For many foodies and “home chefs”, owning a restaurant is a lifelong dream. The truth is that restaurant statistics aren’t pretty and success in the industry isn't easy. Sadly, 60% of restaurants don't make it past their first year, and that’s why choosing the correct business model is so critical to your success.
For many foodies and “home chefs”, owning a restaurant is a lifelong dream. The truth is that restaurant statistics aren’t pretty and success in the industry isn't easy. Sadly, 60% of restaurants don't make it past their first year, and that’s why choosing the correct business model is so critical to your success.
If you’re still here and ready to put in the work, read on to discover ten unique startup ideas that can help you break into the restaurant industry. After exploring your options, remember to keep all these opportunities at your fingertips with our free Small Business Startup app—available for both Apple and Android.
One of the biggest perks of opening a food truck is that you can see what people think about your menu before you spend significant money or sign a long lease on a brick-and-mortar location. You can also test the waters to discover the areas in your region where your menu is most popular. Food truck demand has been growing at a significant rate over the past decade. The possibilities are endless in terms of menu and locations including weddings, sporting events, festivals and of course, simply parking outside of a busy office park during the lunch rush.
Can there ever really be too many cozy, boutique cafes in one city? This classic and beloved restaurant idea is perfect for early-morning risers who would prefer to shut their doors after lunch. Cafes and bakeries also enjoy the benefit of having traditionally smaller menus with items like freshly baked croissants, espresso, sandwiches, and other items that require little preparation. If you go this route, remember to invest in public Wi-Fi! We say this because with more and more people working from home, cozy cafes and bakeries have become one of America’s favorite destinations for meetings and working remotely.
One of the smartest ways to open a restaurant is by examining what is missing from your community. For example, is your town surrounded by burgers and French fries but lacking healthy options such as acai bowls or smoothies? By offering a unique experience that people can’t find anywhere else, you may just discover a group of devoted customers who have been waiting for someone unique! The main idea behind a niche restaurant is not to have an extensive menu, but to offer one type of specialty item in which you are the best in its class. Sometimes, less really is more.
There isn’t a better way to support your local farmers than with a farm-to-table restaurant and menu. By taking advantage of the season’s freshest ingredients, you can provide customers with a one-of-a-kind experience that is centered around the agriculture of your unique region. In a recent survey by Trace One, 68% of consumers in the United States revealed dissatisfaction with not being provided with enough information about what is in their food and where it comes from. By using local ingredients as your core menu and marketing focus, a farm-to-table restaurant may allow you to reach an untapped market in your community.
When you’re opening a new restaurant, one way to go is to partner with an existing nearby business. If you have a local brewery or winery near you, consider carrying their products to set yourself apart from competing restaurants in your area. Often breweries and wineries are willing to offer discounts for other local businesses, so cost reduction and higher margins are another bonus here.
As you can see, there are many ways to break into the restaurant industry. The ideas here are truly endless, so remember to explore all the opportunities available to you. Choosing the right restaurant and location can make all of the difference.
While you always have the “opportunity” to start a restaurant, sometimes, it makes more sense to invest in an opportunity that already exists. These are called “Franchise Opportunities,” and tout brand names with proven track records.
With the help and support provided by a franchise, opening your first restaurant can be a lot less intimidating. If you’re ready to explore your franchise options, take a look at the opportunities below! And, remember to download the free Small Business Startup app to keep all these opportunities at your fingertips—available for both Apple and Android!
Pizza Inn offers entrepreneurs a unique franchise opportunity to become the community's gathering place with their renowned pizza buffet concept. They provide comprehensive support, including professional site selection, construction assistance, and extensive training, ensuring a seamless startup. With a commitment to quality and innovation, Pizza Inn enables franchisees to serve exceptional, house-made pizzas that delight customers and foster loyalty.
Add an Anthony & Lucas Pizza franchise / Philly cheesesteak franchise to your portfolio while prime territories are still available. Bring the absolute best pizza, cheesesteaks, hot Italian subs and popular Italian Street food and more to your area Available as full brick & mortar dine-in restaurants or an add on ghost kitchen to your existing restaurant.
Dner Haus is a tech-forward QSR concept bringing Europes favorite street food to an open U.S. market. We serve bold, craveable German-style Dner made with premium, halal-certified ingredients all in a compact, efficient model designed for scale. With built-in automation for inventory, ordering, and reporting, our system keeps operations lean and franchisee-friendly. With 1.9M in first-year sales, low overhead, and viral brand traction, Dner Haus is built for operators who want something different, profitable, and ready to grow.
Nazs Halal is a fast-growing fast casual franchise with an AUV of 1.69M and explosive consumer demand. With low buildout costs and exceptional support, it's a scalable, high-impact opportunity in the booming halal food segment.
Empire Pizza delivers handcrafted pizzas, bold flavors, and a welcoming atmosphere that keeps guests coming back. With a proven concept, strong brand identity, and comprehensive franchise support, Empire Pizza offers entrepreneurs the chance to join a growing, community-focused brand thats redefining the pizza experience one slice at a time.
Wings Etc. is a sports-themed, family-friendly restaurant and pub with over 30 years of industry-leading experience. With a diverse menu featuring Award-Winning Jumbo Wings, Premium Burgers, Wraps, Salads, Cold Beers, and more, Wings Etc. is the neighborhood favorite in every community. Startup costs are low, and franchisees are supported from initial training through Grand Opening and beyond. Wings Etc. Grill & Pub is the Lower Startup Cost, Lower Breakeven, Full Service Bar & Grill Franchise
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