After a few years, or even decades of success, it may occur to you that it is time to expand your restaurant business.  Small businesses that become immensely popular can sometimes lack the bandwidth to handle their potential customer base.  There also may be untapped markets that fit the niche of your restaurant.  In any case, there are several routes a restaurant owner can take to expand their business.

Second Location

“If you constantly have lines out the door or see the opportunity for expansion to a new market, it might be time to open a second restaurant location.” - GrubHub

If you’re already operating a highly successful restaurant, it makes sense to explore the option of opening a second location.  As with any large investment you’ll want to weigh the pros and cons and take an in depth look at your finances before making a decision.  A second location can help to expand your customer base and awareness of your business.

Food Truck

“If you have the money to expand and it would take your business to the next level, then why wouldn’t you? And remember, you don’t have to drop a massive amount of dough to open up another sit-down restaurant. You could always expand by starting up a food truck, which is typically a much cheaper route.” – Custom Concessions USA

Food trucks are generally less expensive than opening a second physical location and offer the opportunity to expand into several new areas.  They can also serve as a rolling billboard for your current establishment.  You’ll want to take a deep look into equipment and staffing costs as well as creating an abbreviated menu.  Efficiency is key when it comes to food trucks.

Delivery

“Delivery orders will also fill in the times between rushes, as delivery expands availability to a larger potential customer base who either can't or don't want to leave their home or workplace.” – GWT 2 Energy

Delivery has become big business for small restaurant and can take your revenue to new heights.  This can help you to be profitable during off peak hours and cater to individuals who don’t have the time or desire to eat out.  Delivery service is one of the easiest ways to increase business at your restaurant and requires a relatively smaller amount of infrastructure to pull off.

Catering

“Moving into the catering business enables your restaurant to capture a new, unique revenue stream.  Along with revenue, stepping into the catering service realm provides greater exposure to your core restaurant brand.  One of the understated benefits to restaurant catering is its impact on a restaurant’s bulk food orders. To accommodate catering needs, restaurants increase food order quantities, which can often result in receiving goods at a discounted rate.” - Groupon

As stated above, catering can add many benefits to your restaurant beyond an increase in revenue.  There are several steps needed to begin adding this service such as staffing, equipment purchases, menu creation and the development of themes.  Catering can significantly impact your food costs as bulk orders will help you save across the board.

Breakfast

“Breakfast can be a high profit way to draw in diners and increase your restaurant’s overall income. But it should only be offered if it is truly an appropriate fit for your restaurant.” – Chef Works

If done correctly, breakfast can be an extremely profitable venture.  Before offering a breakfast menu you’ll want to ensure you’ll have the customer base to support it.  Begin by advertising on social media and within your restaurant.  Offering samples to current customers will help you develop your menu and encourage them to come in early.

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