It takes enormous effort to launch a restaurant. In a market where everyone wants to open a restaurant, there are a few things that restaurateurs must consider before starting the business, including cuisine, ambiance, quality, services, and location. The one who set up restaurants may maintain an advantage in the market by picking a popular location. You would have access to active customers in an active area. However, not everyone fits in everywhere. Likewise, not every location is suitable for a restaurant. Contrary to what some may believe, it is extremely difficult. You could achieve greatness there or it could be a vain attempt.

Even though you might be eager to launch your brand, it’s crucial that you don’t sign a lease for the first available restaurant space. Instead, you must carefully assess potential locations to ensure they satisfy your needs. Therefore, the first step is to make a list of everything you’ll need in order to successfully run your restaurant.

Undoubtedly, you won’t check every box. It is best to make a list of your priorities and look for a location that satisfies the most important ones rather than searching for the perfect location. You should keep the following tips in mind as you inspect each potential area. 

Market analysis

You must conduct market research and industry analysis on the area where you want to open your restaurant before choosing a site for it. The area where you plan to open a restaurant needs to be thoroughly examined, from the existing competition to the target market. Restaurant consultancy services can help you with this.

You must also conduct a demographic survey to understand and identify the potential customer base and their eating preferences. For instance, a high-end restaurant with excellent food that is primarily frequented by students and young people is unlikely to succeed.

It’s a good idea to find out who your local competitors are already; if they are succeeding, it suggests that the area has a strong customer base. The only thing left to figure out would be how to attract customers to your restaurant. 

Review your competition

Consider the services and food as well as prices provided by the competing brands in the area before deciding on the restaurant’s location. You should also find out about nearby eateries that provide comparable services. You can analyze the weaknesses and strengths of your competitors through market research. Additionally, it aids in your comprehension of their weaknesses so you can avoid them in your restaurant. After thorough research, devise original tactics to stand out and draw in more clients. 

Accessibility of resources

The flow of goods is a crucial component of running a successful business. We are all aware that a restaurant’s smooth operation depends on a steady supply of fresh goods like food, meat, water, and other supplies. It is best if the area where your restaurant is located still has all of these entities. Ensure that your staff/employees can easily access the location of your restaurant. The best place to hire staff is in the same or close-by area where your business is located, or assist them with accommodation near the restaurant, or transportation to the restaurant. 

Budget of your restaurant

One of the most important considerations when choosing a restaurant’s location is its budget. Make sure you secure the ideal location, the ideal space, and the best price for your restaurant. Also, don’t compromise on quality and location just because a restaurant space is offered for a lower price. A good restaurant space in a popular area can be purchased for a fair price, as opposed to a subpar one in an undesirable area.

Parking and access

A crucial factor in choosing a restaurant location that must not be overlooked is easy access to the establishment and the surrounding parking area. Customers are more likely to choose a different restaurant to dine at if they can’t get to the restaurant quickly. Parking is another important aspect of the location. Customers would choose another restaurant where they can park easily if yours did not have a designated parking area.

Target your audience

If your concept is ready, you must be aware of your target market. Once you’ve decided whom you’re going to serve (ex-pats, locals, students, or on basis of salary breakdown), keep an eye on the demographics, and select the best location that attracts the targeted audience.

Space is important

Criteria for size must be met by the space rent or purchase. If the restaurant has 80 seats, the kitchen needs to have a minimum of 480 square feet because each restaurant seat requires around six square feet of kitchen area. Larger areas prevent more trips, slips, and falls, which lowers workplace accidents. One should think about how much space is really required for sustaining the restaurant’s needs.

The spotlight must be on you

The two most crucial elements for remaining top-of-mind are visibility and accessibility. This is one of the most important aspects of restaurant marketing. Use street signs to draw guests if the business isn’t easily seen. Use a chalkboard to list current deals and promotions to draw customers in. Spend some time creating ADA-compliant ramps so that your restaurant is accessible to all customers, including those with impairments.

Everyone believes that a busy street is an ideal location for a restaurant, but that is only the case at times. The majority of commuters who use the route may not see restaurants if traffic is too high and if there are too many commuters on it.

An effective method is to make multiple trips to the area, both during the week and on the weekends, and at various hours of the day and night. By doing so, one will be able to estimate the volume of traffic and customers you might anticipate.

When you decide to open a restaurant in UAE, always remember that location is one of the most crucial elements that will affect your success. As you go through the selection process, examine the aforementioned factors. In order for your restaurant to run well, the structure you choose should not only be in a prominent place but also be practical and useful.