Opening a restaurant is both exciting and tough. It takes passion, planning, and persistence. Here’s a practical breakdown from someone who’s been in the game (or seriously done the homework):
What’s your vibe? A cozy brunch spot, taco truck, fine dining, or quick-service burger joint? Your concept influences everything—the menu, the decor, even the music.
Look at local competition, foot traffic, neighborhood demographics, and dining trends. Visit restaurants like the one you want to open and take notes. Find your niche.
No skipping this. Your plan should cover:
It’s your blueprint, and you’ll need it if you want investors or loans.
Opening a small restaurant can cost $100K to $500K+, depending on location and size. Secure funding through savings, loans, or investors. Include a cushion for emergencies—you’ll need it.
Get insured!
Location = make or break. You want high visibility, foot traffic, and a spot that matches your concept. Lease negotiations can be complex—hire a lawyer to help.
Design your kitchen for efficiency. Make your dining area align with the experience you want guests to have. Then, get inspections and pass health codes.
Start simple. Focus on dishes you can do consistently well. Factor in food costs and prep time. Your menu should reflect your brand and be easy for your kitchen to execute.
This includes chefs, cooks, servers, hosts, managers, and dishwashers. Training matters—bad service or inconsistent food will tank your business faster than you think.
Build hype! Post on social media, offer sneak peeks, host a soft opening. List your restaurant on Google, Yelp, and delivery apps early.
Expect hiccups. Take feedback seriously. Track your numbers daily—food waste, labor, sales, etc. Stay flexible and improve as you go.
If you want a smoother entry into the restaurant business, consider going the franchise route. The Sankalp Group offers well-established restaurant franchises:
Sankalp Restaurant – Sankalp brings you the authentic flavors of South India food with a modern twist. From crispy dosas to aromatic sambhar, every dish is crafted with care and heritage. Step in for a delicious journey that’s rich in taste and tradition!
Saffron Restaurant – Saffron was started in 2001 by the Sankalp Group of Restaurants. Named after the world’s most precious spice, Saffron serves the freshest ingredients with the finest taste. Our chefs fuse together flavour and aroma to capture the essence of traditional North Indian cuisine.
Sam’s Pizza – Sam’s Pizza offers unlimited Pizza bouquet comprising soups, salads, garlic bread and brownie at a pocket-friendly price. The history is bright and the present seems promising too with our relentless innovation. Today, we have 40 outlets all over India and we do offer franchises as well.
Restaurant Franchising with a trusted brand like Sankalp gives you a proven business model, established menu, brand recognition, and operational support, which can dramatically reduce your risk and learning curve.
