As a franchiser, you may already be familiar with the booming Indian restaurant sector – but don’t underestimate the huge growth potential present in Portland. Growing rapidly in popularity in the food service industry, Indian flavors are popping up everywhere from Ireland to Japan. If you’re looking to get in on the trend before it’s over-saturated, now is the perfect time to plan your expansion with a business venture into the flavour of India Portland.
Using food industry intelligence and research platforms, such as Brizo, can help you gain a better understanding of the area’s local foodservice market. Through data analysis, you’ll be able to identify winning opportunities, develop sales strategies, target local food events, find proper kitchen staff, and so much more.
But before you begin your research or move forward with any expansion plans, it’s important to pay attention to the following factors:
1. The Local Food Scene
The ever- evolving Indian food scene is largely driven by the local cuisine. Keeping an eye on the local scene, what events are taking place, the main Indian restaurants already in the city, and the community will help inform your decision and potential for success.
2. Your menu Goals & Objectives
Understand the type of cuisine you want to serve and cater to, and what the local Portland market is missing. In this way, you’ll create a competitive edge with unique and memorable flavors and signature dishes to distinguish your menu from the rest.
3. Local Restaurant Scene & Trends
Conduct a market analysis to better understand where the competition is located, what’s trending in the local food scene, who your customers are and why they come to Portland in the first place.
4. Research Restaurants Technology & Equipment
Setup data-led industry insights to identify best-in-class restaurant technology to ensure optimizing your kitchen and customer service.
5. Restaurant Design & Atmosphere
The look and feel of your restaurant is key. Concentrate on creating spatial designs that are in tune with the flavors and style of your cuisine, while also creating inviting spaces that customers can’t help but come back to often.
6. Selection of Wait Staff
From greeting and seating customers to order- taking and payment processing, the wait staff should be organized and friendly. Find friendly and culturally aligned faces to form a winning team.
7. Local Food Events
Besides your own location, you may want to join in with local foodie events or festivals that let you taste local flavors. It’s also a great way to spread the word about your own cuisine.
8. Designate Food Staff
Take the time to find the right kind of staff for every area of the restaurant. Experience the best in both backend and frontend operations with skilled, knowledgeable personnel.
9. Invest in Good Food Suppliers & distributors
Find quality, trusted suppliers and distributors who can provide you with quality ingredients without damaging your bottom line.
10. Introduce Authentic Indian Dishes
Put your own spin on traditional Indian flavors and dishes. You can tweak and create new recipes that cater to the local food trends and needs.
When looking to expand your franchise, counting on the booming Indian restaurant sector in Portland is a great decision. Analyzing and understanding local foods and trends, menu objectives, and restaurant technology can help you set your expansion plans into motion, while adding some of your own flavor, creativity, and distinctiveness will ensure your success.