Factors to Consider When Purchasing a Restaurant Space

Owning a restaurant is an exciting business opportunity and it can generate great income over the years. As easy as it sounds, purchasing a restaurant space is an important task and it should be done carefully. Additionally, there are some factors you should take into consideration when you want to buy a restaurant. Proper planning of a restaurant is crucial so you can save on costs and make more profit. So, in this blog post, we cover what to consider when purchasing a restaurant space.

The Size of the Space

The size of the restaurant is definitely a key characteristic to look at. The square footage you need from a space depends on the type of restaurant you plan on opening. There is a rule of thumb we call the 60/40 rule. When it comes to restaurant size, this rule can make your space much more comfortable. This rule states the dining section of the restaurant is meant to comprise or occupy most of the space in the restaurant. To be specific, about 60 percent of the space should be allocated to dining, while the remaining 40 percent can be shared between the kitchen, storage, and other parts of the restaurant.

An example of spacing like this would be a restaurant that has about 7000 square feet. In this situation, 60 percent of the space (4,200 square feet) would be allocated to dining while 40 percent of the space (2,800 square feet) would be allocated to other sections, such as the kitchen or storage rooms.

The Style of the Restaurant

The style of your restaurant will go a long way in determining whether or not your restaurant will be successful. Unfortunately, there are many cases where the restaurant owner overlooks this factor, and they have to shut down. While the style might not be the entire reason they shut down, it could certainly be a contributing factor. So, your space's style should be in line with the cuisine that is served at your restaurant. When a person goes to eat at your restaurant, they should feel as though they stepped into a different country, a classic American restaurant, or something else that would be appropriate to the style of food being served.

A typical example of this is when you go to a Chinese restaurant to eat a meal. In a case like this, the restaurant should have a classic Chinese culture feel. The space shouldn't feel like an American sports bar or a Mexican cantina. It should feel as though it matches the menu being served. This can be accomplished through architecture or decorations. The style of the space truly matters when purchasing a restaurant location. Don't overlook this factor.

The Parking Options

The parking ratio of a restaurant is another important factor that should be considered when purchasing a restaurant space. The main objective of a parking lot is to give customers a space to leave their cars when they visit the restaurant. Ensuring they have space to park will encourage them to come inside. How many times have you had to leave a restaurant because there wasn't enough parking for your car? This is why it's so important to provide enough parking at your restaurant. A typical parking standard for restaurants includes the following:

• <2,500 square feet of building territory – one space for every 100 square feet of a building region
• >2,500 square feet of building territory – one space for every 75 square feet of a building region
• If you have a food truck or a walk-up restaurant where customers don't stay, allow one space to every 275 square feet of the building.

Having ample parking will ensure more customers come inside and can park their cars comfortably.

The Cost of the Space

When looking for a building to purchase, you must save money where you can. Purchasing commercial buildings can be costly, so look for ways to cut costs to be more profitable. When looking for ways to get a great building for less money, you can consider:

• Locating your restaurant in the suburbs: This is certainly a good idea if you plan to minimize costs. In the suburbs, you can find less costly buildings available for purchase.
• Locating your restaurant in an older building that you can renovate: The idea of doing this is brilliant. It saves costs and other expenses that you would have been burdened with if you had to purchase it. Locating your restaurant in an older building will give you the leisure to purchase other things to make your restaurant look way better.
• Locating your restaurant in a low tax neighborhood: Doing this is cost-effective. When a restaurant is located in a low-tax neighborhood, it saves money because the taxes you pay will be much lower. This can save you thousands of dollars every year. So, find a low tax neighborhood or ask your broker to refine their search to these areas.

Purchasing a Restaurant Space

When purchasing a restaurant, it is advisable to do proper research about the place you want to use. You also need to look for ways to reduce costs. Reducing the cost of your restaurant does not mean your space should be of low quality. It should still look great and feel welcoming to your customers. It is important for you to always have your customers in mind so they are more likely to visit your restaurant often.

If you are ready to purchase a restaurant space in the Salt Lake City, Utah area, please contact us. Our team can help you find the perfect space for purchase!