Starting a restaurant vs. buying a franchised restaurant

difference between starting a restaurant vs buying a franchised restaurant

Starting a restaurant from... Scratch👍

Category

Pros

Cons

Lease Process

Customizable to specific needs

May require more negotiation skills

Permit Process

Learn the local landscape

Time-intensive and complex

TI Process

Full creative control

Potential for cost overruns

Training

Customized, tailored training

Might be inconsistent

HR

Unique culture creation

Time-consuming

Corporate Pricing

Potential for local deals

Lack of bulk discount

Financial Process

Full control over financial systems

Potential for more errors

Inventory

Choice of unique products

Can be more complex and costly

Menu Costing

Flexibility in pricing

Requires detailed cost analysis

Accounting

Flexible financial management

Potential for errors

Daily Bookkeeping

Full control over the process

Time-consuming and can be complex

Payroll

Flexibility in systems and policies

Handling complexities

Food Safety Plan

Tailored to restaurant specifics

Requires constant updating

Safety/Sanitation Plan

Customized to specific venue needs

Requires ongoing attention and updating

Buying a franchised restaurant👍

Category

Pros

Cons

Lease Process

Streamlined process, franchisor assistance

Less flexibility, set terms

Permit Process

Easier navigation with franchisor guidance

Rigid standards

TI Process

Consistent look with franchisor guidelines

Less creativity

Training

Proven methods, consistent training

May feel impersonal

HR

Streamlined hiring, established culture

Less freedom in culture creation

Corporate Pricing

Cost savings through bulk purchasing

Less customization in product choice

Financial Process

Franchisor tools, easier management

Might incur franchise fees

Inventory

Streamlined process, franchisor guidance

Less choice in products

Menu Costing

Proven price points, franchisor guidance

Less flexibility in pricing

Accounting

Standardized approach, franchisor support

Less control over the process

Daily Bookkeeping

Easier tracking with franchisor tools

Potential for franchisor oversight

Payroll

Streamlined process, franchisor guidelines

Less customization in payroll policies

Food Safety Plan

Franchisor-provided standard plan

May lack local specificities

Safety/Sanitation Plan

Established cleanliness and safety standards

Might feel impersonal

In both tables, the pros and cons are highlighted for each category. The decision to start a restaurant from scratch or buy a franchise should consider these factors, along with personal preferences, resources, and business goals.

Share This Post: