What are the first requirment to open a buffet restaurant?

Question

Hi,

I'm living in Toronto, Canada and about to open a Persian(Iranian)Buffet Restaurant in midtown Toronto.

I'd like to know:

1) where can I get some demographic information about the location?

2) Should I have a large menu?

3) Should I serve free drink(tea, coke)?

4) What are the best openning and closing hours?

5) What should be the estimated budget to start with?

6) Should I have TakeOut section addition to my Buffet as well or just focous on Buffet? What about catering

7) Is $ 10 Entrance a reasonable price?

I appreciate your detailed answers.

Thanks

Answer 1

well my mom is a Chef for a living and she dose things like this and from what i remember you should first always keep the place where the food is clean and make sure it stays warm. take out box's are good for ordering and if them came and filled it then took it home. you should have a place for salads, fruit and vegs then get to the main meals have a good selection

Answer 2

I work at a buffet restaurant in Tx. We seem to be doing great business wise.

1) we are located off of a main interstate and main thoroughfare.

this makes it easy access for hungry travelers and busses.

2)we have over 100 items on the menu daily

3)Drinks are extra but we offer unlimited refills

4) & 7)We open @ 11 for the lunch crowd but the price increases after 4 for the dinner menu where steaks and other meats are available

5) I am clueless on the budget...sorry

6) we offer takeout @ a price per pound

Good Luck, hope this was helpful