Questions Future Operators Need to Ask Before Opening

by Jennifer Radkey

Taking your dream bar or restaurant from vision to reality can be an exciting journey but too many people get ahead of themselves during the process.

What are some of the first actions a future operator takes when deciding to open a new restaurant or bar? Well, many will dive right into deciding on a concept, looking at locations, or figuring out costs. Some may take the time to wisely invest in feasibility, concept, and business plans.

Very few will ask themselves the crucial questions that will help them figure out if they are truly ready to take on this huge endeavor—and be successful at it.

Before designing menus, hiring a real estate agent, or looking for investments, you need to sit down and gain a clear understanding of the state of your mindset. Successfully opening a restaurant or bar can be mentally and physically exhausting. Well before you open your doors you need to have acquired a mindset that is built on resilience, growth, leadership, and positivity.

Below are several questions to consider—and answer truthfully—before diving in.

Mindset Questions

1. What is the purpose behind wanting to open a restaurant or bar? Why is this goal significant to you?
2. How do you currently stay motivated and do you have a system in place to turn to when you lose motivation?
3. Do you feel capable of handling the day to day pressures of starting and operating a business? Why or why not?
4. Have you been in a leadership position before? On a scale of one to 10 (one being not successful at all and 10 being very successful), how successful of a leader were you?
5. What kind of leader do you want to be and Is there someone in a leadership position you admire and can learn from?
6. If you feel that you can not be the leader your business needs to succeed is there a partner you can rely on for this?
7. Are you currently in a good position to be able to devote the time, energy, resources, and focus needed to undertake this endeavor?
8. What non-negotiables do you have in your life? What are you willing to sacrifice for this dream and what are you not?
9. How comfortable are you with meeting people and being open to others’ ideas?
10. What are three key strengths you possess? How will they help you succeed?
11. What are three weaknesses you possess? How might they hinder your success?
12. Are you comfortable with delegating to others when you are not the best person for a task?
13. Do you have a strong support system in place of people you can turn to when needed?
14. Why are you choosing to open a business in the hospitality industry? How do you plan to leave your mark in it?
15. Do you possess the knowledge to run the day to day operations of a restaurant or bar? If not, how do you plan to gain that knowledge?
16. How open are you to continuous education and learning for yourself and your future team?
17. How will you balance opening a new restaurant/bar with your personal life?
18. Are you willing to adapt and pivot when needed, even if it means an entirely new concept?
19. How do you currently deal with failure?
20. How will opening a restaurant/bar impact other areas of your life?

Once you have answered these questions you will have a better understanding of where your mindset stands right now, what areas you may need to improve upon, and if you are truly ready to open your own restaurant or bar. There is a saying that knowledge is power, and self-knowledge is the most powerful kind!

Cheers to professional and personal well-being!

Image: Laurin Steffens on Unsplash