I recently met with a new restaurateur coming up on his first anniversary. He told me things had gone well, but I got the impression that they hadn\u2019t gone as well as he had hoped. <\/p>\n
We ran the gamut, talking everything from marketing to menu pricing. I shifted gears and asked about his family. New to this country, he spoke in glowing terms about his wife and children, and the opportunities Canada has afforded him. After all, he is the proud owner of a restaurant.<\/p>\n
Then I saw his shoulders droop and his eyes drift to the floor. He mentions his only regret is that he never gets the chance to be with them.<\/p>\n
This man has had only four days away from work in his first year. He is convinced, however, that things will get better and he will see more of his family.<\/p>\n
Then he utters the most startling thing I have heard.<\/p>\n
He can\u2019t wait to open a second location and already has real estate people scouting sites!<\/p>\n
I honestly gasped at the idea and decided it was time for a heart-to-heart. Not only with him, but with all of you considering expanding.<\/p>\n
I realize the allure of multiple locations\u2014if you made a certain amount of money with one spot, then you can double or triple it with one or two more locations, right? Not so fast.<\/p>\n
While it is possible to run more than one successful restaurant, if you want to maintain any sort of work-life balance (and trust me, you do) you need three key things in place before seriously considering the idea.<\/p>\n
Because you can\u2019t be everywhere at once, you shouldn\u2019t branch out until you can find someone to help shoulder the day-to-day. Whether they\u2019re a partner in the true business sense, a general manager or a different role is up to you. Whoever it is, they need to have the same level of passion and commitment to your business that you have. After all, those qualities can\u2019t be taught and such responsibility shouldn\u2019t be given to a person who is not fully vested in your business. <\/p>\n
Some operators look to a family member or friend to take on the position, but be aware that nothing can ruin a relationship faster than business.<\/p>\n
When you find the right person, gradually let go of the reins and allow them to make mistakes and learn, just as you did. Focus on achieving positive results rather than the steps they take to get said results. While your way may work for you, remember that it likely isn\u2019t the only way.<\/p>\n
Look at any good chain restaurant and you will find that this is an area they excel at. <\/p>\n
Do you have an employee manual that clearly outlines the vision of your company?
\nIt should contain policies and procedures outlining standards of consistency that are rigorously maintained. This will help uphold service and food quality when you can\u2019t be there, overseeing things.<\/p>\n