I wondered if customers would embrace the concept as much as I had hoped. But as the first orders came through, I felt a wave of excitement and pride. It was a moment of validation, knowing that all the hard work, time, and energy had paid off.
Opening a new business can indeed present unexpected challenges in the first few weeks. Here are some I encountered:
Supply chain issues
Timing of receiving equipment caused minor delays. We ended up purchasing missing equipment from other companies, resulting in opening two days later than anticipated.
Staffing challenges
Finding reliable and skilled staff can be challenging. Initially, I overstaffed, not knowing business levels. After two weeks and seeing a trend, I made necessary schedule adjustments, giving the stronger staff more hours while reducing hours for or letting go of others.
Building a customer base
Establishing a customer base in a new location takes time. Not being a brick-and-mortar location presents its own challenges with visibility. However, continued social media engagement, customer interaction, hosting our grand opening, and promoting our brand to local businesses will help with awareness.
Financial management
Balancing initial expenses with revenue is crucial. Creating a detailed budget and monitoring cash flow closely can help you stay on track financially.
Hiring and team building
Hiring has gone well for the most part. I found most of the staff through Indeed, an online job search platform. Finding ‘winners’ is the goal, and it’s not easy, but when you do, don’t lose them. Do whatever you have to do to keep them! Staff who haven’t found their groove or aren’t up to speed are given fewer hours or let go. Weak links will pull your team down. If you can, hire slow and fire fast!
In the first two weeks, several critical lessons were learned:
Customer feedback is vital
Listening to and acting upon feedback promptly is very important. It helps refine menu offerings, improve service quality, and adjust operations to better meet customer expectations.
Operational efficiency matters
Efficient workflow and operational processes are essential for handling peak hours and ensuring smooth service.
Team cohesion
Building a cohesive and motivated team is key. Clear communication, proper training, and fostering a positive work environment contribute to team morale and operational success.
Flexibility and adaptability
Being adaptable to unexpected challenges, such as supply chain disruptions or fluctuating customer traffic, is vital. It involves adjusting schedules, managing inventory effectively, and making quick decisions to maintain quality and service standards.
Opening any business is a big commitment. Personally, it’s a grind on the body and the family. Knowing this information before entering such an endeavor should be discussed with all involved. It’s important to set a good foundation early on and establish proper work ethic and systems for the team to follow. Short-term pain for long-term gain! The most rewarding aspects are a sense of achievement, personal growth, being an entrepreneur, and eventually the lifestyle!
Looking ahead, the next few weeks will focus on growth, improvement, and solidifying the restaurant’s position in the market. We’ll aim to attract more customers through targeted marketing campaigns, promotions, and community engagement by providing taco boxes to local businesses. Utilizing social media platforms, local advertising, and possibly collaborating with influencers or local businesses will expand visibility. We’ll also optimize operations by streamlining processes further to improve efficiency. Evaluating staff scheduling, kitchen layout, and inventory management will ensure smooth operations during peak hours. By setting clear goals and implementing actionable strategies, we will continue to grow, improve, and establish a strong presence in the market.
