Hi, my 2 friends and I are thinking of starting up a burger place. I would like the chance to explain my situation and hear any feedback and criticism.

The location is located on a main street that has a strip of restaurants, bars, pubs, laws consulting, and pretty much anything else you can think of. The location became vacant for a few months, and is mine if I want it (my parents are the landlords, the upper levels of the building are 2 apartments that my parents also rent out). The strip is very populated but for some reason it dies down in my area, but then after a block down, traffic builds up again (I can’t really put my finger on why). I know a burger joint doesn't sound like a spectacular idea but its just something I want to start with and grow (in experience also), and prepare myself for the future if I ever wanted to run something bigger. I know the restaurant business is a very competitive one and the rate of surviving is very low but never the less its something I may pursue. The closest competitor is very close by and is a fish and chips place. I went and ate there with a friend and ordered their burger and fries (since thats what I plan to specialize in), and I am confident that my burger and fries are the better. This restaurant is a mom and pop place and I noticed that he and his customers have good relationships (a tight nit community). His store I found a little bit overpriced, and I can definitely offer a better price. His place must sit like 10 people, and that would probably be crammed. He also closes very early 6pm from mon-thurs 8pm friday and saturday, sunday closed. a few units to the left of my locaiton is a grill/pub and across the street there is a Jamaican pub. The community holds allot of ethnic diversity but i would say the dominant is Greek (Greek town is actually a couple of blocks down). I went to go check the bar and the pub on a friday night around 12am to see if this was a potential market during after hours, but I would have to say that it looked pretty dead. I see cars going by and people walking around but it seems that most businesses are closed, at least on my part of the strip. During the day however there are alot of kids walking around and alot of traffic (there is an elementary school near by) of all sorts. There is residential areas all behind the strip, along with a few apartment buildings a few blocks down. I feel that the only way that I will do good is creating word of mouth and a rep of being open late (the only reason I go to any burger joints is because it opens late). So I tried thinking up of some ways to get people to come to my place. I thought of printing up free burger coupons and having them sent to designated neighborhoods and put an expiry date for a month, that way I can control how many burgers I may potentially be giving away. If they come, give them loyalty cards (buy 5 get 1 free kind of thing). But I have no idea what the ratio would be of people coming and getting a free burger (I probably wouldn’t). Other than that, I don’t know what I could do to attract customers. My burgers are quality burgers with a choice of variety of toppings with seasoned onions and mushrooms. We will also serve chicken wings, hot dogs, Souvlaki, salad, and onion rings.

Any opinions, criticisms, suggestions are very welcome.

What's souvlaki?

From Wikipedia: "Souvlaki is a traditional Greek fast food, traditionally consisting of either pork or lamb; chicken is rarely used. The word souvlaki comes from the Greek word "Souvla" which literally means "skew, prick". The name is used to refer in a variety of recipes."

Either that or an album released in '93 by the band Slowdrive

I would say if its your dream go for it but their has to be 100 better busineses for you to start. You may have better luck with buy a burger get a free soda coupons. Also target new movers to the area. Before you do this you are going to need a greta marketing plan. If you give away free burgers expect to give a lot away. You may not use a coupon but most people will. Also just because you buy burgers from jack in the box late at night doesn't mean people will buy from you, espically if you don't have a drive through.

Good luck

let us know how it turns out

I appreciate the feedback. I know giving away free burgers may sound extreme, but I find that it to be crucial to get word out on the street, instead of waiting around for people to come by, even if that means giving burgers away for free. At first I may print up around 250-500 free burger coupons, which would be our monthly marketing expense. A burger costs about 1.25$ including the bun and condamints. If they come any time after this promotion it will pay off for the promotion and I'll make 1$ off them. Do you have any promotional ideas i could use for opening day?

Thanks again

What would seperate your business from a McDonalds, or Burger King? I doubt you could compete price wise, and they have little need to advertise as their name is already a advertisement. Just some things to keep in mind, you need to look at competitors, and see what you can do to seperate yourself from the pack.

Yes, I have considered McDicks and BK, price i cannot beat them at but quality yes. The burgers are really low grade

Was this place already a restaurant...pub...or hamburger joint..or does it all have to be remodeled to bring it up to health codes?

The location used to be a bar and grill, although they didnt have a grill (false advertisement). He lost his liqour licience and had to close down shop. However, since the past tenant didnt have a grill, he also didnt have ventalation which is going to cost me about $30 thousand alone. The location is 2 floors, but I won't be using downstairs for seating, just washrooms. I was thinking an employee lounge/stock room. There was another person who was interested in the location, he had a deli shop nearby and wanted to expand.

I would definately check with the health department to see what it would take to bring it up to code before going any further. You're right about the ventilation system. There will be a minimum number of restrooms needed...a triple sink....and is all the electrical etc up to code? You may find it's cheaper to rent a place that is up to code. Good luck!