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How do you start your own restaurant business?

I'm a college student that is majoring in computer science. I always had a dream of pursuing culinary and run my own restaurant or bakery, but I don't know where to begin or is it a good idea in the first place.
Any thoughts or advice, please share.

career business chef culinary cooking business-development small-business
Thank you comment icon The best way to know if a foodservice, restaurant career is a good one for someone is to go work in a restaurant like you would want to own. Working in the field is the best way to learn about this profession and if it is a good career choice. Bob Mark
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Foram’s Answer

Hello Erica,

In the world of service industries like restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and so forth, it's crucial to pinpoint your unique selling point or area of expertise. This could be anything from a vegan-only menu, to an online-only service. Once you've identified your unique angle, the next step is to scout for the perfect location if you're planning on a physical store, and then to explore your financial options. Having a compelling product and solid financial backing are the key ingredients to kick-start your venture.

After laying this groundwork, you can start to delve into the operational aspects, such as the number of staff you'll need and the type of equipment necessary for your business. You might also need to look into obtaining FDA approvals for commercial selling.

Your passion for the culinary field is evident, and there's nothing more rewarding than pursuing what you love.

Here's wishing you all the best on your exciting journey!
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Howard’s Answer

Does your school have a Culinary or HRM department? If so start there. If not look for a school nearby that offers a degree in HRM and or Culinary Arts. As one of the other professionals already said, get a job in a restaurant to see if you really like it. Being a chef and working in restaurants typically means long hours, holiday and weekend work shifts.
If you like it then speak to a counselor on the best path for you to get a degree. A degree is not required, but it can help. You need to study and get experience. Then keep building on that work.
Good luck.
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Kari’s Answer

Oh, this is such a great question. Kudos to you for having multiple passions! That definitely makes life a lot more fun in the long run.

I think the best thing we can do when we are curious about something, is to start small and dip our toes in the water. Have you had a job at a bakery? Do you know anyone who does?

Getting a part-time job in that area could be a good choice or seeing if there's local cooking classes - something lower risk and lower investment to confirm that you enjoy the activities and the environment. This can be a great way to figure out if you want to be a business owner or an employee in that type of environment too.

I'm also a big fan of informational interviews. Have you met the owner or the head of your favorite bakery? Consider asking them for a half hour of their time to learn more about the industry. If they say yes, come prepared with 4-5 questions that could help you learn more specific next steps.

Best of luck in your exploration!
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Delilah’s Answer

Although I am not a restaurant owner, I have a bit of advice on this. There are plenty of programs you can invest your time and money in to develop skills in the kitchen. I personally went to school for Business and ended up in design. After I received my degree in Business I worked in Finance and developed a lot of what seemed like unrelated skills. At one point, I realized this path was not for me and I set some goals and took a leap of faith by investing in a short program in design. Before attending this school, though, over the years I had been dabbling in design software programs and teaching myself. Perhaps, while you are in school, you can work on developing these skills through free resources like YouTube videos and free /cheap online courses. If this sparks a desire within, you can then perhaps work on a plan to go to a more credited school in the culinary arts (although, I am not sure that is required). I would also join networking groups for restaurant owners. There are plenty out there— visit a local restaurant that you love and ask to speak with the owner. Don't be afraid to reach out to restaurant owners, I am sure they'd love to give you advice!
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Michael’s Answer

It's crucial for you to experience working in a restaurant, bakery, or any food-related business to truly understand it. Several past employees changed their jobs to join our restaurants. Some remained while others left, but the only way to know if it suits you is to dive in and try it yourself.
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Niki’s Answer

Go for it! The best way to figure out if it's a good idea is to try. College is an amazing time to try something like this out, so many young people excited about new things - here are some ideas:
1. One approach you can take is through social media. Start a food blog and just share photos of food you make or eat to build up a creator image.
2. You can check out cooking clubs and meet people with similar interests who might want to start something with you!
3. Have fundraiser bake sales to practice making and selling food!
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Lynn’s Answer

Answer theses question for yourself-
What appeals to you about owning and operating a restaurant?
Do you enjoy engaging with diners and making sure they have a great experience?
Do you enjoy cooking and putting together creative dishes?
This will determine what area of food service you should pursue.
I will say this, if you are a great cook and enjoy the creativity of culinary pursuits, one way to ruin that passion is to open a restaurant.
Restaurant ownership, whether you work as a chef, or a general manager is hard work. It takes a toll on you physically (you are on your feet all day) and emotionally (any restaurant is a study in controlled chaos with lots of differing personalities). The hours are long and you are working every weekend and holiday-when all your friends are off celebrating. The financial aspect of running a restaurant is hard because you're always running on very tight margins and one little thing can blow any profit you've made in the last week-your walk-in breaks down on the busiest weekend of the year. Stewards (dishwashers and cleaners) don't show up for work-everything goes haywire if you have no dishwasher. Cooks think they know better way to cook a dish even though the standard you've set for it has been successful all along. You discover that one of your most reliable staffers is addicted to heroin and has been stealing wine, liquor, shrimp and tenderloins from you and selling them to support their habit. These are just a few reasons why 90% of new restaurants fail within 5 years and are just a few (really) challenges I've experienced as an owner-operator of a small independent restaurant.
Before you drop a bundle of money to attend culinary school or a Hotel and Restaurant Management program, get a job in a restaurant and see if it's an environment that you enjoy spending 60+ hours a week in and if the culture is one that fulfills you.

I may have come off as a Negative Nellie here, but you can avoid a lot of headaches and heartaches if you do this kind of research and experience before making the decision to open a restaurant of your own. There are lots of other food related vocations other than food service. Research and discover one that suits your passions and talents the best.
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Johannes’s Answer

I would think about a few paths:

Start working in a restaurant/bakery to learn how they operate from the inside (which is important to understand the business side and operational side of things).
At the same time you could start really small with a weekend business on farmers markets or the like. You need to get the proper certifications and license for that. This will get you very valuable immediate interactions with customers and you can try items and see which ones work and which ones don't.
Another step up could then be to get a trailer/truck. They cheaper to operate than a brick and mortar restaurant. Find your niche and experiment and test/talk to your customers!
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Erika’s Answer

Check out the Culinary Arts program at UA-PTC South Campus in Little Rock, Arkansas !

It is a highly ranked national program that has proven to be successful for students like you who are interested in Hospitality Services!
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