Anna Maria Richards
The food industry is quite noble, after all, everybody eats. Even though sometimes are better than others, a good offer can make you go far. And the best part is that you can do it virtually everywhere, as long as you have the proper conditions and permits.
But it can also be a brutal experience because, since it’s so noble, a lot of people think that it’s easy and the food business comes and goes like a boomerang. And that is not even counting with the fact that it’s an actual back-breaking business that includes early mornings and late nights, supply searches, seasonality, and even weather.
Yet, it’s all worth it if you, as it happens in every other industry, love what you do. And the truth is that you are not alone in the process of building a business from scratch (literally). You can always reach out for small business loans like the ones Camino Financial offers to get you started.
In the heat of the proverbial stove
Way before opening night, there are a lot of processes that you need to start cooking on slow mode. Don’t jump the gun and start promoting before you get your kitchen set with these first steps:
Write a business plan
No business, no matter how simple, easy or instinctual it, can get by without at least a sketch of a business plan. It’s not just a traced journey of what you want your company to be, it’s a study of your market, competitors, financial projections, goals, and, above all, a common requirement when you apply for small business loans.
Choose your suppliers
It’s great to have a good relationship with your suppliers but it’s better to have great suppliers even if they are not your friends. Research all the options for your particular needs, ask other suppliers to recommend you to different producers, and create a solid working relationship with them. They could help you understand the supply chain and seasonality better if you are not afraid to ask.
Select a dream team
Talent is not scarce; you just need to find the right one for your team. Make sure that you hire people with a service and hospitality calling, that are passionate about his or her job and, above all, that you can trust. They are, after all, the face of your business.
More than food, and experience
It is not enough anymore to just offer good food; it has to stand out on the minds of your commensals. Create added value in both, your food taste and quality and in the experience of eating. Weather is the packing or plating, the theme of the place, or the presentation in general. You might also need a check presenter. Make sure all financial information about your customers is protected and organized. Clients want to know that their data is secure when handling their credit cards. It’s a must to pay attention to details because they can reveal a lot about a business. Make sure you offer a great experience that people want to repeat and bring all of your friends.
Be mindful of the legality
License and permits are numerous and entirely needed. From a food truck to a high-end restaurant, be completely sure you have all your papers in order. Take into account that you need a tax number, federal and local business licenses for food, wine, and liquor, and other documents that vary depending on your concept. Ask for legal help to get everything right because, even if a lawyer can seem expensive, penalties are worse. You should add these fees to your cash flow expectations if you are considering small business loans so you can have all the money you need.
The sky’s the limit for a food business, with brand new menus every few months, innovative ways to cook and serve food, themes, and styles so your creativity can fly freely. Just make sure you have all your ducks in a row and you are not missing out on something important.
Another thing you should consider when quoting small business loans is insurance because not only will you need it, it will be your best friend in case of an emergency or accident in your place of business. Have a happy opening night and let us know what else you thought, could make this list of tips.
