Restaurant and More

Restaurant sales are expected to hit $511 billion this year. More people than ever are dining out. Average Joes are becoming "foodies" after exposure to the celebrity chefs and exotic ingredients on TV's Food Network. Busy consumers don't have the time or inclination to cook--they want the flavor of fresh bread without the hassle of baking. They want tasty, nutritious meals without dishes to wash. More and more singles, working parents and seniors are demanding greater convenience in buying their meals and are turning to operations that provide that convenience. As you can see, there's never been a better time to open up your own restaurant. In this extensive guide, you learn the latest food trends, what the competition looks like, how to research your potential customers, the basics of setting up a dining room and kitchen, how to find a great location, how to leap over regulatory hurdles in the industry, and how to find the best people to staff your business. Here's everything you need to consider when starting your own restaurant, pizzeria, coffeehouse, delicatessen, bakery, or catering business. Among the many topics covered are: Set-up equipment Inventory Staffing Legal structure Location Permits Sanitation Marketing Financial management This guide is fully updated with the newest trends in menu items, decor and themes, plus recent market statistics and forecasts. Interviews with successful eatery owners show how others have made their food business dreams come true. So whether you decide to keep it simple with a sandwich-and-salad operation, dazzle event guests with your catered cuisine, create a cozy neighborhood java joint, or make a splash with a four-star bistro, we've got the information you need to be a success.