.

The good news though (and there is plenty of), is that as hungry humans we’re not likely to be running out of our desire to eat any time soon and if you can crack that magic balance between interesting flavours, honest price points and prime service you’ll be well placed to find your success.

Oh, and remember always get your guests to give you great online reviews, in an industry becoming increasingly dominated by referrals and internet searches before customers homes delivery requests, you’ll want that.