Opening your own restaurant requires strategic planning and a dedicated team of individuals to help bring forth innovative ideas. Prospective owners should have a clear concept and work diligently to develop a comprehensive marketing plan. Successful restaurateur Sam Mustafa claims that before setting the gears in motion, it is helpful to gain valuable insight from some of the world’s most noteworthy restaurant owners. He takes the time to outline three books that should have a permanent place on your bookshelf:  

• Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain

The late great Anthony Bourdain’s aptly entitled tell-it-like-it-is book is as entertaining, insightful, provocative, and eye-opening as you would expect. Sam Mustafa claims that Bourdain does not try to downplay what life is like behind the scenes in the restaurant business. In some ways, this book functions as a test, after reading it, aspiring restaurateurs who still want to move ahead and open a restaurant should do so, knowing that they probably have the fortitude, resilience, and personality to make it work. However, those who find themselves wincing and cringing at the risks or sacrifices should take that as a sign that choosing a different career path is probably a wise idea.

• The Restaurant Manager’s Handbook: How to Set Up, Operate, and Manage a Financially Successful Food Service Operation by Douglas Robert Brown

Douglas Robert Brown’s book guides new restaurateurs through some of the key fundamentals of running a successful business, including how to control costs, choosing the right equipment, training employees, filing taxes, and more. The latest edition also includes some tips on leveraging social media to drive brand visibility and compete in crowded marketplaces. Sam Mustafa claims that one of the best things about the book is how well it is structured and organized. Focus on the sections that are relevant and come back to the rest later.”

• Restaurant Owners Uncorked by Will Brawley

Will Brawley is definitely in the same tribe as Anthony Bourdain when it comes to telling the truth.  This book features unvarnished interviews with legendary restaurateurs such as Scott Leibfried and Phil Roberts, who discuss some of their business triumphs, as well as a few disasters and regrets. Comments Sam Mustafa claims that despite some of the raw truths about the restaurant and hospitality industry that are contained in Brawley’s work, there is also a great deal of inspiration and encouragement here as well, along with practical advice and guidance.

Knowing Where to Start

The journey to owning and operating a successful business is both long and tiresome. However, a proactive means to gain insight is to learn from those who have dedicated their lives to the hospitality industry.  Have more questions about the restaurant world? Submit a contact form today.