Thinking of Opening a Restaurant? Here’s Where to Start 

Everyone wants to start their own business nowadays by making their own dream products and living off it. However, all businesses involve a degree of inherent risk. So, what exactly does it take to build a strong and sustainable dining business? Here, we share some tips tailored for newcomers to the field.

1.Establish a Clear Restaurant Concept and Menu Direction

Before opening a restaurant, every business owner needs to ask themselves two questions: What do I want to sell? And who am I selling it to? The first question refers to the style of restaurant, whether Thai, Japanese, health-focused, a minimalist café or something else entirely. Addressing this question will naturally lead to the second one. You will have a better chance at reaching the right audience with a clear restaurant concept. Learning the flavour profiles and ingredients they are seeking will also help you build a customer base faster.   

2. Set Yourself Apart from the Competitors 

Given the intense competition in the F&B industry, especially among café, having at least one unique selling point is necessary. For instance, your café may have a secret homemade recipe that cannot be found elsewhere, or the distinct interior design may be able to attract content creators and influencers.  

Remember: customers are not only paying for the food. They are paying for the experiences and the emotions that your restaurant evokes. 

Alternatively, incorporate a hero ingredient or a local specialty into your menu. On top of that, if you’d like to enhance the aroma and richness of your savoury dishes and baked goods, Blue Band margarine is an excellent choice. Not only does it elevate flavours, but Blue Band’s margarine also supports cost-efficiency due to its long shelf life. Blue Band’s margarine can be used as a complete butter substitute and delivers consistent outcome in all cooking and baking. Otherwise, Blue Band’s Professional Multipurpose Cream is a dairy cream alternative that does not break when heated and can be used in any savouries, desserts and drinks alike.

3. Find Trusted Partners and Suppliers 

The restaurant business is far from a one-person show. All entrepreneurs need to establish relationships with their trusted suppliers who can guarantee high-quality ingredients at reasonable prices and deliver on time. Maintaining a network of reliable partners and suppliers will sustain your business in the long run. On the side, having contingency plans when your primary suppliers are unable to fulfill on short notice is also necessary. 

4.Prime Location & Exceptional Team 

Location is one of the most critical considerations for food business owners. A restaurant located in a high-traffic area with adequate parking spaces can gain significant advantage. As important as location is, no business can truly thrive without a strong team. The employees are more than just service providers; they are brand ambassadors who interact directly with customers. Regardless of how amazing the food is, guests are unlikely to return if the service is lacking. Therefore, it’s important to provide training that equips the team with the proper skills and mindset to deliver exceptional service, creating lasting impressions and encouraging repeat visits. 

A Summary for Aspiring Restaurateurs 

To build a thriving restaurant business, there are four points every restaurateur should bear in mind: start by building a concept and menu that resonate with the target audience, identify a unique point of differentiation, foster strong partnerships with trusted suppliers, and choose the right location with a capable team.  

Using only the finest ingredients is just as essential. Take Blue Band’s Margarine and Professional Multipurpose Cream, for instance — they not only elevate the flavor of every dish but also help business owners manage costs more efficiently. With these pillars in place, restaurateurs can stay one step ahead in their business endeavors.