Legwork

This tip is from a highly successful restaurant equipment dealer in the Raleigh-Durham area.

"Do the legwork. If you want to open a restaurant, don't just go and open up a restaurant. Go work in the industry for six months to a year. See if you like it and gain an understanding of the work involved. Too many people take their retirement accounts and decide to open a restaurant or catering business without considering pitfalls and the work required."

This restaurant equipment dealer started as a manager in a highly successful food service franchise. By learning about the food service industry and the restaurant equipment needed, he effectively counsels restaurant startups while selling them complete restaurant equipment packages.

This advice is well documented but often not heeded. By spending a year working in a restaurant similar to your potential food service establishment you can learn best practices. These include choosing food suppliers and products, dealing with labor issues, and choosing restaurant equipment suppliers as well as the equipment needed to start your business.