How to Design & Open a Mediterranean Style Restaurant

A Mediterranean restaurant brings to mind the exotic beaches and countryside of the areas surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. The Italian Riviera, Spain and Greece have long been favorite vacation spots for world travelers. Opening a restaurant with this theme can best be accomplished by designing with color schemes, patterns and decorative items similar to the native region. Mediterranean cuisine is also a must and an excellent chef is sure to keep customers coming back for more. As with any business venture, careful planning and good business practices are also necessary for success. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1

Write a good business plan to lay the foundation for your venture and to use as a plan of action to follow as you open your restaurant. If you need financing from a bank you will also have to submit a business plan for them to evaluate the merits of your application. A business plan should include: a description of your venture, information about your target customer, your location and place of establishment, your menu and prices of items, operating costs and necessary investment. Plan for marketing efforts like advertising and sending coupons to local residents to attract customers too.

2

Start with enough money to complete your plan. As with any business venture, costs add up. Whether you have enough cash on hand already or need to get financing from private or commercial sources, make an estimate of how much you will need to stay open for at least one year. Having partners will lower your own personal investment and working together as a team can improve results.

3

Find a location that will attract a lot of customers. Trendy neighborhoods, areas with other restaurants nearby and local areas of interest are all good choices to consider.

4

Secure a business license and liquor license if you intend to serve spirits. Be sure to follow all local, state and federal regulations when establishing your business and filing the appropriate forms. Your location will also have to be inspected and meeting all commercial space safety codes.

5

Design with a Mediterranean flair similar to that found along the Mediterranean coast. Use color schemes of corals, terracotta and other natural tones mixed with blues reminiscent of the sea. An open air, exotic atmosphere will enhance the ambiance.

6

Decorate the restaurant using European-style furnishings and decorations. Stucco textured walls, mosaic tile floors, antiques and ornately carved furniture and wrought iron wall sconces will add elegance to a Mediterranean decor.

7

Hire a chef that specializes in Mediterranean cuisine. Make sure the rest of the staff is knowledgeable about the specialty dishes and properly trained to best help customers with their orders. Elegant uniform dress with also add to the overall appeal of the restaurant.

8

Plan and design your menu. Discuss this with your chef who should have an array of dishes he can prepare.

9

Find suppliers that carry all of your necessary items for food preparation and serving. Before you can open your doors and begin to serve clients, you will need all of the materials, supplies and ingredients for a restaurant. Restaurants are required to adhere to strict guidelines about food preparation, freshness and cleanliness for customer satisfaction and safety.