Many people enjoy eating and tasting good food. The way through a person’s heart is through their stomach, as the saying goes. That’s why food franchising is one of the most profitable businesses, given that it is managed right. If you give a great food experience that makes a lasting impression on your customer, you’re sure to have them coming back for more.
Each culture has its own unique way of preparing food. That’s why foreign cuisine is popular for many people who have only tasted the usual fare in their hometown. Japan, in particular, has a lot of distinct dishes that are now widely renowned. If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, one of the ideas you should consider is starting a Japanese fast food franchise.
It might be intimidating, given that one usually knows next to nothing about Japan and its culture. However, here are a few tips to get you started.
Location
Having the right place for your restaurant will save you a lot of costs in advertising and promoting your restaurant. It can also increase your profits marginally, due to the higher number of customers. It’s best to choose a place that has high foot traffic so that more people can see it. You should also ensure that your restaurant is easily visible and accessible to passersby.
Besides the physical aspects of your location, there are also other factors to consider. You should think about the customer psychographics and factor that into your restaurant’s placement. Preferable locations are in recreational areas, like parks and malls, instead of workplaces or schools. People will move at a more leisurely pace, which makes them open to trying new cuisine.
Food
The food that you will serve in your restaurant is essential. Choosing what food to serve will reflect what culture you intend to express. Make sure to finalize a menu as soon as you can, as this affects other logistic needs, such as supplier and staff arrangements. Also, make sure that your menu is something that your customers can understand easily. Add short descriptions of each dish to help newcomers decide on what to pick immediately.
If you say Japanese dishes, one thing that usually comes to mind is sushi. Japan, however, has a lot more unique dishes to offer. If you’re not partial to raw fish, one can try dishes such as ramen, teriyaki, and tempura. Ramen is a dish that features noodles in a meat- or fish-based broth and has various toppings. Teriyaki is meat or fish that is marinated in a specialized soy sauce blend and grilled. Tempura are vegetables or seafood, usually shrimp, coated in batter that, when fried, is exceptionally light and crunchy.
Decor
A restaurant’s interior decor is essential to set the ambiance. The right decorations contribute to the overall culture you are trying to portray. If done correctly, this, along with the food, will go together and create an experience that will be a good representation of the culture you intend to deliver.
A Japanese restaurant has decor that is minimalist and calming. Its theme is close to nature, which means wooden floors and furniture coupled with bamboo plants and a small indoor waterfall. It uses earthenware cutlery and will need specialized eating utensils, such as chopsticks and their uniquely shaped soup spoons. Use paper lanterns for lighting and shoji screens for partitioning areas. Finally, put up a few Japanese murals or artworks on your walls.
If you’re a fledgling businessman, starting a food franchise is a choice you should consider. They are one of the most popular franchises chosen due to the ease of entering the large market. Foreign cuisine specializations also have the benefit of being noticeable and memorable. Keep these tips in mind to make your business flourish quickly.
