After I get the kids on the bus and hit the gym, I get in my car and drive around the surrounding towns with my Ipad, in search of the perfect restaurant pad. I have been doing this for two weeks now.
I have located and have gotten very excited about a few great spots, however I quickly get let down. The best spot I have found is actually an old abandoned restaurant on a great piece of land. The problem is nobody answers the phone! I have called and called and called and finally sent a hand written letter to the owner who lives in Vermont. I don't understand why they even bother putting up a for sale sign if they aren't going to pick up the darn phone!
The second location I fell in love with is in a prime location in a strip mall. Saddened again, when the broker said they would not allow another restaurant there because parking is already maxed out! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
The third spot was also in a fantastic location and has been empty for about 5 years now, but of coarse when I called there was already a lease agreement. Go figure!
Here are the factors that you must take into consideration when choosing a great spot for a sucessfull restaurant:
Location,Location,Location
Population Base – Are there enough people in the area to support your business? For example, is the restaurant location in the heart of a thriving downtown shopping district, or along a busy freeway? There needs to be enough people who live in the area, or pass through the area on a regular basis to keep you busy. To determine the population base of a particular area, you can do a site study. Most people looking at their first restaurant don’t have enough money in their budget for a professional survey. A less expensive method to determine the population base of certain area is to use a circle graph, Loopnet is a great and also offers all that data.
Parking – Will there be enough parking to accommodate all the seats in your new restaurant? Ideally, a new restaurant location should have its own parking lot. If that isn’t an option, is there public parking near the restaurant location?
Accessibility – There’s a reason that major restaurant chains are often located near highway and freeway exits: It makes them accessible for customers. Motorists can reach the restaurant without fighting traffic or driving out of their way. Most successful restaurant locations are easy to find.
Visibility – This goes along with accessibility and is very important for new restaurant locations. People have to know the restaurant is there. This is why property prices in downtown districts and developed strips are higher than other areas. They offer a level of visibility that can bring in a great deal of walk-in business.
By understanding each of these elements, you can better choose the right location for you or your clients new restaurant.
Part One Restaurant Owner in Attleboro,MA to Realtor in Attleboro, Mass
Part Two From Restaurant Owner to Realtor In Attleboro, Mass
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