IslandMix

Can anyone give me any tips on opening your own business. My family wants to start a resturant....but plans to start with a jerk pan first. I am trying to get all the information I can get, inlcuding liscense info and good and bad success stories....



Please hit me up...thanks

Whats your location?

Small Business Startup Information, Startup Basics - Entrepreneur.com
Starting a Business, Starting a Small Business - Entrepreneur.com
I also know that you might want to check with your states department of commerce, and you also might want to talk to accountant (or the person who does your taxes). They might be able to tell you what you might be able to not hurt yourself with your losses. I wish I was at my other computer because I had information with the website for that, but google is a true friend indeed. I'm still in the works of starting my business, as in business plan phase, so these are just little things I remember. HTH!

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www.marykay.com/jharris-trotter
http://astore.amazon.com/randoandivad-20

What state will this be located in? Each state has different rules and regulations. We are in the process of opening a restaurant also. We should be open in a month.

This site -->SCORE "Counselors to America's Small Business" | SCORE

Provides resources that you can meet with locally that can provide advice on the process..From what I read - they will try to hook you up with someone in the same business type to give advice and guidance.

thank you!

__________________
www.marykay.com/jharris-trotter
http://astore.amazon.com/randoandivad-20

Thanks for the info...

We are located in Deland, Florida...close to Orlando/Daytona area...trying to live up the place...

Decor counts. If you have a small budget put up posters and photographs. to keep the place cheerful. Don't use anything that someone might find offensive e.g. girls in bikinis. And, regardless of your personal opinion about Bob, you have to have a Marley poster if the restaurant is casual. I don't know why but there are people who come in like they worship him. I guarantee that it will be noticed.

Know your customers. Nationality, income, age brackets, etc.
Design your menu so that there is something on it for everyone.

Are you going to be catering to a business crowd on lunch break? Make sure that you know what other people in the area are offering for lunch to scope out pricing.

Is it near a school? Keep lots of beverages on hand. Also ensure that there are items on the menu that a kid can buy with two or three bucks.

Are there Jamaicans in the area? Make sure that they are going to walk in and order something and not be disappointed that it tastes like an Americanized imitation of the real thing. This happens to me all the time and I will not return if I have a bad experience. I don't expect the jerk to taste like I bough in at Boston but if it doesn't even resemble jerk, nu bodda wid ih.

Of course you also have to be prepared for the Yankee who can't handle the real thing. So keep some "mild" patties readily available and offer things "on the side." Ask them if they want the fish with head or without- don't frighten them away.

Be open when other people are closed. They may not feel adventurous enough to try the food if there is chinese/pizza/subs enticing them away but if you are the last person to close for lunch at 3 pm, I guarantee you will get remembered. Word of mouth is everything.

Lastly, if you have something special, advertise it. I am in New York and I can hardly find: breadfruit, bammy, crust, gizarda, etc.

Anyway, that is my two cents. I don't run a business but I like to eat (LOL).

Good luck!

Thank you all for the advice!!! If you think of anything else hit me up!!! :)