It’s understandable to be weary of an outsider telling you how to run your business but the truth is every business benefits from an objective perspective, innovative ideas, and specialized talent. Good consultants bring experience and contacts from other successful operations that could offer insightful solutions. Too often, operators let their problems build up trying to tough it out or get so turn around they can’t determine what’s a symptom and what’s the actual problem. The restaurant business is complex so having a partner to help achieve your vision for your business can get you there faster.

Here are 4 ways a restaurant consultant can help you:

Concept Creation, Re-Branding or Expansion
Time Intensive Projects (i.e. Cost Controls, Standardized Recipes, Inventory, Training Materials, Wine Programs, Cocktail Programs)
Marketing Solutions & Growth Strategies
Operational Systems & Procedures

Depending on what you’re facing, it may be hard to open your checkbook for something without an immediate return. Most operators become their own best consultant, it’s part of the make-up of every entrepreneur but sometimes that’s the problem exactly. Have you ever looked at your business and wondered if you had invested in the structure, where you would be today? It’s a question most of us end up asking in the life of our business.

Before you start looking for a consultant, you should ask yourself the following questions:

1. Are you going to be able to listen to a consultant and act upon their suggestions?

No consultant can save a lazy operator and they’re risking their reputation on the success of your establishment.

2. Do you have a clear understanding of what your underlying problems are?

Understanding your problems clearly allows you to communicate them directly to your consultant so they can correctly assess your business.

3. What is your definition of success?

What will your restaurant look and act like after the consultant leaves.

4. What is the value of a solution to your problem?

If it’s going to save you tens of thousands of dollars in the long run, then what are you willing to pay in the short term.

Chef U Consulting can sit down with you and learn about the problems facing your business so we can help find real solutions!

Originally published 2/13/13