Length: 273 Words Reading Time: 2 Minutes
The business model is a written statement that describes the critical elements of the master plan for your restaurant. If you have a clear vision for your restaurant, you should be able to present the following topics in a descriptive paragraph or two for each subject:
The type of cuisine you want to serve and why. The “why statement” is essential because it will force you to clarify your thinking. How many competitors are there for this type of cuisine? What can you do to differentiate yourself from other restaurants that serve this cuisine? Do you have a story?
What size of restaurant do you want and why? How many square feet for the Front of the House and the Back of the House? Do you want a full bar or not? Are you planning to do Breakfast and Lunch Service, Lunch and Dinner Service, or just Dinner Service? What seating capacity do you want? How many two-top tables? How many four-top tables? How many unique tables, such as a large round table as an eight-top? Do you want a fine dining restaurant or casual, and why? What type of location do you want? What evaluation criteria will you use to select your location? What is your timeline?
All these topics deserve careful consideration. Most of these topics are strategic or semi-strategic. Beneath this high-order thinking are a myriad of details that need to be addressed as well, such as menu design and content; exterior signage; restaurant name and logo; table layout; kitchen layout; kitchen flow and process; kitchen management policies; staffing and training; interior decor; furniture, fixtures, and equipment; maintenance strategies, etc