Gujranwala is a relatively young city when it comes to commercial development compared to the other larger cities in Pakistan. However, there is incredible potential for businesses to set up here and take advantage of an untapped market with a wide customer base who needs products, brands, and services.
Today, we’ll focus on how one can start a restaurant in Gujranwala and what are the major factors one must consider before starting a restaurant in the city that loves food. Before we get into the details, there are a few things you should remember. Luck is an undeniable factor when it comes to not only starting a restaurant, but any business. It is also true that you make your own luck, however, often times you can work very hard to achieve your goals and come up short. This does not mean you should be lose faith, you should try and do your best and God will help you. Although, it is always best to make sure you are doing everything right.
- Study the market
A crucial part of your endeavor must hinge on your research and market analysis. It would be best to check out the local restaurants in the area you plan to open yours. See which places have the most traffic, try to have a meal in each one and see what they are doing right. It would not only give you a great idea as to how a successful restaurant operates, but also their menus, prices, interior designing, etc. While the physical research is important, online presence of these brands is equally as important. Look at their socials and see what they are promoting and what you could do differently. Another thing that will help you to understand the local market – talk to existing business owners, sit down for a cup of coffee or chai with them and ask them about their journey and process.
- Pick a niche
You may already have an idea of what kind of a restaurant you want to start. Usually, there are two ways you could go. You could buy an existing franchise or start your own brand. Both of these options have their benefits and drawbacks, but if you want to start your own restaurant, it is crucial to pick a niche and stick to it. An important thing to note, the market in Gujranwala prefers good quality and bigger portions for a competitive price. In cities like Lahore or Karachi, many restaurants can get away with serving smaller portions with huge prices, and while that could work in Gujranwala, most people want their money’s worth.
- Prepare a business plan
Now that your research is conducted, you must prepare a business plan. This entails preparing a mission and vision statement, choosing a name, dealing with legal affairs for your local area, analyzing the manpower you need, preparing a menu and pricing, preparing recipes, and testing everything before starting. - The Chef and team
The chef is the heart of the restaurant. While it depends a lot on your recipes, your chef is the one who is responsible for managing the team and maintaining standards. Usually, good chefs will demand a high salary or shares in the restaurant. This depends on your management style. If you believe your recipes can be maintained, pick a chef who can follow them accurately. Often if a chef leaves and you have to replace them, tastes can vary and standards can drop. Choose wisely and maintain standards!
- Location and Land ownership
One of the major costs you will incur at a restaurant is rent. Unless you own the land where you plan to start your restaurant, rent will be hard to maintain if you aren’t making enough sales. For your niche, make sure you choose your location wisely. A good location can lead to more traffic, however it does not guarantee success. If you are renting, make sure that cost does not become a huge burden.
There are numerous factors to consider when starting a restaurant. We have barely touched the tip of the iceberg, but these are some important factors you absolutely must consider. We will post more work in detail soon!