If you want your restaurant to use its restaurant growth handbook, there are certain things you need to do. But many things could be improved about what will help your business succeed. Today, we’re setting the record straight on five of the most common restaurant growth myths.
Myth #1: You Need a Big Space to Start a Restaurant
When most people think about starting a restaurant, they picture a busy downtown location with plenty of foot traffic. However, it is essential to remember that not all restaurants need to be located in high-traffic areas. Some of the most successful restaurants are in out-of-the-way places with less competition.
If you have a small space and a limited budget, you can still open a successful restaurant by focusing on niche markets or offering unique experiences. For example, if you have a passion for baking, you could open a small bakery specializing in custom cakes. Or, if you have a knack for delectable home cooking, you could start a home-based catering business. The key is to find a niche market and offer something that cannot be found at the big chain restaurants. You can succeed in the restaurant business with creativity and hard work – even with a small space.
Myth #2: Location is Everything – You Can’t be Successful in a Small Town or Suburb
The location of your business is essential, but it is only some of it. You can succeed in a small town or a suburb just as quickly as in a big city. The key is to choose the right location for your particular business. If you’re selling products that appeal to a wide range of people, a big city is the best place for you.
But if you’re selling more niche products, then a small town or suburb might be a better fit. The important thing is to do your research and choose the location that will give you the best chance for success. No matter where you end up, remember that hard work and dedication are the keys to success.
Myth #3: Restaurants Have to be Expensive to be Popular
In recent years, there has been a growing trend of casual dining establishments becoming more popular than their formal counterparts. This is likely due to several factors, including the increasing cost of living and the need for more convenient options. Regardless of the reason, it’s clear that people are increasingly interested in affordable dining options.
This trend is good news for restaurant owners, as it means there is still potential for growth in the industry. While formal dining establishments will always have their place, it’s important to remember that restaurants don’t have to be expensive to be popular. By offering affordable, casual dining options, restaurant owners can tap into a strong market trend and bring in new customers.
Myth #4: Customers are Always Right – you Shouldn’t Stand Up for your Food and your Business
There’s an old saying that the customer is always right. But as any business owner knows, that’s only sometimes the case. Sometimes customers can be demanding, unreasonable, and even downright rude. And while it’s essential to try to please customers, there are times when you need to stand up for yourself – and your business. When a customer demands a refund for a meal they didn’t like, it’s essential to explain your policy calmly and clearly.
If a customer is being disruptive or disrespectful, it may be necessary to ask them to leave. And if a customer insults one of your employees, you must defend your team member – even if it means losing the sale. Standing up for yourself and your business isn’t always easy, but maintaining your professionalism and integrity is often necessary.
Myth #5: Social Media is Important and it’s The One and Only Way to Get Customers
Social media is vital in marketing and promotion. With platforms like Facebook and Twitter, businesses can reach a broad audience quickly and easily. Traditional marketing techniques such as print ads, television commercials, and word-of-mouth are still effective.
For example, a local business may get more exposure from a print ad in the newspaper than from a post on Facebook. And a product that is endorsed by a celebrity or influencer may generate more interest than a product that is simply tweeted about. In short, while social media is valuable, there should be other tools in a company’s marketing arsenal.
Final Thoughts
Take heart if you’re inspired to start your restaurant and grow your restaurant growth handbook. You can be successful in a small town or suburb, and you don’t need to break the bank. Stand up for what you believe in your food and business. What advice would you give to someone thinking of starting their restaurant?