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Ever dreamed of running your own diner one
day? People skills are a must-have in this profession, so good
communication is key. Plus, since restaurant owners handle money from customers and vendors daily, business and math skills are no-brainers. These folks are also hard working,
flexible, and willing to wear many hats
in case employees don't show up.
So if you know your roast
from your T-bone, like to be in charge, and can multi-task
(use a calculator and talk on the phone at the same time!),
this career field could be your cup of tea.
Restaurant owners can work in many areas
such as:
Bed & Breakfasts—Maybe
you like the idea of cooking up breakfast for a
bunch of tourists. Bed and breakfasts are also in the business
of renting bedrooms to weary travelers. If you are a good
party host, this might be on your hot list.
Franchising—If you'd like
to own a McDonald’s or Taco Bell, franchising is a good
career choice. Franchisees—people who own chain restaurants—need
money to invest, good business management skills, and the
ability to organize a big staff. Big bonus: It's easier to get customers from the start with an established name and menu.
Pizzeria—Maybe you want
to maintain a single, family-owned restaurant like a pizzeria. The pizza biz
is highly competitive, so you’d need to be fast, friendly,
and serve quality food. Mastering advertising and business
skills will help you build a solid reputation. Try to top that!
Interview
with Restaurant Owner Bob Bury:
 As
a kid, Bob Bury recalls seeing his family go through some
tough times.
"My
dad was a carpenter. Sometimes he worked and sometimes he
didn't."
To fatten
the family paycheck, Bob got a job at 12 delivering papers.
At 15, he worked at the veterinary clinic as a pooper scooper.
And at 16, he landed his first job delivering pizzas for $1
per hour.
"I
always liked to work. Even when I was really little, my sisters and I used to play "store" all the time. Later, I didn't even mind giving my parents
the money I earned. I knew we needed it to survive."
But Bob
had no idea that, a year later—when he was not yet a
senior in high school—he would land his own business.
"When
the owner of the pizza place was ready to sell, he asked me if I knew anyone.
That's when I asked my grandpa to borrow the money for the
down payment," Bob says.
Although
he was only 17 and couldn't even get a checking account, his
grandpa believed in him and forked over the $1,500. Bob, who
had never cooked much, had a lot to learn. But he was determined to succeed.
Thankfully,
his mother stepped in and helped. Together they added wings,
salads, and shrimp to the growing menu. Bob worked nearly
every night, while going to school during the day. Among the
laughs and scoffs from other older restaurant owners in the
area, Bob's Pizza Palace started making a good profit.
"
I had to give up everything a normal teen does, like hanging
out on the weekends, but it was worth it."
And Bob’s
Pizza Palace is still booming. In fact, he’s proudly
celebrating his 40th year of business!
"I've
had my ups and downs, but that's the restaurant business for
you. It's all about advertising and making changes to meet
the needs of your customers."
Bob's
definitely pleasing his customers. One of the local newscasters
from the area faithfully eats there every week and brags Bob
up.
"One
time she even brought the whole news crew down and they put
me on the evening news. They said it was one of the best places
to eat in Detroit."
So what's the secret to Bob's pizza sauce? He'll never tell. That's all a part of minding
his own business.
What You Can Do to Get Ready:
As in Bob's case,
you might own a restaurant while you're still in school, but
most people don't get that lucky. Bob's advice is to stay
in school, go to college (a degree in business management is good),
and then pursue your dream. Or, like him, you can try to get
a job at a local restaurant or pizza place and get some on-the-job
training.
What it Pays:
Bob knows his
income depends on customer satisfaction and sales. Not to
mention the seasons, what's going on in the world, and inflation. So his pay fluctuates. On average, a restaurant
owner can expect to earn anywhere from $45,000 up to hundreds
of thousands if they’ve landed a successful franchise. Talk about putting your money where your mouth
is!
Other
Resources:
How
To Become A Restaurant Owner:
A great site to get your started in the restaurant business.
How
To Start A Restaurant Business: Click here for info on opening your own
restaurant.
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