Your Competition

Here are some questions to keep in mind when shopping the competition:

•What is their unique selling proposition, or USP?

•Which restaurants serve the same or similar menu items as yours at similar prices?

•Do your competitors have a full bar, service bar, or no bar at all? •Are competing restaurants formal or casual?

•What do customers like or dislike about the competition’s food and ambience? •What are your competitors’ food and service reputations? •How close are competing restaurants to your potential location?

•Are competing establishments easy to find and get to? If applicable, is there enough parking?

What are atmospheres and décors like at competing restaurants? •Is the competition offering fair value for their price?

•What are the occupancy levels of waiting areas and parking lots at competing establishments during the hours you intend to be open?

•Do your competitors offer delivery or takeout?

From: Roger Fields. “Restaurant Success by the Numbers”