Restaurant concept: buffet dinner vs. al a carte (order from menu)?

Question

i'm working towards opening an ethnic (east-indian) restaurant this summer. i'm planning to have a lunch buffet every afternoon but i need some opinions on whether it would be more of a "pull factor" to have an al a carte dinner over a buffet dinner. things to consider are "the lesser amount paid for an all-you-can eat buffet dinner vs. more $ paid for specific entrees" and "a noisy buffet ambiance vs. a more quiet al a carte ambiance". The restaurant will be set in a downtown loaction in the midst of office buildings, therefore it tends to quiet down during the evenings and weekends since most people are off work.

Answer 1

Well as former chef (20+ years in Hotels) and having frequented alot of the Indian buffets here in Toronto, you may have answered your own question with your location, daytime is going to be high volume so a buffet style place is most appropriate, but what you have to do is find out about the night time activity in that area.

True, buffets are bit more of a quick in and out operation, but would being an al a carte place in the evening draw those who were there for the lunch buffet, in the downtown area of most city's and towns I have found when I was a chef, the offices close and the workers go home, some will filter into your restaurant, but may be a bit disappointed with the change in the manner of service, plus with an al a carte place you will need additional staff, for the other a few pepole to clear tables at lunch and do resets.

Before you make your final decision talk to the local businesses and the other restaurants or service shops, Variety stores and other small businesses in a 3 block radius, they will give you the info you need to make the right choice.

Answer 2

If you think your business will be slow at night you have to look at the total cost of your buffet set up compared to having the staff to execute an a la carte service. Find out what your break even point is in number of buffet covers to cover your cost of setup, preparation, take down, etc... If you aren't doing that or better on most nights an a la carte menu will probably save you money if you control your staffing.