How to open a Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurants do not open as often as inexpensive coffee houses or beer bars. However, they remain popular and quite profitable, provided that everything is organized correctly. Where to start for those who decided to join the ranks of the owners of Japanese restaurants?

Instruction manual

1

Consider the format of the future institution. If most of the Japanese restaurants in your city are concentrated in one segment, you might want to come up with something new. For example, open Japanese fast food. Or a restaurant with teppan, which can become a city attraction. Or combine concepts by opening, for example, a Russian-Japanese restaurant, combining two colorful menus in one institution. The chosen concept determines everything else - the choice of location, interior, menu, staff, pricing.

2

Find a place for your restaurant. Perhaps the room will make some adjustments to the concept of your institution. For example, a restaurant with a check above the average should not be opened in a business center. But the format of a cafe or other inexpensive institution will be quite appropriate. In the basement, it’s more logical to open a highlighted modern restaurant with a hi-tech interior, and a traditional institution, decorated in a classic style, requires placement on the ground floor.

3

Evaluate your financial capabilities. It is possible that you will need a partner. You can think about acquiring a franchise, then the potential franchisor will take care of interior and menu issues, freeing you from unnecessary worries. There are several franchises of Japanese institutions of different formats on the market, perhaps one of the options will suit you.

4

If you decide to act on your own, contact the agency where they will help you come up with a name, logo, slogan. Regarding the design of the room, you should contact the designer. It is not necessary to look for the best designer in the city. The price of his services will be high, in addition, each master has his own handwriting, and sometimes his favorite materials. You do not want to see in your institution the same lamps and upholstery that in the neighboring cafes? Try turning to beginners. Their coordinates can be found at industry exhibitions. Beginners who need a portfolio rate their services lower, and there are many talents among them. Who knows, maybe your restaurant will be the first project of the future best designer of the city?

5

The main point is the selection of personnel. Think about who will set your kitchen. You may need a guest chef who will create a menu and train your cooks for several months.

6

Conclude agreements with suppliers. In each region, there are companies capable of offering the entire necessary assortment for the manufacture of Japanese cuisine. The ideal option is cooperation with two or three companies. Consider how your menu or wine list may differ; look at the price lists of suppliers. Perhaps a sake collection will be presented at your restaurant? Or will you serve a range of chilled tuna dishes? Properly selected products will help you to profitably rebuild from competitors.

7

Think about the promotion of the future restaurant. In addition to classic flyers, advertising articles and TV spots, non-standard ways are also possible. For example, search the internet for blogs from local restaurant enthusiasts. Collaboration with bloggers is a quick and original way to convey information to the audience.

Useful advice

The fastest-paying option for Japanese establishments is a sushi delivery service. If you want to deal with Japanese cuisine, but don’t have enough funds to open a stationary institution, consider this option. It does not require large investments and staff costs, there is no need to obtain an alcohol license and rent large areas.