Restaurant Startup Information

If you are in the food and beverages (F and B) business, it is important to learn how to find restaurant supply wholesale. After all, as the boss of your restaurant or F and B outlet, it is important to keep your expenses down. Hence, it is a good idea for you to find restaurant supply wholesale rather than getting them at retail prices.

If the industry is something new to you, it would be useful for you to attend industry trade shows and functions. Alternatively, you can also visit trade associations or chambers of commerce to mingle. You see, you may be able to access unknown information during the “small talk” with other bosses. After all, one of the greatest secrets to success in business is having a mastermind group.

If this still doesn’t work for you, try this sneaky plan of chatting with F&B consultants on the premise of engaging their services. Sometimes, you may be able to get valuable insider information. And, you can never find these gems through the yellow pages!

To leave no stone unturned, there are also the more conventional ways of trying out the trade magazines, classifieds, and the Internet. However, it comes down to knowing where and how to search.

If you do go online, here are some places to find restaurant supply wholesale:

1. Alibaba.com -a global trading portal where you can potentially get supplies right from the sources so that you can keep your cost down.

2. Restockit.com -the number one place for discount supplies.

3. Ebay.com -the grand-daddy of auction sites. It is possible to find some cheap and good stuff here.

4. Business.com – this portal lists various businesses, and it could be a good place to start your research.

Quite frankly, learning how to find restaurant supply wholesale is easy. It takes some effort and “go-get-itness”, and you can do it!

Candy Tyler
http://www.articlesbase.com/business-articles/how-to-find-restaurant-supply-wholesale-124377.html

Ever felt aggrieved that other entrepreneurs make the headlines but you don’t? Louise Third, founder of Integra Communications, the enterprise PR specialists, says it’s not as tough as it looks; it just requires planning and the application of some basic rules.

Kevin and Dawn Hartley, the owners of Mozart’s Restaurant in Nottingham have tangible evidence that a planned use of PR can significantly improve sales. The couple, who opened the 40-seat restaurant in November 2002, decided to take every opportunity to contact their local press and radio with ‘news’ and comment. Their opening was marked on Radio Trent FM with champagne and canapés and was followed a month later by a 2 hour Christmas Show broadcast live from the restaurant. BBC Radio Nottingham carried a Valentine’s recipe on the website and 50,000 listeners enjoyed a live cooking session in association with the Nottingham Restaurant Awards.

“Our biggest media coverage success came on National No-Smoking Day in 2004 when we took the decision to announce that Mozart’s had become Nottingham’s first totally non-smoking restaurant,” says Head Chef Kevin. “Not only did BBC Radio Nottingham interview us then, but when the government White Paper on smoking was published last November, we were bombarded with requests for interviews.” Kevin and Dawn found themselves on several local radio stations, and in front of regional TV cameras. Although the media requests were quite demanding, the couple made themselves available for interview, thus helping the journalists complete their work and gaining a profile for the restaurant. As a direct result of their PR efforts, the Hartleys have enjoyed a 15% rise in trade.

Inside every small business is a story bursting to get out. Start with that positive attitude and you will get thinking creatively about possible media coverage. A clever use of public relations will help people to understand what you offer, will gradually build your reputation and keep you at the forefront of people’s minds – ahead of the competition!

Basic rules

The fact that Kevin and Dawn planned a media campaign as part of their overall sales strategy brings us to the first rule of sound public relations:

1. Use PR as an integral part of your marketing plan: once you have decided the level of sales you need to breakeven and then to make a profit, identify those who need to know about you and what you offer. If you have opened a new shop, customers may be very local but if you specialise they may travel from much further away. Perhaps you coach senior executives to cope in stressful conditions: then your potential clients may be the UK’s FTSE 100 companies or large public corporations. You may decide to use a combination of direct mail, networking so you get referrals/recommendations and publicity.

2. Identify what your target customers read, watch and listen to. This is likely to be a mixture of local, regional and national papers, trade or professional magazines, local and national radio stations and TV, not to mention all the ‘New Media’ options. If it is practical, ask them; if you are visiting their premises, what publications can you see in reception? Make a list, find the name of the most relevant editor or feature writer and call them to see how they would like to receive your news. The fax machine used to be widely used to issue press releases; this was then overtaken by email, but ironically many PR firms are reverting to fax; it can’t be erased or ignored and is still cheaper than post. Then there’s the direct call to the journalist or news desk…….if you have a very strong story. However, be realistic. Don’t set your sights on regular television coverage, but equally don’t rule it out (at least regionally).

3. Find the ‘news’. Be ruthless and think like a journalist, otherwise your release will get tossed in the bin. The journalist will be looking for things their readers will find interesting, amusing or useful. Here are a few ideas, but there are as many permutations as there are businesses:

· a significant new contract

· launch of a survey / report

· a new appointment

· sponsorship of a local charity / event

· welcome or condemn new policy/proposals

· claim first/last/biggest/latest (but avoid best!)

· launch a campaign / involve a celebrity

· letters to the Editor

During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I helped a client, Linda Russell, to launch a new shop in north-Nottinghamshire. Not that newsworthy you may think, but this was no ordinary shop and Linda is no ordinary lady. Having recovered from breast cancer and reconstructive surgery at the age of 31, Linda launched ‘Perfect Fit’, an online service selling the latest designs and styles of lingerie for women with post-operative needs. The shop would allow Linda to display her stock, provide a professional fitting service and offer a sanctuary for women to meet and talk. We issued a pre-opening media release with the headline, ‘Linda’s Perfect Fit helps Breast Cancer ‘blues” and linked the launch to Breast Cancer Awareness month by including a quote and useful statistics from the regional Cancer Research UK representative. This small campaign had all the necessary ‘hooks’ for media coverage and gave the journalists what they needed. As a result Linda received full page and editorial coverage in the main regional press, feature and interview slots on local radio and a phone-in on BBC Radio Nottingham. Timing, planning and sensitive delivery was all it took.

4. Write the media release. Although you want to encourage the journalists to use your story, this is not a sales pitch, so avoid gushing praise of yourself and your product. Here are some basic guidelines:

· Cover the facts in the first paragraph including who, what, why, when, where and how as clearly as you can.

· The second paragraph should build on the first and carry any significant facts

· Include a quote; this adds personality and endorsement to the story

· Use Notes at the end to carry background information which reporters can use for research. Remember to include a contact name and number.

· Choose a simple, attention-grabbing headline which re-enforces the overall message

· Type MEDIA RELEASE at the top, date it and indicate when the information can be published.

· Use A4 paper, 1.5 line-spacing, wide margins and type

· ENDS to indicate you have finished.

· Limit your release to one page if possible, two at the most. Short, informative and interesting goes down well with busy reporters.

· A well constructed, high resolution (300 dpi) photo can turn a mediocre story into the one that gets coverage.

· Proof-read the release before it goes out. Then get someone else to do it again. It’s amazzing what you can misss……

5. The follow-up. So far so good, but now comes the tricky bit: you need to check that the right person has got your release and if so, talk to them about the chances of it being used. Always assume the journalist or editor is busy and ask if they are free to talk. Be prepared as they may have additional questions and may need convincing of the strength of your story. Don’t say anything you wouldn’t want reported if it sounds as though they are interviewing you. Radio stations will either pre-record an interview in person or over the phone, or ask you into the studio, again to pre-record or go live. Check that you know exactly what to expect; it is not unreasonable to ask what the questions might be.

Kevin Hartley of Mozart’s Restaurant has learned a great deal from the experience and has no doubt that working with the media is good for business. “You need to make yourself media-friendly; that means being very flexible so they can meet their deadlines. You need to build a list of contacts at the local radio, press and TV offices and be bold enough to pick up the phone when you have some news. We now seem to be in their database, so journalists wanting a restaurateur to comment on something seem to ring me.” It just goes to show how even the smallest business can make headlines .

Finally, as media relations is a commercial activity you should try to measure the effect any exposure has had. It can be as simple as monitoring phones calls and website hits in the period immediately following the coverage. If you convert these into sales, all the better. If people are more aware of you, introductions become that much easier. Stick at it and you will be amazed how a little effort can go along way.

Mozart’s Restaurant: www.mozarts.co.uk

Perfect Fit: www.perfectfit-online.co.uk

Louise Third
http://www.articlesbase.com/affiliate-programs-articles/diy-public-relations-55979.html

John Hannah John Hannah (born April 23, 1962) is a Scottish actor. It’s either that, or they simply provide ample opportunity for the worst in people to be on full display. The bride and groom privately complain that they didn’t get enough cash and received too much crystal and no gift receipts. Talking about Beach Wedding, the first thing comes in mind is “Budget’. I also like them because they are the colors of TR (blue & gold) and Clemson (orange & purple).

Whether you are planning a winter wedding or a holiday corporate event, there are many ways to use this season in your planning to add a festive atmosphere, beautiful colors and great decorations.

I’ve kinda dragged my feet on it for a couple of weeks because I’ve been busy with other things. The first phase that I was lucky enough to miss was when all of my wife’s girlfriends from childhood and college got married. I found a site called that does a similar thing with some of their wedding announcements and invitations. Event planning can be a wonderfully difficult task.

It seems that when Miho Walsh bought Roy Prieb the latest World of Warcraft MMO, the store clerk said, ‘Say goodbye to your boyfriend.’ Instead, Miho decided to play along with Roy in the MMO, but she quickly got left behind by the gamer. I was fortunate enough to not meet her until after all 40 of them got married. We figured that would be easy to remember, and it would associa. The townsfolk held feasts from their freshly harvested grain and gave neighbors gifts of bread.

I am a wedding dj in Houston, and I just wanted to clarify one common question I get a lot: Is there a difference between a wedding dj and a regular dj? The key to planning any wedding is knowing what tasks to tackle first before moving on to the smaller things. Police said Khalil Hesso was at the wedding on Saturday at the Nebraska State Fairgrounds. This Can Happen only in India Crowds flock to monkey wedding. We finally have our new phone system up and running! My childhood friends, college friends, fraternity brothers, church friends, you name t. Well it’s the 14th of February and if history repeats it self then today will be one of the biggest days for marriage proposals! For many people, myself included, dining at an upscale restaurant is something reserved for special occasions or celebrations: anniversaries, birthdays, Valentine’s Day, or even a wedding proposal. Written By Guest Writer- February 26, 2008 On the nextNY listserv, there are a lot of businesspeople who think they’re just a developer away from a great web startup. Over the holidays, I attended both a 50th Wedding Anniversary (we don’t see many of those these days) and a New Years Eve Party with a great Mexican theme.

Whether you are planning your wedding, corporate event, or any type of formal event, the details can make your event even better. Five minutes before you’re due to give your best man speech, there are some things you can do to stop you getting nervous and also to ensure you don’t get part way through it and it all go horribly wrong.

Are you buying into Hollywood’s view of beauty? These palaces make are the perfect wedding venues. It means that every Executive Order may have been turned to Pixie Dust by the President-and we’d never know it. Yes it is quite expensive to have a Beach Wedding. occasionally, god and i chat about whatever’s on our minds, via IM of course.

For more information please visit http://weddingfast.info/sitemap or http://weddingfree.info/sitemap or even http://weddingfresh.info/sitemap

ebet sanders
http://www.articlesbase.com/business-articles/planning-a-winter-wedding-or-a-holiday-corporate-event-344157.html

One word comes to mind when talking about Terrace – fresh. This modest 30-seater is young, full of spirit and offers a great alternative to the usual onslaught of big-name dining franchises. Having opened only 3 months ago, it has quickly established itself in the bustling town centre of Bromley. If you’re looking for a relaxed, evening out experience, this should do just perfectly.

With a recent lick of paint, this restaurant has a real modern, minimalist style about it. Cream and beige with touches of oak dominate the interior. Dusk arrives, the lights are dimmed, the candles are glowing and there’s just one element left to fit this perfect equation – Jazz. The owner is a big Miles and Hancock fan, so you’ll be entertained the whole night through.

The fare is wonderful. An emphasis has been made on fish, and most importantly it’s always fresh and full of flavour. Following the alluring calamari entrée infused with a suitably unique vodka sauce and choice seasoning, why not savour the subtle, natural variety of grilled seafood; the silvery sea bream is cooked to a delicate touch, its flesh is juicy and meaty and comes with a highly complimentary serving of finely prepared parsnips, onions and a dash of lemon and parsley. The bass, salmon, mackerel and trout are also highly recommended. With a good selection of crisp white wines such as the Chardonnay and Pinot, your taste buds will be well and truly pampered.

The bar is certainly equipped for parties and holds a good variety of spirits for all your cocktail needs. All in all, Terrace’s prices are very reasonable, so you can afford to experiment with a range of dishes and find what suits you best.

Whilst vegetarians are well catered for (a good choice of salads, well-dressed and unpretentious and other Mediterranean specialties are on offer), meat eaters needn’t go home with an empty stomach. From a generous portion of steak, or the mouth-watering mixed grill, to a quick burger, Terrace really does have everything you could possibly need.

Terrace is located along the buzzing strip in Widmore Road, opposite the Glades Shopping Centre. Opening at 8 O’clock on weekdays (9 at the weekends), why not pop in for a coffee and pie in true American style? Got a corner to fill on a Sunday morning? You’re sorted – full English breakfast for a mere £5.55, and four alternatives for the indecisive. This really is home cooking at its best!

Fully equipped with air conditioning and child-friendly this restaurant exudes a certain sophistication, while also maintaining a down to earth, free for all raison d’être, welcoming all palettes. Good old classic dishes that make for a happy dining experience.

Terrace can cater for birthdays, wedding parties and other celebrations for up to 50 people. A custom cake service is even available – is there anything these maestros can’t do?! If you have questions about any aspect of their services or wish to make a reservation, you can contact the restaurant on 0208 466 5584.

TERRACE CAFÉ AND RESTAURANT,

25a Widmore Road,

Bromley, Kent,

London,

BR1 1RW

Dawson Gao
http://www.articlesbase.com/art-and-entertainment-articles/terrace-fresh-wonderful-restaurant-in-bromley-90050.html

The events of 9/11 put a damper on the travel industry and the number of businesses that took an unfortunate hit caused several to lose their longstanding jobs as a result. Many once employed in the industry have since moved on to other fields, creating a vacuum for qualified travel and tourism professionals now that per 9/11 industry profits have been eclipsed. Every type of business remotely related to the industry has felt the effects of the personnel shortages, from restaurants and hotels to cruise ships and airfare discounters.

For those who are interested in taking advantage of the ample opportunities, choosing an educational path may seem like an easy task. After all, travel industry businesses are exactly that: businesses, and many make the association between a business education and success in any field where products and services are bought and sold.

In truth, hotels, restaurants and travel and tourism related companies face challenges unique to the industry that a general business degree may not sufficiently prepare graduates for. For starters, a typical business management degree program is heavy on analytical processes and light on personnel management. While that may be suitable for selling sprockets, it’s less than ideal when customer interaction is the underlying focus of the company.

Restaurants are a perfect example. While in theory, the economics of buying low and selling high are more crucial to a small eatery than almost any other type of business, there’s more to running a successful business than keeping an eye on the bottom line. Restaurants do sell food, but they market ambiance, and the meal is only as memorable as the service which imparts it. Hotels face the same challenges, as a properly motivated and managed staff can make a mediocre property lucrative while an unfriendly staff can could spoil a weekend at the Carillon.

Aside from extensive curriculum on people management skills, however, there are other areas where a hospitality degree program can provide more industry relevancy than a general business program. Most travel and tourism businesses are heavily involved in reselling, split point income (from deposit receivables) and property management. From an accounting standpoint alone, the differences between hospitality and traditional model businesses are abundant.

Shay Rosen
http://www.articlesbase.com/careers-articles/hospitality-degree-programs-preferred-over-general-business-for-hotel-and-restaurant-management-140229.html

I ordered a glass of Cedar Creek Pinot Noir at lunch today and it was served chilled. The wine was quite nice and as it warmed even better. Once before I ordered a bottle of Beaujolais and it was served cold. We asked for a decanter and asked why it was chilled. The manager said as it was a Rose' it should be served chilled. My problem is if you work for or manage a restaurant shouldn't you get it right.
People I manage a fine wine and spirits shop. I know both of these wines and they should not be served cold. Cellar temp. slightly colder than room temp yes, but not right out of the fridge. If I had complained that My chicken was underdone, every body would be on my side but because I'm complaining about wine I'm a snob. you're idiots.

Send it back and demand that a manager come to the table. There is no excuse whatsoever for improper wine service. If they can get it right at major family restaurant chains ( and you know the many many chains of which I speak ), then they can get it right at a business where they serve the 'good' stuff. I suggest that you do not do business at this locale in the future.

I am also in the biz. I am a bartender, server, etc. I know my stuff too.

Im trying to open a restaurant and i need to know what the percentage of taxes that i'm responsible for

Seek the guidance of a CPA or EA before you open. It will be well worth it.

Do not try and handle the taxes on your own.

I am trying to help a family member sell their restaurant business. The property and the business are privately owned (not leased). The revenue on the business is not high, largely because this person has no idea how to run a business, nor has the energy to do so.

This person doesn't want to list the property with an agent, and doesn't have the budget to advertise it on online sites that charge.

Does anyone know of good, free resources where we can market this business opportunity to an entrepreneurial sort of person? We would want to market to both in- and out-of-state people. Again, listing it with a real estate agent is out of the question, unfortunately. :/

Thank you.
Clarification on the post:

One of the owners is a broker, but who doesn't subscribe to the MLS. Therefore, as I mentioned in the question, there is no likelihood that this will be listed with another agent. Besides which, this property has been listed with agents (3 of them) before and, as is often common with listing agents, the agents sat on the property assuming that a buyer's agent would sell it for them. Seller's agents have access to the same information we do…which is comps on similar properties, newspapers, and venues of advertising. So, since using an agent is out, we're now looking for some advice on marketing the property.

Thanks to those who have responded so far, especially those who provided information, and not advice.

If you want to help, you can place an ad in the newspaper on business supl. depending what kind of food, you can also ad in different languages. The other point is to send inforamtion about this restaurant to others restaurant's owners, sometimes they want to expand and they don't care if the revenue is ok or not. But tell the owner he has to invest some money to sell it!!!

i wish to start a restaurant ..caribbean gourmet with about 1400 sq ft of space..wonder what operating costs I am looking at

You are missing alot of information. Kitchen size, location , location, location, food cost ,training, are you working in the restaurant or hiring all the help… There is no definate answer but think of it this way its expensive!!!!

what does anyone know about getting into the catering business,"coach roach" as you may know it. or opening a small restaurant. I know the catering is probably cheaper, do yall know if I have to go out and get contracts with companys or how does it work. I have funds to start something.. just trying to find the right thing to do.

Not all lunch truck are roach coaches, if you cook fresh off the grill you are more likely to have a better business then if you just store already package food that's where the roaches come from I know I bought something pre-package no lie and sure enough in the burrito there was a roach and mind you it was from a well know company. I have friends who own a lunch truck and they cook right there so you know that the food is fresh, plus it help to have a good cook. Good-luck on your business what ever you choose.