Shri Henkel - How to Open a Financially Successful Pizza & Sub Restaurant

Foreword

Many people dream of owning their own pizza and sub shop, but few actually make the leap into entrepreneurship. Starting a business, especially a restaurant, takes hard work, long hours, a willingness to sacrifice time with family and friends, and a passion to succeed. Even those entrepreneurs with the determination to succeed face daunting odds. Statistics show that between 90 and 95 percent of all new pizza shops fail in the first year with 90 percent failing in the second year; however, in the third year, the failure rate drops to an estimated 60 percent.

Opening a pizza shop requires much more than having a few out-of-this world recipes. All that needs to be done before ever serving a single customer from purchasing the proper equipment and keeping track of inventory to hiring the best employees and setting prices can be overwhelming, especially for first-time business owners.

During our 25 years in the industry, weve watched entrepreneurs come and go. One of the key ingredients to success is to understand exactly what must be done to build a successful pizza shop, and that takes time. First, you want to read as much as you can about the industry. Pizza Today , the premier industry magazine, offers potential and current pizza shop owners valuable information, including all the latest industry news. Read it. Youll find it a valuable asset both during your research phase, as you continue to build your business, and once your pizza shop becomes a fixture in the community.

Come to the International Pizza Expo in Las Vegas. Its held every March and offers nearly 12,000 pizza professionals under one roof for the sole purpose of helping folks in the industry become more successful. There are over 60 seminars available on topics that range from marketing to production and menu expansion to personnel management. Talk with other pizza shop owners to glean valuable advice from them ask them what mistakes they made when they were starting out and what, in particular, helped propel them to success. Dont be afraid to ask a lot of questions. Talking with other pizza shop owners also allows you to network, an important tool for any business owner.

Make sure you read How to Open a Financially Successful Pizza & Sub Restaurant thoroughly because it is more than just a typical how-to book. Rather, it is a comprehensive guide that teaches entrepreneurs, like you, everything theyll need to know to make an informed decision about going into business for themselves, tips to increase their chances of success in this competitive industry, and a host of appetizer, pizza, and dessert recipes. Included with the book is a companion CD, complete with detailed checklists, recipes, and all the information a new business owner needs to effectively get started in the industry.

The research stage of starting a business takes time, but it could very well mean the difference between failure and success, so make time for it. Once youre ready, youll move from research to beginning your business. It will undoubtedly be an exciting time, but remember to take heed of the mistakes youll make. You will make mistakes; all business owners do, but make those mistakes work for you. Use them as learning tools, instead of allowing them to get you down.

Late at night when youre exhausted from a day of preparing for your opening, remember the rewards that will come with your success. Youre embarking on a journey that many people, at best, only dream about. Enjoy it.

A fixture in the restaurant and publishing industries since 1979, Pete Lachapelle is currently President of Macfadden Protech LLC, a position he assumed in 2000. Responsible for the tradeshow division, Lachapelle manages the International Pizza Expo, Pizza Todays Northeast Pizza Show and the National Association of Pizzeria Operators (NAPO). Hes also the president and publisher of the industrys most-respected and well-read magazine, Pizza Today .

Introduction

The aroma. Isnt that the first thing that attracted you to pizza? We enjoy the wonderful combination of cheese, tomato sauce, garlic, oregano, and the toppings of our choice. Imagine owning your own pizza and sub shop. You can learn to spin pizza dough and watch the shining eyes of children as they enjoy the show. Subs are simple, and there are many varieties. What could be better than owning a pizza and sub shop?