Dozzy Ross Brings in Fresh Waves Of Afro-Caribbean Cuisine in Savorwynwood
Dozzy Ross, Owner of Savorwynwood states, ‘Think you’re ready to become a restaurateur? This journey of business and entrepreneurship can be quite overwhelming and be accompanied with a lot of responsibilities and to-do lists. As with any business, opening a restaurant is no easy task and can get really stressful. The idea may seem great and very profitable from the outside but believe me when I say that it is a humongous task.’ He reveals some factors to look upon before you lay the foundation for your restaurant business.
Factor #1 – Concept
The conceptualization of the restaurant has to be planned carefully and well researched before launch. You should probably consider hiring a business consultant to streamline your idea ideally. Always feel free to err on the side of conservatism and aim to break even your first year. But, there shouldn’t be any flaw in your conceptualization of the restaurant.
Factor #2 – Location
Decide the location and set it up in the right space. It should probably be easily spotted from the street on which it resides. The importance of a parking lot is very underrated, which is as important as your restaurant’s space, especially if it’s unique compared to its competition. If a customer can’t find a place to park, you’ve lost business.
Factor #3 – Menu
Study the food trends, and consider the menu. Either go authentic and traditional with the dishes, or go with a modern and fusion concept. Keep specific star dishes for both vegans and non-vegetarians. Cost-saving menus include meals that use the same ingredients, so plan carefully.
Factor #4 – Marketing
Take advantage of the social media platforms and join into restaurant coalitions so you can work with other restaurateurs and cross-promote each other. Also join influencers and leverage the vocals for local campaigns.
Factor #5 – Licensing and permits
Apply for the proper licenses and permits – Reach out to your city government to find out what you need for your restaurant, do your homework long before you set a date for your grand opening.
Factor #6 – Competition
Know what and who your competition is. Visiting your competition gives you a chance to identify your strengths and weaknesses, which gives you a competing edge. Look for the customer’s preferences so you can implement the ideas more innovatively and creatively into your restaurant.
Factor #7 – Business plan
You will not be able to bring the dream of owning a restaurant to life without a practical and agile business plan. This will help you outline the entire journey and be open to operate a restaurant. It should explain in detail how the restaurant will take shape and how it will operate once you open the doors. Use your business plan to guide through getting funding from potential investors to the projected financial plan.
Dozzy shares his intellect with the millennials, ‘Stay focused. The fewer people you have around you, the better it is most of the time. Be Family oriented. Family is what drives me, you and most of us – to stay inspired. Weʼre raising kings. The goal is generational wealth.’ To know more about Dozzy Ross’s entrepreneurial journey and his Afro-Caribbean restaurant ‘Savorwynwood’, check out Savorwynwood’s Instagram.