Binding: Paperback Dewey Decimal Number: 647.95068 EAN: 9780793185672 ISBN: 079318567X Label: Kaplan Business Manufacturer: Kaplan Business Number Of Items: 1 Number Of Pages: 224 Publication Date: June 01, 2004 Publisher: Kaplan Business Release Date: June 01, 2004 Sales Rank: 408585 Studio: Kaplan Business
Product DescriptionSuccess stories abound, but the specter of failure hovers over the launch of any new eatery. Kep Sweeney, a veteran investment analyst for the industry as well as a chef and successful restaurateur, reveals how the most fatal stumbling blocks often occur at the pre-opening, or deal phase, when funding partnerships, and a clear concept are being developed and finalized. At this stage, however, many excited, overconfident dreamers want to charge ahead, believing everything will ''''work itself out.''''
The New Restaurant Entrepreneur is solely devoted to this first phase of restaurant start-up, revealing the perfect combination of art and business planning that makes a new restaurant sizzle, instead of fizzle. Sweeney offers practical, expert advice to readers whose knowledge of business development may not be quite as far-reaching as their vision, drive, and imagination. Even veteran restaurateurs will find this guide a helpful reminder of where to focus their energies. Readers will learn to:
Ask-and honestly answer-key questions that will successfully develop the concept.
Toss out the notion that cuisine alone can differentiate the restaurant.
Predetermine the evolution of a customer's experience, from first-timer to regular.
Form a crackerjack team based on a savvy selection of managers and waitstaff that complements the owner's strengths and weaknesses.
Look for financial partners with similar financial and personal goals-and learn to avoid the ''''tire kickers.''''
In 14 years working in the industry, Sweeney has seen dozens of mistakes, some made by the largest restaurant chains. He's also witnessed-and had a hand in-some spectacular successes, including Dylan Prime, Morton's, and Damon's.
What Others Say
Great Case Studies
As an MBA looking to start a foodservice business, The New Restaurant Entrepreneur: An Inside Look at Restaurant Deal-Making and Other Tales from the Culinary Trenches has been invaluable. Sweeney clearly links good business practices with the specific needs of the industry, and provides entertaining stories that really teach along the way. A great book for anyone with a business background, but also easy-to-read and digestible, so it should be accessable to anyone.
Fresh and original
There are a lot of 'how to open a restaurant' books around, most of them rehashing the same material. This one is fresh and different, based on the author's experience and dedicated to ensuring the investor sees a return on their money. Easy to read and relevant for most entrepreneurs.
"The Art Of The Deal" restaurant style
This is "The Art Of The Deal" restaurant style. The book is a must read for anyone considering opening a restaurant, and for those already in the biz. The real world battle scar stories that Sweeney shares are just the kind of guidance needed. While the focus as stories are obviously restaurant specific, amazingly, almost all of them are transferable to any business. This guy has actually "been there and done that" and it shows. A great read!
