How Restaurant Space Landlords Can Be Successful

by

30 December 2020

Start Ups

Restaurant Space

If you have a rental company and specialize in restaurant space, you should know there are certain pitfalls you’ll want to avoid. You can also take specific steps to ensure you have the best success opportunity. There is an art to setting up a rental space and coming up with a contract that your tenant will love.

We’ll take a few moments to break down your best moves if you want to get tenants for each of your properties that will stay with you year after year.

Figure Out Which Restaurants Tenants Stay with You Longest

The first rule of restaurant property development is to figure out what works in a particular locale. For instance, you’ll want to think about:

  • What other cuisines have worked in your city
  • Whether there will be any call for that food type in the space you have available

This step will require research. Look at your neighborhood and see which cuisines and restaurant types have found prior success. If what the tenant is proposing to you sounds like too much of a departure from what has worked previously, you might give the space to a more promising candidate.

Offer a Lower Rate for the First 3-5 Years

When a restaurant first starts out will be the most challenging time for them. That’s because:

  • No one knows about them yet
  • They might not have the money for an aggressive marketing campaign

You should keep this in mind when you talk to a potential candidate. You might offer them a multiple-year contract, but you can tell them you’ll keep the rate lower for the first 3-5 years.

After that, if they catch on, they should have no problem paying more. After five years, a restaurant will either be a neighborhood fixture, or it will fold, and the owner will try their luck elsewhere.

Consider Whether the Property is Liquor License-Ready

Most restaurants want to serve alcohol because if people order it, it drives up their bills. Dining establishments can also mark up alcohol prices considerably, and people seldom have any problem paying for it.

However, getting a liquor license can sometimes be tricky. If you know for a fact that you have a rental property that is liquor license-ready, that will appeal to many potential restaurant candidates. They will be fighting with each other to get that space if they know there’s a license waiting for them.

Look into Laundry and Other Nearby Services

A restaurant owner or operator will also probably look favorably on a space that has additional amenities nearby or onsite. For instance, if laundry services are in the same building or right next door, they can wash their employee uniforms there.

The owner or operator might also look for things like on-site employee parking. They might look for public transportation that drops their employees off right in front of the property. They may like it if the space is right by an expressway for their employees who drive to work.

At the same time, if there are diverse properties nearby, that will work in their favor. For instance, if there are office buildings or similar establishments across the street, the workers will probably come over frequently for meals.

Provide Restaurant Exclusivity

You might also have a restaurant space that’s part of a larger property. If so, you’ll know your restaurant tenant will have to share the space with other entities.

They should have no problems with that, except if you let other restaurants move in. It’s not helpful if they have to compete with other food-preparing establishments in the same building.

You can promise them exclusivity. You can agree in writing that as long as they are in that space, you will not allow any other restaurants to move in. That should make the owner happy.

Consider Lease Flexibility Options

You can also make the tough financial market into account. With the pandemic wreaking havoc on the restaurant industry over the past year, you might have some potential tenants who are leery about moving in and committing to a multiple-year lease.

You can put language in the contract stipulating that you will not evict them if they can’t pay the rent for one month, or even two, provided they pay within a designated period after that. You can’t let it go forever, but a restaurant owner will like to know that if their sales tank for a few weeks, you will not immediately change the locks on them.

Read Also: 

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

View all posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related

Hacking Ideas

7 Growth Hacking Ideas that will Boost your Startup

Everyone is always looking for new and fresh ideas in business to develop solutions for problems or to address a market need. Ideas that have never been thought possible before are the seeds that plant startup companies. Startups are usually small and financed by one or a handful of individuals. The risks are high but when startups succeed, they succeed exponentially and some ultimately become unicorns. Some unicorns you may be familiar with which are valued at over $1 billion dollars are Uber, Xiaomi, and Airbnb.  Today’s business landscape is encouraging enterprising people to establish their own startups since communications and technology are advanced enough for people to bring their ideas not only locally but worldwide. To grow your startup quickly and gain millions of customers to increase sales and revenue you should follow some startup growth hacking ideas. 1. Offer something for free: When you offer something for free, demand for it quickly increases. It is a proven human instinct that people will snatch up anything that’s on discount more so anything that is free. When people take the free products and services you advertise and introduce it to a wider audience, you set the stage for your products and services to be part of people’s lives and sooner they develop a familiarity with it or even a dependence on it. The effects of offering something for free is very powerful and has an instant effect on your business: you build your user base much more quickly and speed up customer acquisition.  You can actually build revenue when you offer something for free by offering upgrades to products and services at a cost. 2. Increase funds to expand your business: If you believe in your products enough, you can get like-minded people to invest in it through crowdfunding. Crowdfunding helps you interact with people who already have similar ideas and it gives you better knowledge if your products and services will generate interest. Crowdfunding sites such as Kickstarter have raised $220 million dollars from 61,000 launched products. Prepare to make a video pitch of your product, what makes it valuable or useful, and why you need support. You can go the traditional route and apply for a loan in a bank or a choose fast and convenient online cash advance. For a startup you may qualify for a small business loan, however, you may need to meet some financial requirements to qualify depending on your bank or lender. Typically, they will look into your credit score, annual business revenue, and the number of years you have been in business. 3. Work hard: If you believe in your vision you must work hard to make your startup a success. You have to commit and regularly review your business plans and be constantly diligent and passionate about your business. Do your research to refine your products and services to make it more competitive. Take care of your colleagues and employees since they will have a large role in your success. 4. Feedback matters: Feedback matters in a startup to create a culture of openness and awareness. Feedback helps your team or employees know what behaviors to change so they will always be in their topnotch performance. Concurrent with that, feedback from your customers is gold. Knowing how your market reacts to your products and services gives you leverage in adjusting, modifying or continuing with the products and services you have already established. 5. Leverage the distribution channels: Consider the different distribution channels you want to use and make sure to devise a strategy to maximize profits in that channel. Do not confine yourself to one distribution channel because it may impede growth and scalability. Go for multiple channels to increase the possibility of getting more sales. Do not allow one channel to grow out of control at the same time do not restrict it since this will reduce market access. You should follow the best strategy that will work for your company in each channel. 6. Launch a program to reward loyal customers: You can give gifts to your loyal customers such as pens and giveaways that have your company’s logo on it or you can give away some of your services and products for free at a given time of the year such as holidays.  Regularly giving gifts to your customers will increase brand awareness and loyalty. Your customers can give you leads, giving you more reach and visibility. 7. Marketing: Marketing can help boost your startup immensely. One viable way to start your marketing campaign is referrals through friends, family, and influencers since they convert leads much faster. You can also opt for partnering with a bigger brand for projects where you can mutually benefit. Read Also: Useful Marketing Tips For Startups What Entrepreneurs With Bad Credit Need To Know Before Applying For A Loan?

READ MOREDetails
Starting a Business in Michigan

6 Steps to Starting a Business in Michigan

You’re finally ready to take that plunge, and the great state of Michigan is an ideal place to open a new business. Whether you’re setting up a shop in a quaint small town like Frankenmuth or a thriving metropolis like Detroit, you should take some critical steps to give your business the best chance of success. Every business is different, and no business owner will have the same path to opening day. However, there are a few critical steps that every new enterprise must take to cover their bases and protect their investment, including: 1. Finalize a Concept:  Before you invest in opening a business, you need to know your concept, goal, and customer base. This includes how you’ll market yourself, how you’ll distribute your product and provide your services, and how you plan to grow and build on your success. Before you open your doors, know your industry and your place in the market and address all important considerations to ensure you don’t have to course-correct. Having a solid business plan can save you a lot of money, especially when developing your branding and dealing with third parties to design your logos and advertising. 2. Register Your Business: Before you can legally open your doors, you need everything to be in order with the government—both federally and locally. You must pay taxes, so make sure to get online IRS EIN Tax ID. You must pay taxes, so make sure you file with the IRS for a Federal Employee Identification Number. This helps formally identify a business in the eyes of the law. Michigan has one of the more detailed and structured business registration laws in the U.S., so make sure you apply for any necessary licenses and permits before you open your doors. This could avoid costly fines and shutdowns later. It’s common for many businesses to need multiple permits, with specific commercial and industrial activities warranting independent certification. 3. Open a Bank Account: You may have a personal bank account, but this isn't the account you want to run your business out of. A business should have an independent bank account for several reasons, including greater liability protection for your personal assets and purchase protection for your customers. It also comes in handy during tax season when you need to identify business expenses. Business accounts can accept credit card payments more efficiently and allow more opportunities for funding. Setting up a business account with a bank will give you access to a line of credit that can be useful if unexpected costs crop up or you need to make a significant up-front investment to get your business started. 4. Obtain Proper Insurance:  This is possibly the most critical step in setting your business up for success. Even if you do everything right, an unexpected disaster could put your business in a tight spot, and insurance gives you a safety net. You should look into property insurance and insurance on any valuable asset you have in the business. However, there’s one type of insurance that’s not only essential—it’s mandatory. Michigan workers' compensation laws require any business with three or more full-time employees or with one or more people for at least 35 hours a week to have workers' compensation insurance. This insurance covers costs if an employee gets injured in the course of the job. This protects the employee and covers you as, in most cases, an employee gives up the right to sue when accepting workers' compensation funds. 5. Hire a Strong Team:  A business is only as good as its employees. While many small businesses start with a shoestring team of their owner and maybe their family or some close friends, hiring your first batch of employees is a critical step. You should be able to trust these people with the fate of your business, so make sure to interview and vet each new hire carefully. Ideal characteristics to look for include the ability to think on their feet, a history of commitment, and good people skills. Not every prospective employee has the experience you need for your business, so it's ideal to have specific skills training plans. This also ensures everyone is on the same page when they first start. 6. Spread the News:  You’re almost ready to launch, but a business is only off to a good start when people know about it. This is especially important for a startup, and it’s better to spend smart on marketing than to spend big. This means knowing your customer base and knowing how to appeal to them. Targeted advertising, both online and brick-and-mortar, is more effective than mass advertising. Even if you’re operating on a budget, don’t be afraid to start by offering promotions to allow people to sample your product or service for a lower price. This can be a great way to build long-lasting loyalty once they get a taste. A Good Start Pays Dividends:  A business’ success or failure is often determined before they open their doors. These tips will protect your investment and increase your brand awareness. If you cover all your bases, you’ll have the tools you need to secure your spot in the market. Read Also: Start-up Business Management: How to Reduce Risk and Guarantee Success Why Virtual Offices Are The Future Of Business Business Pieces of Advice: Stepping Stones for a Startup Owner

READ MOREDetails
Manufacturing Plants

Things to Consider When Sourcing Employees for Manufacturing Plants

When setting up manufacturing plants, you must carefully consider hiring the right people. This is skill-intensive work requiring highly qualified individuals. There are many machines involved, and any slight mistake could lead to disaster.   Every task, from arm robotic polishing to welding or picking and placing, needs to be handled by trained experts.   There’s no room for error. So, how do you hire workers at this level?   What qualities should you look for when gauging their qualifications? Here are some ways to get it right.  Skills and Qualification Levels Where heavy machinery is concerned, you must exercise caution during hiring.   The team handling these tasks must demonstrate top-tier skills and qualifications. This will help you match them to the right roles. Hiring the wrong person for a job is a key reason for past workplace accidents.   The best approach is to give candidates practical tests. Don’t rely solely on paper qualifications. The hiring process should be thorough—there’s a lot at stake.  The Positions Available Before hiring, you need a clear image of your needs. What positions urgently require filling?  How many workers do you need? Should you increase staff, or would a smaller team be more efficient?   Hiring should be based on necessity, not a whim, as onboarding and training are costly. Before advertising any position, ensure there’s a genuine need for that role to be filled.  Salary Demands You might set a salary range in the job listing. But understand that securing top talent might require flexibility.   Skilled workers often demand higher wages and might negotiate upward. If their skills match your needs, be prepared to adjust your salary cap. Quality employees are rare. When one comes your way, don’t miss out.  Labor Laws  Labor laws exist to protect employees from exploitation. You must be well-versed in relevant laws to avoid legal issues.   Employers often face trouble due to ignorance of basic labor laws. Disputes of this nature can be costly and might even bring down your company.   Many businesses have collapsed after large payouts from lawsuits. Safety Precautions Safety in manufacturing plants involves responsibilities on both sides. Employers must provide protective gear like helmets and gloves.   Install emergency safety buttons for quick machine shutdowns in accidents.   Employees must know how to operate machinery responsibly. If someone gets injured on duty, you’ll be responsible for compensation, which can be expensive.  Interpersonal Skills Manufacturing plants typically have hundreds of workers sharing space. Good interpersonal skills are crucial because teamwork is essential.   Clear communication is the backbone of efficiency.   Every hire should be able to understand instructions and communicate effectively with co-workers. First Time Manufacturing Plants Owner? Setting up a manufacturing plant is a huge endeavor, particularly if you’re starting your own business.   How well (or not) you hire will make or break the success of your venture. But here’s the problem:   Most advice out there assumes that you’re already an established business with an HR department.   No one talks about how hiring must be approached differently as a start-up founder without specific HR knowledge in relation to hiring line workers for a manufacturing plant.  Challenges are Common When everything’s new, and you don’t yet know the specific needs of this segment, it can be difficult to know which roles are needed to get started and begin building.   You don’t just need “bodies”. You need skilled people who have experience working with machines, safety precautions, and as a team member simultaneously!   But where do you find these people? It often seems like normal small company hiring advice doesn’t apply; you’re not sure how to tweak it appropriately for your industry.   Start by focusing on industry-specific tips and tools for entrepreneurs entering this unique segment of entrepreneurship  Don't Compromise on Skill Set As a new business owner, you’re probably working with a tight budget. However, this doesn’t mean you should necessarily compromise on your skill set.   You can get a better feel for someone’s capabilities through practical tests during an interview than from a resume.   Many first-time business owners make the mistake of hiring based on what they read – and end up with someone who is entirely lacking in the kind of real-world experience they require.   Incorporating examples like this and talking about how to use real-world testing to your advantage can help you save your new clients from themselves  Know your Laws  Another challenge is knowing labor laws. Big companies have departments for that!   But when you’re a new business owner, you’re usually the president, HR director… and janitor, too.   It’s easy to overlook labor laws. Not doing it right can also be fatal to your business. We need to pay more attention to simple things and resources to make sure we do them right.  Manage Safety Safety is another area where new business owners struggle. They think buying insurance covers it all!   But in manufacturing there’s so much more that needs addressed on a regular basis; training, gear, protocol.   You must understand safety isn’t something you have to worry about paying fines for. On the contrary, being proactive about safety increases productivity and decreases turnover as well.  Focus on Soft Skills  Finally, don’t forget about the “soft” skills.   We see new manufacturers hire for the hard skills and forget that these folks will have to work together.   If we can help new owners know how to look for communication skills coupled with technical ability, that alone would be incredibly impactful.  The Final Note! Hiring a manufacturing plant is one of the most complex tasks an employer can face.   The success of your business heavily depends on hiring the right people. Plan carefully to increase your chances of finding qualified workers.  Read Also: Possible Reasons Why Your Employees Aren’t Too Productive and What to Do About It What Are the Ways to Prepare a New Employee? 7 Best Employee Recognition Awards Ideas For 2021

READ MOREDetails