So you have an LOI in on a space. Now you need to have a plan. You need to hire an Architect/Designer/Foodservice planner. You can hire many great companies that do all three functions or you can source individually. Look at restaurants you like and ask them who did there design work. Depending on the concept you need to determine your foodservice needs. I always recommend working with a foodservice designer first and getting the basic floorplan in place then start on the complete package. So what you will need is a copy of Landlords construction guidelines. The cities Health Code requirements. Your menu and anything special equipment you feel you would need like a certain type of smoker or ovens. The more you share with your designers the better the project will be. Remember: Do your research, communicate with your team and think about it over and over. Stay Tuned!

So you have an LOI in on a space. Now you need to have a plan. You need to hire an Architect/Designer/Foodservice planner. You can hire many great companies that do all three functions or you can source individually. Look at restaurants you like and ask them who did there design work. Depending on the concept you need to determine your foodservice needs. I always recommend working with a foodservice designer first and getting the basic floorplan in place then start on the complete package. So what you will need is a copy of Landlords construction guidelines. The cities Health Code requirements. Your menu and anything special equipment you feel you would need like a certain type of smoker or ovens. The more you share with your designers the better the project will be. Remember: Do your research, communicate with your team and think about it over and over. Stay Tuned!

I always hear when I look at locations that certain business are the number one stores in that company. I am pretty sure they put roller skates on it and move it overnight because every center the number one units are there. Use common sense in your location selection. Is this the area you want to be in? Visit every restaurant in the area at all hours of operations. Talk with operators about their clients. What is your competition. Is the sight easily visible? If you are on the back of a building or hidden in a corner you should consider this in your rent factor. Are there any business restrictions i.e.; churches or schools that could make it difficult to get proper licenses. Remember if the property is owned by a church or a school district and within a certain distance that could prevent you from receiving proper liquor licenses in some cases. Most importantly ask a lot of questions. Drive the areas and neighborhoods. Visit with existing business owners. Set up a meeting with the city economic development department. Understand all of the ordinances for your location. Ask if there are any Associations that need to approve your project and if so meet with them prior to signing your lease. Understand the parking available and make sure it isn’t just what meets code requirements but that it is going to be sufficient to fit your business plan. You will have much more success out of the gate if you do a little research. Your real estate broker should be able to supply you with a lot of information but you need to do your due diligence. It will make things easier.