What You Need to Know Before Starting a Foodservice Business

Starting a food business is more than just serving delicious meals; you must have a basic understanding of the food industry, including food safety and handling regulations.

The success of your food business will depend on the type of business you start, whether you plan on starting an upscale café, a vegetarian food truck, a home-based food business, or a bustling restaurant. In addition, creating a well-informed business plan and developing your marketing strategy is dependent on insightful market research. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps: conducting thorough market research to identify your future customers, choosing the right location, and, finally, making your dream a reality.

You’ll also learn how a market intelligence platform like Brizo FoodMetrics can help you make informed decisions every step of the way.

Key Things to Know Before Starting a Foodservice Business

Opening a food business is always exciting but filled with strategic planning and data-driven decision-making. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to know.

Conduct Comprehensive Market Research

Before you even think about menus, staffing,  or locations, you need to understand how the food industry works. Start with a detailed business plan that covers:

• Identifying Your Target Audience: Who are they? What do they crave? Knowing your target audience is important because it will help you determine the type of food business you should start and the type of atmosphere you should be creating. It will also help you understand the type of marketing you will need in order to successfully reach them.
• Analyzing Competitors: What is your competition offering, and how can you do it differently or better? Want a comprehensive market landscape view so you can stay ahead of your competitors? Use Brizo FoodMetrics.
• Market Trends: Are health foods on the rise, or is there a craving for a modern twist on classic comfort food? Effective sales prospecting and marketing require a solid understanding of the market. With insights into menu preferences and tech trends, you can fine-tune your outreach, ensuring your message resonates with the right audience.

Questions to ask yourself:

• Who is my ideal customer?
• What gap in the market can my foodservice business fill?
• How can I develop my products to reflect current trends and customer preferences?
• What technology can I integrate to streamline operations and enhance the customer experience?

Remember, outdated information can lead to missed opportunities. Utilizing a market intelligence tool like Brizo FoodMetrics can provide you with a comprehensive food industry database to answer these questions with precision.

Identify Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

With a clear understanding of your market, it’s time to refine your USP.

• What Makes You Stand Out?: Is it your supply chain efficiency, innovative tech solutions, or unique product offerings? For a tech company, it could be a revolutionary ordering system that minimizes wait times.

• Service Style: Are you thinking of a quick-service food truck, catering services, or a sit-down restaurant? The answer will affect the types of food you will serve, the size of your space, the type of staff you will need, and the cost of your startup. It will also influence the type of equipment you will need, such as kitchen equipment, packaging materials, and transportation vehicles.
• Planning: Based on your market research, what menu items will delight your target audience? For instance, If you’re targeting health-conscious consumers, consider offering organic or plant-based options. Additionally, consider the cost of ingredients and equipment and any potential food safety regulations.

Questions to ask yourself:

• How does my service style align with my target market’s needs?
• What unique dishes or services can I offer to stand out?

Assess Your Supply Chain

• Reliable Suppliers: How will you ensure a consistent supply of high-quality ingredients? 
• Sustainability: Are there eco-friendly practices you can implement? For example, you can partner with local farmers to reduce your carbon footprint.

Leverage Technology

• Innovate Your Operations: How can technology streamline your operations and enhance the customer experience? For instance, implement an inventory management system to reduce waste and increase efficiency.
• Explore a Market Intelligence Tool: Use Brizo FoodMetrics to analyze the entire foodservice market and understand the latest industry trends, consumer preferences, and restaurant technology usage.  

Plan Your Marketing Strategy

Making a mark in the food industry requires more than just good food; it’s about building a brand. This involves:

• Brand Identity: Creating a memorable name, logo, and design that reflects your concept.
• Brand Story: What’s your story, and how will you tell it? For example, if you’re starting a sustainable food business, you’ll want to focus on telling the story of how your food products are ethically sourced and responsibly produced. Make sure to emphasize the benefits of sustainable practices and how your brand supports sustainability.
• Digital Presence: Establishing an online presence through a website, social media, and food delivery platforms. Conduct surveys and taste tests to refine your menu or product line.
• Local Engagement: Connecting with your community through events, promotions, and local partnerships.

Questions to ask yourself:

• How will I differentiate my brand in the crowded foodservice market?
• What marketing strategies will be most effective in reaching my target audience?

Location and Logistics

Choosing the right location is crucial and involves more than just finding a busy street. Consider:

• Demographics: Does the local population match your target audience? For a new restaurant or food business, choosing a location in an area densely populated with potential customers—such as a city center or a neighborhood lacking your cuisine type—can help increase sales.Visibility and Accessibility: Can potential customers easily find and access your business? Ensure that your business is listed on relevant directories and websites and that it is easily accessible from well-known search engines. Additionally, it is important to create an attractive and user-friendly website that is easy for customers to navigate and contains all the relevant information they need.
• Compliance and Regulations: What are the local health and safety regulations you need to comply with? Do you need a food business license?  Foodservice business regulations vary by region, so it is important to research the regulations in your area. For example, in the USA, food safety is regulated by the FDA, which requires foodservice businesses to have certain procedures in place to prevent contamination and ensure the safety of food served. Businesses must also have proper refrigeration and storage systems in place to keep food safe. Lastly, foodservice businesses must adhere to strict sanitation practices to ensure cleanliness.

Questions to ask yourself:

• Is this physical location accessible to my target demographic?
• What logistical challenges might I face here?

Financial Planning and Projections

A solid financial plan is the backbone of any successful foodservice business. Key considerations include:

• Startup Costs: From research and development to kitchen equipment and initial inventory. Operating Costs: These include food, labor, taxes, and rent. 
• Marketing Costs: Advertising, promotions, and other forms of marketing to help drive sales and reach new customers.
• Ongoing Expenses: Rent, utilities, salaries, and more. For example, a restaurant must purchase kitchen equipment, such as stoves, ovens, and refrigerators, and pay for utilities, such as water, gas, and electricity, in order to operate.
• Funding Sources: Are you bootstrapping, seeking loans, or looking for investors?
• Revenue Generation: How much revenue is needed to make the venture profitable? For example, if you need to raise $50,000 to start a business, you would need to generate at least $50,000 in revenue to cover your costs and be profitable.

Questions to ask yourself:

• How much capital do I need to start and sustain my business until it becomes profitable?
• What are my financial projections for the first year?

By addressing these key areas directly, you’re laying the foundation for a successful, long-term foodservice business.

Conclusion

Starting a foodservice business requires more than a passion for food; it demands a comprehensive understanding of the industry, from food safety to market trends. You have to be able to prepare and cook food efficiently, manage staff, and handle administrative tasks. You also need to be able to source ingredients, create menus, and manage finances.

If you need detailed market insights to improve your strategy and business plan, try Brizo FoodMetrics. Sign up for a free trial today.