Ever dreamt about starting your own restaurant? Do you wonder about what it takes to get things started? Or whether you are cut out for this adventure?
Beyond the essentials of what it takes to start a restaurant, eg. tips on management, manpower planning and financial commitments, in this article, we will share with you some observations which we have made over the years through working with a vast number of business owners.
We noticed that there are some common traits among those who have jumped onto the bandwagon of entrepreneurship and had become relatively successful. Here are some characteristics that we have discovered:
1) Willing to navigate in unchartered waters
Ever tried sailing before? It could be a rather daunting experience. Imagine being out in the ocean in a little sailboat, exposed to the elements of the weather, the vastness of the ocean, and the challenge of navigating without landmarks. When all these external conditions come into play together, it could make you feel extremely small. If being in such a situation freaks you out, you may like to carefully deliberate on the decision of entrepreneurship before taking the plunge.
2) Perseverance – keep calm and carry on
Like what we mentioned earlier on, things will not go smoothly and pan out the way you expect them to be. In short, the odds are against you. Being able to bounce back from setbacks and detours will be a test of perseverance and determination.
There will be occasions when you may feel like giving up, but it may also be seen as opportunities to dig even deeper.
3) A big time foodie
This almost goes without saying. You might not be a Michelin chef but you almost certainly need to have discerning taste buds. Knowing the tastes and preferences of your target audience will set you up for success. You got to love what you serve!
4) People person
Being a people person does not necessarily mean that you must be an extrovert or love hanging around crowds. In this context, we are talking about having a genuine and authentic heart to grow your team and love your customers.
In an F&B setup, the soul behind the food is your people and every interaction point is an opportunity for you to create an impact in the hearts and minds of your customers.
This is not just a numbers game. It is not simply about filling the positions or having enough staff to man every shift. A sustainable restaurant set up requires a great degree of willingness to sacrifice to pour into the lives of people.
5) Humility matters
You are never going to be right all the time. The dynamic nature of the industry forces business owners to change and adapt quickly. A winning formulae or a secret recipe could get you somewhere but having a humble heart will make you “stay hungry” all the time. It may require some changes to the menu, or getting external professional help to improve processes, always being willing to listen to your staff and customers will keep you in the game for the long haul.
6) Focus
Be sharp and focused on your vision. There will always be distractions coming your way. It could be a new competitor, a more exciting concept, the latest kitchen equipment etc. You could also lose your focus when you are getting through the daily grind of things.
Always remember why you set out to do what you do, and stay focused on the big picture. For instance, when deciding to go for a rebranding exercise, or revamping your menu, always check if it’s aligned with the core of the business.
These six observations round up our sharing for the week. Every journey is different and every entrepreneur has an exciting story to share. May you find the path that you are called to take and enjoy every moment of it!
Do you have something to add on to the 6 qualities? Let us know in the comments section below!
Keen to jump into business and need a guiding hand? Get in touch with us at contact@chefatwork.com.sg today!
