There are few businesses more popular than great takeaway restaurants, especially in cities like Northampton with a population estimated at more than a quarter of a million people.
With so much of the population off to work each day, grabbing a takeaway on the way home seems to have become the norm for so many families. If you are interested in starting a takeaway after years of experience in the business, maybe it really is time to open your own restaurant. Just a few tips can get you started!
Create a Business Plan
Creating a business plan before doing anything else is of vital importance. This is how you will plan the day-to-day operations of your restaurant, how you intend to show a profit and also itemise the expenses you are likely to incur. While most people think of things like rent, utilities and stock, there are other things you might want to add if you are seeking financing or funding. Don’t forget those other expenses that need to be calculated in, like takeaway insurance. Takeaway insurance quotes can easily be found and compared online.
Factor in anything that will be a recurring expense because this will definitely have an impact on your bottom line to some extent and that’s what lenders want to see – how you intend to make it a profitable venture.
Find a Location
You might want to do a bit of research when deciding on the location for your takeaway. What types of foods are popular in that neighbourhood? Do you have a prospective menu with a twist? It is important that you don’t emulate every other restaurant with a menu similar to yours. Keep your menu similar, but not the same. Highlight your specialties and you will know where you want to open your takeaway.
Get the Legal Stuff Out of the Way
Now that you’ve calculated in all the various kinds of takeaway insurance you will need for your business, that’s taken care of. After all, certain types of insurance cover are mandatory by law. You will need all your business licences, inspections and other legal requirements out of the way before you can open your doors for business in Northampton.
Launch a Major Marketing Campaign
Don’t wait until you actually launch your takeaway to invest in a marketing campaign. After all, people need to know you are there if you want them to try the delicious menu items you are going to serve. If they don’t know you are there, they can’t find you so plan for a well-rounded campaign. Don’t forget social media either! That can be your biggest draw once the word gets out.
Open Your Doors for Business
All of the above are just the basics. These are the rough categories you need to be prepared for when launching a takeaway restaurant in Northampton. However, it really isn’t as difficult as you might think as long as you get all the legal stuff out of the way. That is what might take a bit of time, so see to that early on. If you’ve followed a business plan and begun marketing early enough, don’t be surprised if there’s a crowd waiting at your door the very first day.
