5 tips for aspiring restaurateurs

Successfully open your own restaurant business

StockSnap/Pixabay

8. August 2023 |

Alexandra Gorsche

8. August 2023

Alexandra Gorsche

Opening your own restaurant is a big dream for many people. However, it requires thorough planning and implementation in order to be successful in the industry. We reveal five tips for aspiring restaurateurs to pave the way for the successful opening of a restaurant business. From market analysis and location selection to customer loyalty.

1. market analysis and target group identification:

Before embarking on restaurant business planning, a thorough market analysis is of great importance. What are the current trends, the preferences of potential customers and the competitive situation in the chosen region? A comprehensive market analysis helps to identify the target group and tailor the offer to their needs.

2. location selection and concept development:

Choosing the right location is a decisive factor for the success of the restaurant business. Factors such as footfall, accessibility, parking facilities and proximity to the desired target group can be decisive or at least helpful. A well-chosen location can have a significant impact on sales. Simply be different and unique! Make sure you stand out from the competition. A clear positioning and an individual gastronomic concept can help you to differentiate yourself in a highly competitive market.

3. financial planning and resource management:

Sound financial planning is essential to ensure the financial stability of your catering business. Nowadays, nothing works without a detailed business plan! All costs need to be taken into account: including rental costs, staff, food, equipment and marketing. Unforeseen expenses are always lurking. A sufficient capital reserve is important to avoid financial bottlenecks. Statistics show that the start-up rate for accommodation and catering businesses in 2021 is 4.4%, while the closure rate is 5.8%. A solid financial basis is therefore crucial for long-term success.

4. team composition and training:

The right team is the key to success in the restaurant business. Qualified staff is advisable. But even more so is a team that shares the same passion and enthusiasm for the industry. Investing in training and further education to continuously improve the skills and expertise of the team should definitely be taken into account. A well-trained team can have a positive impact on the customer experience and help create a pleasant atmosphere.

5. Customer retention and marketing:

Customer acquisition and retention are essential to the success of the restaurant business. Marketing channels such as social media, an informative website and targeted advertising campaigns to reach the target audience are essential these days. What do guests expect? A unique experience, excellent service, great food - because only then will guests become fans and regular customers. Studies show that an extremely satisfied customer can generate up to 14 times more revenue than a dissatisfied one. Feedback systems can help to collect customer opinions and continuously work on improving the offer.

From market analysis and location selection to customer retention, thorough preparation and consideration of these tips will help maximize the chances of long-term success in the restaurant industry.

A la table, s'il vous plaît! A la table, s'il vous plaît! A la table, s'il vous plaît! A la table, s'il vous plaît!

When luxury shows attitude: Pierre Marcolini

How the Belgian chocolatier is turning craftsmanship into a blueprint for a fairer economy

On October 22, 2025, Belgian master pâtissier and chocolatier Pierre Marcolini took to the stage at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in Geneva—not as a representative of a corporation, but as the voice of artisans, creatives, and small businesses. His opening speech at the “Changemakers for Sustainable Trade” dialogue became a highlight of the conference – a passionate appeal for a more humane, transparent, and value-based economy.

future trends

Parsley is Austria's queen of the kitchen

And chili is the rising star on the spice rack

On World Spice Day on October 24, the new Kotányi Spice Report 2025 reveals what Austria’s amateur chefs really swear by: parsley remains the country’s undisputed favorite herb, closely followed by chives. At the same time, turmeric, chili, and curry blends are conquering kitchens—making it clear that in 2025, seasoning is more than just routine: it is an expression of creativity, sustainability, and the joy of indulgence.

food & beverage

Light. Fresh. Serious.

Why “light wines” really make sense

Light wines are not just a summer fad. They are a response to mindful drinking, all-day dining, office lunches, after-work and fine casual concepts – especially from September onwards, when kitchens switch to forest, mushrooms, pumpkin and roots and guests want to enjoy their food more consciously.

Genusspunkt shows how “light” works without losing depth, which service rules ensure sales – and how three specific wines can immediately create curated experiences on the wine list.