I cant beive we are finally working for ourselves!!!

**beckoes** · February 11th, 2010, 12:58 PM

We have always talked about opening a restaurant or something similar but the right thing hasnt come up. BUT we got offered a place on one of the bussiest spots in town. At low rent! Three month contract to start off, then another three then six then first option after that.
My DP who is a chef and another friend also a chef and his DP are going to go 50-50.
Its so exciting/terrifing/all the other feelings you can think of.
If it goes horribly wrong we hoprfully wont have lost too much, a few thousand if we do it right, but if it goes well and we make it through christmas and beyond we could be making good money or even be able to sell it for a good price.
This could enable us to buy a house, visit the uk more often, be proud to have made something good on our own!!!
We start paying rent in two week so hope to be open by the end of Feb!!!! WOW

Any tips for restaurant owning etc.....

how to NOT be one of the restaurants that fails in the first year!

**Jas** · February 11th, 2010, 01:12 PM

I know pretty much zero...other than watching my restuarant rules :roflmao: so I have no advice but I just wanted to say that is wonderful! Congratulations....maybe ladies up that way could organise a bb get together there once the doors are opened!

**Cupcake** · February 11th, 2010, 01:17 PM

Congratulations! How exciting!!!

Jas thats a great idea about the BB lunch! I wish i lived up there hehe

smiles4u · February 11th, 2010, 02:00 PM

Congrats on getting your dream together happening

(shame it wasn't last Sept when i was on hols on the Sunshine Coast in Maroochydore as i would have def popped in for something to eat and of course say " Hi "

)

Would it be too far for me to travel via public transport from when i'm staying at Surfer's for the BB meet up this June ???

........ Wishing you the absolute bestest with it all

**beckoes** · February 11th, 2010, 07:22 PM

thanks ladies!!!! Great ideas all.....might have to start planning that one!!

smiles:its probably 3 hours from surfers!!!!

***Beema*** · February 11th, 2010, 07:36 PM

Wooo Hoooo how awesome!!!

I really hope it works out for you all, I guess the only tips I have...

Research your market, or the one you want to tap into. That will really determine the type of restaraunt, i.e. level of service etc.
Make yourself different, not just another....
Keep a menu small, and simple, too many flavours, taste etc can be so overwhealming
Local, produce is a massive winner, support the locals, seasons etc
Any wineries in the area, maybe you will be able to give them a plug but using their wine as a special deal for a month
Get to know all the suppliers, build relationships
Tapas and small menu food are a great way to capture people dropping through looking for a snack, also converting to entree options or a Tapas Meal

If you are hiring anyone to help, really test out there knowledge, and skills.
Smart Advertising, get online ASAP, it can be a simple web page with a menu, you can even just set it up as a blog, no fee's etc. Facebook, Local Newspaper, when you get close to opening, maybe try and get something in the local paper.
Does it need a facelift? Keep it simple and small $$ so you aren't expending heaps before you get going.
Can you speak with the previous owners of the property - what was there?

I really hope it works out and that in 12 months time you will be going strong and reaping the rewards

it will be a lot of hardwork but I bet it is worth every minute!!
Have fun!!!
xxoo

**beckoes** · February 12th, 2010, 11:15 AM

Fantastic advice...thanks so much!!!

Funny you shoudl say Tapas...its actually going to be a tapas restaurant

with a lounge bar upstairs. Going to look at doing a web page now!!! And there are a few other things on you list i hadnt thought of...local wine etc.

Thanks again!!!