Running a Restaurant for Dummies (Paperback)

by Michael Garvey (Author), Heather Dismore (Author), Andrew Dismore (Author) "The restaurant world is more than glitz and glamour..." (more)
Key Phrases: punch list concerns, centralized menu, new employee files, Dinner Average Covers Lunch, Dairy Case, New York (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Millions of Americans dream of owning and running their own restaurant -- because they want to be their own boss, because their cooking always draws raves, or just because they love food. Running a Restaurant For Dummies covers every aspect of getting started for wannabe restaurateurs. From setting up a business plan and finding financing, to designing a menu and dining room, you'll find all the advice you need to start and run a successful restaurant.

Even if you don't know anything about cooking or running a business, you might still have a great idea for a restaurant -- and this handy guide will show you how to make your dream a reality. If you already own a restaurant, but want to see it do better, Running a Restaurant For Dummies offers unbeatable tips and advice of bringing in hungry customers. From start to finish, you'll learn everything you need to know to succeed:

• Put your ideas on paper with a realistic business plan
• Attract investors to help get the business off the ground
• Be totally prepared for your grand opening
• Make sure your business is legal and above board
• Hire and train a great staff
• Develop a delicious menu

If you're looking for expert guidance from people in the know, then Running a Restaurant For Dummies is the only book you need. Written by Michael Garvey, co-owner of the famous Oyster Bar at Grand Central, with help from writer Heather Dismore and chef Andy Dismore, this book covers all the bases, from balancing the books to training staff and much more:

• Designing and theme and a concept
• Taking over an existing restaurant or buying into a franchise
• Stocking and operating a bar
• Working with partners and other investors
• Choose a perfect location
• Hiring and training an excellent staff
• Pricing menu items
• Designing the interior of the restaurant
• Purchasing and managing supplies
• Marketing your restaurant to customers

If you're looking for a new career as a restaurateur, or you need new ideas for your struggling restaurant, Running a Restaurant For Dummies offers expert advice in a fun, friendly format. Packed with practical advice and expert wisdom on every aspect of the food service business, this guide is all you need to get cooking.

From the Back Cover
Everything you need for a flawless grand opening

Step-by-step guidance — from food to finances

Owning and operating a restaurant is hard work and risky business, but the rewards for success can be great – you can be your own boss and make a great living! But where do you start? Don’t worry! Running a Restaurant For Dummies shows you how to open the restaurant of your dreams – and make it a success for years to come.

The Dummies Way

• Explanations in plain English
• "Get in, get out" information
• Icons and other navigational aids
• Tear-out cheat sheet
• Top ten lists
• A dash of humor and fun

Discover how to:

• Write a winning business plan
• Pick the perfect location
• Secure financing
• Develop a delicious menu
• Ensure food safety and cleanliness
• Find out what customers want

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Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies; 1 edition (July 9, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764537172
• ISBN-13: 978-0764537172
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.3 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #11,877 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I'm On MY Way To Owning My Own Restaurant!, August 21, 2005

By	Linda L. Vanderhoek (Peoria, Arizona) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

My Mom ordered this book for me, as I was thinking of owning my own place. I have been in the restaurant business for several years, as a worker, and as a cook, and as a store manager. I thought I knew pretty much all I needed to know, but after reading this book, I am amazed at just how much MORE I needed to learn! This book has given me much more insight to more ways of obtainning the funds for starting out, and all the differrent things needed to know for employee hiring, inventory, money managment, and even how to find the best location! The book is also very true and realistic as to the difficulties occurred along the way to owning, and running a sucessful business. Thanks a lot "Books for Dummies" people for getting this book on the market. I know it will help a lot of folks who are thinking about opening their own restaurant. I am ready and anxious to get going on the road to owning my own pizza restaurant! Look for my place, SOON!
L. Vanderhoek & Eric Vanderhoek

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ha! This Book Exists!, February 18, 2006

By	Penny Dreadful (Under Your Skin) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

This is a good book!

I've always wanted to open a restaurant and within the last year my life has changed to the point where I could make that dream a reality. I refer to restaurant ownership as a "mid-term" goal, meaning it's probably at least 1-3 years in the future, but in the meantime I have been doing all the research I can, and almost as a joke I mentioned to a friend of mine that, "Wouldn't it be funny if a book was out there like 'Restaurants for Dummies'?" We looked on Amazon, and voila! There really IS one!

After reading this, I admit, I picked up more than a few helpful hints and insider suggestions I did not know. This book cannot turn you into an experienced restaurateur overnight, but, as I've been impressed to learn again and again when referring to the `Dummies' series, it's more than just lightweight fluff sandwiched between two covers. I'd recommend this book to anyone interested in learning about the inner workings of the restaurant business, and especially for those (crazy types like me) thinking of getting into this (high-risk, often low-yield, hard-work required) profession.

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best book out there., October 5, 2006

By	Dave Mccreary - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have over 28 years in the restaurant business and I am finally preparing to open my own restaurant and this book has become my personal bible. The authors really know what they are talking about and they give you all the tools to help you open a successful business. I would highly recommend this book to anyone.