how to write a business plan for fast food

Fast Food Business Plan

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Fast Food Restaurant Business Plan & Template

You’ve come to the right place to create your fast food business plan.

We have helped over 100,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans and many have used them to start or grow their fast food businesses.

Fast Food Business Plan Example

Below is an example for each of the key elements of a fast food business plan that you can use to create your own well-crafted business plan:

Executive Summary

Business overview.

Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries is a new fast food start-up located in St. Louis, Missouri. The menu will include a variety of exceptionally large burgers that are freshly made using locally sourced meat and vegetables from local St. Louis establishments. There is also a wide variety of different types of french fries to accompany the delectable burgers. The fast food restaurant will be located in a busy intersection of a highly trafficked area of St. Louis. It will be surrounded by big box retail and grocery shopping, chain restaurants, and other businesses that are frequented by locals.

The design of Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries will be comfortable and convenient in order to attract all residents of St. Louis. The demographic will be residents of the community that come from all different backgrounds and income levels. It will be family-friendly, trendy, and offer a seating area that is able to accommodate multiple seating options. Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries will also include a drive-thru for those who elect to take their food and drinks to go.

Products Served

The following are the products to be offered by Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries:

• Just a Plain Ol’ Big Burger
• Avocado Big Burger
• Veggie Big Burger
• Double Bacon Big Burger
• Green Chile Hot n’ Spicy Big Burger
• Kiddos Big Burger
• Traditional French Fries
• Curly Fries
• Sweet Potato Fries
• Parmesan Herb Fries
• Spicy Sriracha Fries
• Assorted non-alcoholic beverages

Customer Focus

Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries will target all residents living in and around St. Louis. It will appeal to students, families, retirees, white collar, blue collar, and government employees. Because the food is moderately priced compared to other fast food establishments, all income levels will be able to enjoy the delicious offerings of Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries.

Management Team

Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries is owned and operated by best friends, Jay Brusco and Ray Coleman. Jay is the culinary component of the business, a local chef that has had a successful culinary career working at various fine dining restaurants. Ray is the business component as he has been successful as a wealth manager in St. Louis. The two friends have dreamed of opening up their own business for the past five years and have worked and studied strategy in order to ensure a thriving and sustainable fast food operation.

Jay will manage the kitchen operations of Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries. He will train and oversee the cooks, manage inventory, place food and drink orders, deal with the local food vendors, and ensure the highest customer satisfaction with the food.

Ray will oversee all administrative, accounting, and tax obligations for the business. He will train the cashiers on proper cash handling and customer service. Ray will also ensure that the highest level of customer service is being met daily and for every customer who walks in the door and goes through the drive-thru.

Success Factors

The following success factors will set Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries apart from the competition:

• Fresh made to order burgers that are locally sourced from St. Louis meat and vegetable establishments.
• The buns are baked on-site daily and are the softest and most flavorful bun in town.
• Convenient location: Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries will be located in a highly-trafficked intersection that is easy to drive in and out of on any given day.
• Customers get bang for their buck. The menu items will be typical of bistro-type dishes and sizes served at a fast food price.

Financial Highlights

Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries is seeking $165,000 in debt financing to open its start-up fast food restaurant. The funding will be dedicated for the build-out and design of the restaurant, kitchen, and drive-thru as well as  cooking supplies and equipment, working capital, three months worth of payroll expenses and opening inventory. The breakout of the funding is below:

• Fast Food Restaurant Build-Out and Design – $80,000
• Kitchen supplies and equipment – $40,000
• Opening inventory – $5,000
• Working capital (to include 3 months of overhead expenses) – $15,000
• Marketing (advertising agency) – $25,000

The following graph outlines the pro forma financial projections for Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries:

Company Overview

Who is jay & ray’s big burgers & fries.

Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries is a start-up fast food restaurant located in St. Louis, Missouri. It will cater to all residents of St. Louis and will be located at a busy retail intersection of St. Louis that is surrounded by other restaurants and shopping. Thousands of people drive or walk by the intersection daily. Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries is a fast casual restaurant and customers of all backgrounds and income levels are welcome. The restaurant will serve a variety of hamburgers, a variety of different flavored french fries, and soft drinks. The menu will be simple yet satisfying. The burgers are larger than other fast food restaurant hamburgers and it will be the only fast food restaurant that serves bistro-type french fries.

Jay & Ray’s will have a comfortable and trendy seating area for customers to be able to dine inside and will also have a drive-thru for those that prefer to not get outside of their vehicle. Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries is scheduled to open its first location within the next six months.

Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries History

Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries is owned by two St. Louis natives who are best friends and have started a business venture together. Jay Brusco is a culinary master who has been a chef for over ten years and Ray Coleman is a business entrepreneur who has been a wealth investment manager for over a decade. Jay & Ray have dreamed of going into business together since they were in high school and they have spent the last four years preparing to make their dream a reality.

Jay has created a delectable and appetizing menu and Ray is the business brain behind the company. Together, with both of their expertise and knowledge, Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries is destined to become St. Louis’ next big restaurant.

Since incorporation, Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries has achieved the following milestones:

• Developed the fast food restaurant’s branding image, social media, and website.
• Has a soft hold on a prime retail location at a busy intersection.
• Developed and finalized the menu of the food and drink selection.
• Obtained a food permit license to be able to prepare and sell food and drinks in St. Louis County.
• Obtained a sales and use tax permit for use in St. Louis County.

Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries Products

The following are the types of menu items Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries will serve:

Industry Analysis

The Fast Food Restaurants industry will continue to be one of the strongest U.S. industries, reaching $320 billion in the next five years.

The industry’s ability to provide convenient food at a low price will likely remain popular as consumers continue to seek affordable and convenient food options.

Fast food restaurants will benefit from a strong U.S. economy. The national unemployment rate is expected to decline while consumer sentiment is anticipated to strengthen. These trends are expected to bolster demand for the industry. Furthermore, consumer spending is estimated to increase at an annualized rate of 3.8%.

Additionally, fast food restaurants are expected to continue to expand menu options to cater to changing consumer preferences. Product innovation will likely play a large part in revenue growth moving forward.

Customer Analysis

Demographic profile of target market.

Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries will target the population of St. Louis that frequently consumes fast food. As this is a fast food restaurant, it will attract customers from all different backgrounds and income levels. Students, families, retirees, white collar, blue collar, and government officials all live and work in St. Louis County and will frequent the Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries.

The precise demographics for St. Louis, Missouri are:

Customer Segmentation

Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries will primarily target the following customer profile:

• Local residents of St. Louis that frequently consumes fast food.
• Blue collar, white collar, and government employees who live and work in St. Louis County.
• Families of all types.
• High school and college age students.

Competitive Analysis

Direct and indirect competitors.

Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries will be competing with other fast food restaurants in St. Louis. Because Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries is a local fast food startup, the competitors will be local fast food restaurants as well. A profile of each competitor is below.

Hi-Pointe Drive-In

Hi-Pointe Drive-In began as a little drive-in establishment that opened in the 1980’s. Their mission is to bring the drive-in back to life with mouthwatering burgers and original sandwiches. Their chef-inspired menu uses locally sourced ingredients.

Hi-Pointe Drive-In is located in the historic Hi-Pointe neighborhood, just off of Highway 40. It is a great spot to pop into before or after events around town, or even as the main event. The menu has something for folks of many walks of life from their creative burgers, sandwiches, and shakes, to healthy salads and a menu for the little ones. Following the tradition of killin’ it, Hi-Pointe Drive-In is created from the same ownership as Sugarfire Smokehouse, among a few other St. Louis’ favorite eateries. Their team is made up of the great people and talented chefs that create a unique experience for every single visit.

Hi-Pointe Drive-In is available for drive-in, delivery, or they are able to cater an event. The burgers range in price from $6 – $9.50, the chef burger creations are priced $8 – $11, sandwiches are $9 – $13, and the salads range between $11 – $13. They have an array of sides for $3 each and the shakes and floats are between $5.50 and $7.

Union Loafers

Union Loafers is a bread bakery and cafe located in the heart of Botanical Heights in St. Louis, Missouri. They bake naturally leavened bread modeled on old world techniques. They are open during lunch for sandwiches, soups and salads. For dinner, they transform their bakery into a pizzeria that also serves wine and beer. At Union Loafers, they serve simple, classic foods driven by quality and community.

The bread and pizza are made fresh daily and only served during the aforementioned hours. A popular favorite is the Neapolitan Pizza as the recipe is unique and the taste exemplifies fresh ingredients. Union Loafers’ website has their step by step recipe to make their famous light and mild loaf bread at home. Union Loafers is also available for catering any sized event.

Lion’s Choice

Lion’s Choice first started as Red Lion Beef that was founded by Marv Gibbs in 1967. His two goals were to serve the highest-quality top round beef and create an environment where customers can enjoy a nutritious meal with friends and family. When the restaurant was renamed to Lion’s Choice, it was an instant success and Marv opened his second location in 1969.

The recipe for their famous roast beef sandwich is simple: 100% real top round beef that is slow roasted on-site for three hours and shaved extra thin. Lion’s Choice serves their roast beef medium rare on a lightly toasted buttered bun and topped with a dash of secret seasoning. The recipe has been the same for the past 50 years.

Over the years, Lion’s Choice has expanded their menu to include other quality offerings like oven-roasted turkey, hickory-smoked ham, pulled pork, and a variety of fresh salads. Lion’s Choice signature original roast beef, natural-cut fries, and frozen custard continue to be the St. Louis chain’s most popular offerings and will continue to be a local favorite.

Competitive Advantage

Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries offers several advantages over its competition. Those advantages are:

Marketing Plan

Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries will offer the unique value proposition to its clientele:

• The meat and vegetables will be locally sourced from St. Louis vendors and served fresh daily.
• The buns will be baked fresh daily with Chef Jay’s unique recipe.
• Convenient location.
• Bistro-type burgers and fries served at cheap, fast food prices.

Promotions Strategy

The promotions strategy for Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries are as follows:

Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries’ location is a promotion strategy in itself. Because the fast food establishment will be located in a prime intersection that is situated next to big box shopping, chain restaurants, and salons, thousands of St. Louis residents drive or walk by the location daily. The signage and look of the restaurant will be eye-catching and will entice people to walk in or use the drive-thru of Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries.

Social Media

Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries will use social media to cater to the millennials and social media obsessed portion of St. Louis. Jay and Ray plan to hire an advertising agency to take professional photographs of the menu items and location to create appealing posts to reach a greater audience. The posts will include pictures of the menu items, as well as weekly specials they will be running. Their posts will also include pictures of customers (with their written consent) enjoying the burgers and fries. By using actual customers, Jay and Ray hope to interact more with the community and create a legion of returning customers.

SEO Website Marketing

Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries plans to invest funds into maintaining a strong SEO presence on search engines like Google and Bing. When a person types in “local fast food” or “St. Louis burgers”, Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries will appear in the top three choices. The website will include the full menu, location, hours, and lots of pictures of the food, drinks, and customers.

Third Party Delivery Sites

Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries will maintain a presence on sites like GrubHub, Uber Eats, Doordash, and Postmates so that people looking for local food to be delivered will see Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries listed near the top.

Jay and Ray will purchase a billboard spot about 5 miles from the location so that people driving by will have another reminder of the latest fast food spot to grab a meal before they get to the location. The advertising agency will create the billboard design.

The pricing of Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries will be moderate and on par with competitors so customers feel they receive value when purchasing their menu items.

Operations Plan

The operations plan for Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries is as follows:

Operation Functions:

• Chef Jay Brusco is the chef and manager in charge that will develop the menu, source the ingredients and bake the buns daily. Chef Jay will also oversee a team of 2-3 cooks that will be working in the kitchen. He will also be in charge of inventory, weekly food and drink ordering, and ensuring customer satisfaction with the quality of the food.
• Ray Coleman is the other on-site manager that will oversee all administrative and financial responsibilities for the restaurant. He will handle all necessary licensing and permitting, training of the cashiers, accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and tax payments. Ray, alongside Jay, will also work to ensure customer satisfaction with the quality of the service.
• Two to three part-time cooks will alternate helping Chef Jay during the hours of operation.
• Two to three part-time cashiers that will work the registers, drive-thru, and take turns cleaning the dining area and restrooms.
• Jay and Ray will hire an advertising agency to develop the website, social media accounts, billboard design, and execute all of their marketing efforts.

Milestones:

Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries aims to open in the next 6 months. The following are the milestones needed in order to obtain this goal.

6/1/202X – Execute lease for prime location at busy intersection and finalize architectural design of fast food restaurant.

6/2/202X – Begin construction of fast food restaurant build-out.

6/10/202X – Finalize menu.

6/17/202X – Hire advertising company to begin developing marketing efforts.

7/15/202X – Start of marketing campaign with social media; billboard goes up.

8/2/202X – Final walk-thru of completed fast food restaurant build-out.

8/10/202X – Hire team of cooks and cashiers.

8/13/202X – Employee training begins.

8/20/202X – Grand Opening of Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries.

Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries will be owned and operated by Chef Jay Brusco and Ray Coleman. Each will have a 50% ownership stake in the fast food restaurant.

Chef Jay Brusco, Co-Owner

Chef Jay Brusco is a LeCordon Bleu Culinary School graduate and has been working in fine dining establishments in St. Louis for the past ten years. Chef Jay has always wanted to own his own restaurant and after working in numerous fine dining restaurants, Jay decided that he ultimately wanted to pursue a simple, delicious, fast food restaurant. Jay likes to appeal to the masses and he knows that he will be able to reach a greater audience by serving the community as a whole instead of just the high-end portion of St. Louis. Jay has always received tons of acclaim for his burgers because he is able to consistently deliver juicy and delicious burgers at a fast pace.

Ray Coleman, Co-Owner

Ray Coleman is the business brain behind the operation. Ray has made a career as a financial wealth manager and has worked in the corporate industry for over ten years. Ray is a graduate of the University of Missouri and earned his MBA in 2010. During his time attending business school, Ray took numerous entrepreneurial classes and has been studying how to start and run a successful start-up business. Since his best friend Jay is a professional chef and wants to start his own business, Ray began developing the business plan and operations for Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries.

Jay and Ray each have a unique skill set that will make them an instant success in St. Louis. They are a perfect partnership and remain committed to serving freshly made delicious food to the community that they grew up in.

Financial Plan

Key revenue & costs.

The revenue drivers for Jay & Ray’s Big Burgers & Fries will come from the menu items being offered daily.

The cost drivers will be the ingredients and products needed to make the menu items (oil, meat, vegetables, ingredients for the buns, drinks) as well as the cooking materials (pots, pans, bowls, plates, utensils, etc.). A significant cost driver are the paper products that the food will be served in as well as the beverage machines. Other cost drivers will be the overhead expenses of payroll for the part-time employees and cost of the advertising agency.

Funding Requirements and Use of Funds

Key assumptions.

The following table outlines the key assumptions required in order to achieve the revenue and cost numbers in the financials and in order to pay off the business loan.

Initial Number of Customers Per Day: 500

Average Order per Customer: $15.00

Annual Lease: $100,000

Financial Projections

Income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement, fast food business plan faqs, what is a fast food business plan.

A fast food business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your fast food restaurant. Among other things, it outlines your business concept, identifies your target customers, presents your marketing plan and details your financial projections.

You can  easily complete your fast food business plan using our Fast Food Business Plan Template here .

What Are the Main Types of Fast Food Businesses?

There are many types of fast food businesses. The most common fast food restaurants serve hamburgers, fries, and soft drinks. Other common fast food establishments serve chicken, Chinese food, Mexican food, and pizza. There is a recent trend in fast food restaurants serving healthier options such as smoothies, wraps, sandwiches, and salads. A fast food restaurant can be centered around any food genre that is able to be prepared fast and in large quantities to serve multiple customers daily.

What Are the Main Sources of Revenue and Expenses for a Fast Food Restaurant?

The primary source of revenue for a fast food restaurant are the food and drink items sold at the establishment.

The key expenses are the costs to source the ingredients for the menu items, kitchen equipment and supplies, overhead expenses for the staff and rent, and any marketing costs the restaurant chooses to partake in.

What is the Difference Between a Franchise and Non-Franchise Fast Food Restaurant?

A franchise fast food restaurant is a business that is owned and operated by someone who has a contract with a larger company. That company provides the products, training, and marketing for the smaller business. A non-franchise fast food restaurant is a business that is independently owned and operated.

Franchise fast-food restaurants have a set of guidelines and standards to which they must adhere in order to use the franchise name. Non-franchise fast food restaurants do not have these guidelines and can vary greatly in terms of quality, cleanliness, and customer service.

How Do You Get Funding for Your Fast Food Business?

Fast food businesses are most likely to receive funding from banks. Typically you will find a local bank and present your business plan to them. Another option for a fast food business is to obtain a small business loan. SBA loans are a popular option as they offer longer loan terms with lower interest rates. Outside investors, crowdfunding, and/or friends or family are other typical funding options. This is true for a fast casual restaurant business plan or a takeout restaurant business plan.

What are the Steps To Start a Fast Food Business?

Starting a fast food restaurant can be an exciting endeavor. Having a clear roadmap of the steps to start a successful fast food business will help you stay focused on your goals and get started faster.

1. Write A Fast Food Business Plan - The first step in starting a business is to create a detailed fast food business plan that outlines all aspects of the venture. This should include market research on the fast food industry and potential target market size, information on your fast food menu, marketing strategy, pricing strategy and a detailed financial forecast.  

2. Choose Your Legal Structure - It's important to select an appropriate legal entity for your fast food business. This could be a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks so it’s important to do research and choose wisely so that your fast food business is in compliance with local laws.

3. Register Your Fast Food Restaurant   - Once you have chosen a legal structure, the next step is to register your fast food business with the government or state where you’re operating from. This includes obtaining licenses and permits as required by federal, state, and local laws. 

4. Identify Financing Options - It’s likely that you’ll need some capital to start your fast food business, so take some time to identify what financing options are available such as bank loans, investor funding, grants, or crowdfunding platforms. 

5. Choose a Location - Whether you plan on operating out of a physical location or not, you should always have an idea of where you’ll be based should it become necessary in the future as well as what kind of space would be suitable for your operations. 

6. Hire Employees - There are several ways to find qualified employees including job boards like LinkedIn or Indeed as well as hiring agencies if needed – depending on what type of employees you need it might also be more effective to reach out directly through networking events. 

7. Acquire Necessary Fast Food Equipment & Supplies - In order to start your fast food business, you'll need to purchase all of the necessary equipment and supplies to run a successful operation. 

8. Market & Promote Your Business - Once you have all the necessary pieces in place, it’s time to start promoting and marketing your fast food business. Marketing efforts includes creating a website, utilizing social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter, and having an effective Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy. You should also consider traditional marketing techniques such as radio or print advertising to reach your target audience.

Where Can I Get a Fast Food Business Plan PDF?

You can download our free fast food business plan template PDF here. This is a sample fast food business plan template you can use in PDF format.

• Sample Business Plans
• Food, Beverage & Restaurant

Fast Food Restaurant Business Plan

Planning on starting a fast food restaurant? It can be an excellent way to create a niche business, serve a diverse customer base, and make a great career in the food service industry, but you need detailed planning for it.

That’s where you need a business plan; it will not only help you secure funding but will also provide a roadmap for seamless business operations.

Need help writing a business plan for your fast food restaurant business? You’re at the right place. Our fast food restaurant business plan template will help you get started.

Free Business Plan Template

Download our free fast food restaurant business plan template now and pave the way to success. Let’s turn your vision into an actionable strategy!

• Fill in the blanks – Outline
• Financial Tables

How To Write A Fast Food Restaurant Business Plan?

Writing a fast food restaurant business plan is a crucial step toward the success of your business. Here are the key steps to consider when writing a business plan:

1. Executive Summary

An executive summary is the first section planned to offer an overview of the entire business plan. However, it is written after the whole business plan is ready and summarizes each section of your plan.

Here are a few key components to include in your executive summary:

• Market Opportunity: Summarize your market research, including market size, growth potential, and marketing trends. Highlight the opportunities in the market and how your business will fit in to fill the gap.
• Products and Services: Highlight your food menu and the services you will offer to your customers. Describe any special dishes you serve.
• For instance, your products and services may include menu items, combo meals, takeout and delivery services, combo meals, and catering services.
• Marketing & Sales Strategies: Outline your sales and marketing strategies—what marketing platforms you use, how you plan on acquiring customers, etc.
• Financial Highlights: Briefly summarize your financial projections for the initial years of business operations. Include any capital or investment requirements, associated startup costs, projected revenues, and profit forecasts.
• Call to Action: Summarize your executive summary section with a clear CTA, for example, inviting angel investors to discuss the potential business investment.

Ensure your executive summary is clear, concise, easy to understand, and jargon-free.

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2. Business Overview

The business overview section of your business plan offers detailed information about your restaurant. The details you add will depend on how important they are to your business. Yet, business name, location, business history, and future goals are some of the foundational elements you must consider adding to this section:

• Business Description: Describe your business in this section by providing all the basic information:
• Vegetarian fast food restaurants
• Pizza chains
• Mexican fast food restaurants
• Asian fast food restaurants
• Sandwich shops
• Fried seafood restaurants

Describe the legal structure of your fast food restaurant, whether it is a sole proprietorship, LLC, partnership, or others.

• Owners: List the founders or owners of your fast food restaurant. Describe what shares they own and their responsibilities for efficiently managing the business.
• Mission Statement: Summarize your business’ objective, core principles, and values in your mission statement. This statement needs to be memorable, clear, and brief.
• Business History: If you’re an established fast food restaurant business, briefly describe your business history, like—when it was founded, how it evolved over time, etc.
• Additionally, If you have received any awards or recognition for excellent work, describe them.
• Future Goals: It’s crucial to convey your aspirations and vision. Mention your short-term and long-term goals; they can be specific targets for revenue, market share, or expanding your services.

This section should provide a thorough understanding of your business, its history, and its future plans. Keep this section engaging, precise, and to the point.

3. Market Analysis

The market analysis section of your business plan should offer a thorough understanding of the industry with the target market, competitors, and growth opportunities. You should include the following components in this section.

• Target market: Start this section by describing your target market. Define your ideal customer and explain what types of services they prefer. Creating a buyer persona will help you easily define your target market to your readers.
• For instance, young adults, millennials, and busy professionals can be an ideal target market for a fast food restaurant.
• Market size and growth potential: Describe your market size and growth potential and whether you will target a niche or a much broader market.
• Competitive Analysis: Identify and analyze your direct and indirect competitors. Identify their strengths and weaknesses, and describe what differentiates your fast food restaurant from them. Point out how you have a competitive edge in the market.
• Market Trends: Analyze emerging trends in the industry, such as technology disruptions, changes in customer behavior or preferences, etc. Explain how your business will cope with all the trends.
• For instance, there is an increasing demand for healthier food options; explain how you plan to cater to this growing market.
• Regulatory Environment: List regulations and licensing requirements affecting fast food restaurants, such as business registration, insurance, food service license, employment, and environmental regulations.

Here are a few tips for writing the market analysis section of your fast food business plan:

• Conduct market research, industry reports, and surveys to gather data.
• Provide specific and detailed information whenever possible.
• Illustrate your points with charts and graphs.
• Write your business plan keeping your target audience in mind.

4. Products And Services

The product and services section should describe the specific services and products that will be offered to customers. To write this section should include the following:

• Fast Food Menu: Start this section by offering an overview of your fast food menu. Include the details about the types of cuisine, dietary options you provide, and any signature dishes.
• Beverages and Desserts: Besides the fast food items, mention if your restaurant serves any other beverages such as tea, coffee, soft drinks, juices, and desserts or treats. For instance, dramatic style involves using longer & thicker lashes for a glamorous look.
• Food Preparation and Safety Measures: This section should explain your food preparation process, cooking methods, and how your business aligns with food safety regulations.Your safety measures may include maintaining cleanliness, regular sanitization, and conducting regular staff training programs.
• Special Services: Mention if your fast food restaurant offers any additional services. You may include services like online ordering, drive-thru, and valet parking.

In short, this section of your fast food restaurant plan must be informative, precise, and client-focused. By providing a clear and compelling description of your offerings, you can help potential investors and readers understand the value of your business.

5. Sales And Marketing Strategies

Writing the sales and marketing strategies section means a list of strategies you will use to attract and retain your clients. Here are some key elements to include in your sales & marketing plan:

• Unique Selling Proposition (USP): Define your business’s USPs depending on the market you serve, the equipment you use, and the unique services you provide. Identifying USPs will help you plan your marketing strategies.
• For example, fresh and quality ingredients, unique menu items, sustainability, and ethical practices could be some of the great USPs for a fast-food restaurant.
• Pricing Strategy: Describe your pricing strategy—how you plan to price your products and services and stay competitive in the local market. You can mention any discounts you plan on offering to attract new customers.
• Marketing Strategies: Discuss your marketing strategies to market your services. You may include some of these marketing strategies in your business plan—social media marketing, Google ads, brochures, email marketing, content marketing, and print marketing.
• Sales Strategies: Outline the strategies you’ll implement to maximize your sales. Your sales strategies may include offering loyalty programs, online food delivery services, and creating corporate accounts.
• Customer Retention: Describe your customer retention strategies and how you plan to execute them. For instance, introducing loyalty programs, focusing on personalized service, offering promotions, etc

Overall, this section of your fast food restaurant business plan should focus on customer acquisition and retention.

Have a specific, realistic, and data-driven approach while planning sales and marketing strategies for your fast food restaurant, and be prepared to adapt or make strategic changes in your strategies based on feedback and results.

6. Operations Plan

The operations plan section of your business plan should outline the processes and procedures involved in your business operations, such as staffing requirements and operational processes. Here are a few components to add to your operations plan:

• Staffing & Training: Mention your restaurant’s staffing requirements, including the number of employees or kitchen staff needed. Include their qualifications, the training required, and the duties they will perform.
• Operational Process: Outline the processes and procedures you will use to run your fast food restaurant. Your operational processes may include restaurant opening, staff assignments, food preparation and cooking, order fulfillment, cleanliness and sanitization, and closing procedures.
• Equipment & Machinery: Include the list of equipment and machinery required for fast food restaurants, such as refrigerators, coffee machines, ice machines, POS systems, Utensils and kitchen tools, and food preparation equipment.
• Explain how these technologies help you maintain quality standards and improve the efficiency of your business operations.

Adding these components to your operations plan will help you lay out your business operations, which will eventually help you manage your business effectively.

7. Management Team

The management team section provides an overview of your fast food restaurant’s management team. This section should provide a detailed description of each manager’s experience and qualifications, as well as their responsibilities and roles.

• Founders/CEO: Mention the founders and CEO of your fast food restaurant, and describe their roles and responsibilities in successfully running the business.
• Key managers: Introduce your management and key members of your team, and explain their roles and responsibilities.
• It should include key executives, master chefs, senior management, and other department managers (e.g. operations manager.) involved in the fast food restaurant operations, including their education, professional background, and any relevant experience in the food industry.
• Organizational structure: Explain the organizational structure of your management team. Include the reporting line and decision-making hierarchy.
• Compensation Plan: Describe your compensation plan for the management and staff. Include their salaries, incentives, and other benefits.

This section should describe the key personnel for your fast food restaurant, highlighting how you have the perfect team to succeed.

8. Financial Plan

Your financial plan section should provide a summary of your business’s financial projections for the first few years. Here are some key elements to include in your financial plan:

• Profit & loss statement: Describe details such as projected revenue, operational costs, and service costs in your projected profit and loss statement . Make sure to include your business’s expected net profit or loss.
• Cash flow statement: The cash flow for the first few years of your operation should be estimated and described in this section. This may include billing invoices, payment receipts, loan payments, and any other cash flow statements.
• Balance Sheet: Create a projected balance sheet documenting your business’s assets, liabilities, and equity.
• Break-even point: Determine and mention your business’s break-even point—the point at which your business costs and revenue will be equal.
• This exercise will help you understand how much revenue you need to generate to sustain or be profitable.
• Financing Needs: Calculate costs associated with starting a fast food restaurant, and estimate your financing needs and how much capital you need to raise to operate your business. Be specific about your short-term and long-term financing requirements, such as investment capital or loans.

Be realistic with your financial projections, and make sure you offer relevant information and evidence to support your estimates.

9. Appendix

The appendix section of your plan should include any additional information supporting your business plan’s main content, such as market research, legal documentation, financial statements, and other relevant information.

• Add a table of contents for the appendix section to help readers easily find specific information or sections.
• In addition to your financial statements, provide additional financial documents like tax returns, a list of assets within the business, credit history, and more. These statements must be the latest and offer financial projections for at least the first three or five years of business operations.
• Provide data derived from market research, including stats about the restaurant industry, user demographics, and industry trends.
• Include any legal documents such as permits, licenses, and contracts.
• Include any additional documentation related to your business plan, such as product brochures, marketing materials, operational procedures, etc.

Use clear headings and labels for each section of the appendix so that readers can easily find the necessary information.

Remember, the appendix section of your fast food restaurant business plan should only include relevant and important information supporting your plan’s main content.

The Quickest Way to turn a Business Idea into a Business Plan

Fill-in-the-blanks and automatic financials make it easy.

This sample fast food restaurant business plan will provide an idea for writing a successful fast food restaurant plan, including all the essential components of your business.

After this, if you still need clarification about writing an investment-ready business plan to impress your audience, download our fast food restaurant business plan pdf .

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do you need a fast food restaurant business plan.

A business plan is an essential tool for anyone looking to start or run a successful fast food restaurant business. It helps to get clarity in your business, secures funding, and identifies potential challenges while starting and growing your business.

Overall, a well-written plan can help you make informed decisions, which can contribute to the long-term success of your fast food restaurant.

How to get funding for your fast food restaurant business?

There are several ways to get funding for your fast food restaurant business, but self-funding is one of the most efficient and speedy funding options. Other options for funding are:

• Bank loan – You may apply for a loan in government or private banks.
• Small Business Administration (SBA) loan – SBA loans and schemes are available at affordable interest rates, so check the eligibility criteria before applying for it.
• Crowdfunding – The process of supporting a project or business by getting a lot of people to invest in your business, usually online.
• Angel investors – Getting funds from angel investors is one of the most sought startup options.

Apart from all these options, there are small business grants available, check for the same in your location and you can apply for it.

Where to find business plan writers for your fast food restaurant business?

There are many business plan writers available, but no one knows your business and ideas better than you, so we recommend you write your fast food restaurant business plan and outline your vision as you have in your mind.

What is the easiest way to write your fast food restaurant business plan?

A lot of research is necessary for writing a business plan, but you can write your plan most efficiently with the help of any fast food restaurant business plan example and edit it as per your need. You can also quickly finish your plan in just a few hours or less with the help of our   business plan software .

About the Author

Upmetrics Team

Upmetrics is the #1 business planning software that helps entrepreneurs and business owners create investment-ready business plans using AI. We regularly share business planning insights on our blog. Check out the Upmetrics blog for such interesting reads. Read more

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How to Write a Fast Food Restaurant Business Plan + Free Template

Makenna Crocker

6 min. read

Updated February 7, 2024

Crafting a savvy business plan is like perfecting the ultimate fast food combo for your restaurant’s triumph. It’s the special blend of your entrepreneurial vision, spicy industry knowledge, well-baked financial projections, and sizzling strategic plans served together to drive your venture forward.

In the U.S. alone, the fast-food industry is estimated to be worth over $250 billion as of 2023, indicating the immense potential within this sector. The industry has shown remarkable resilience even in economic downturns, further validating its prominence in the business world.

In this article, we’ll bite into our  free fast food restaurant business plan  for the example scenario of Fast Bites Delight, serving you a step-by-step guide to brewing up a compelling business plan specific to your fast food enterprise. You can download our sample fast food restaurant business plan to get started.

Through this journey, we aim to help you dish out a blueprint that can help you tap into this growing market and set your fast food joint up for success.

• Introduce your fast food business

Fast Bites Delight isn’t your typical fast-food joint. It serves up a smorgasbord of speedy, appetizing meals that neither compromises on nutrition nor taste. With more people seeking quality, convenience, and nutrition, Fast Bites Delight whips up a delectable answer to this culinary conundrum.

Their mission? Swiftly serve scrumptious yet healthy meals that satiate fast food cravings while keeping nutrition front and center.

The introduction effectively captures Fast Bites Delight’s unique selling proposition – serving quick, delicious meals that balance taste and nutrition. Highlighting your unique selling proposition upfront can give your business plan an immediate edge and create intrigue for what follows.

Conduct a market analysis 

Identifying your market is crucial. For Fast Bites Delight, their primary patrons include busy professionals, families on the go, students craving nourishing fast-food, and individuals scouting for a quick, healthy bite. But their clientele isn’t limited to individual consumers. They also cater to local businesses that need food services for events or meetings.

Their competition ranges from conventional fast-food chains, convenience stores, and quick-service restaurants to food trucks and supermarket deli sections. The key to standing out in this crowd? Fast Bites Delight dishes out a diverse, health-focused menu prepared with premium ingredients, served with a side of speedy service and a generous dollop of top-notch customer service.

This section does an excellent job identifying their key target market and competition. A  detailed market analysis  will help you understand your customers’ needs and how your product/service fulfills them. It also guides your marketing and competitive strategies.

• Funding your fast food restaurant

Every venture needs a financial launchpad. Fast Bites Delight projects an initial investment requirement of $250,000. This chunk of capital covers essentials like property rent, kitchen apparatus, renovations, initial inventory, and a cash reservoir to keep the business bubbling until it starts generating enough revenue.

By clearly stating their financial needs, Fast Bites Delight makes it easier for potential investors to see what their investment will cover. You too should detail your funding requirements, ensuring transparency and building trust with stakeholders. For more guidance on funding, check out our  Small Business Funding Guide .

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• Fast food restaurant sales and marketing strategy

The art of attracting customers involves blending multiple strategies. Fast Bites Delight plans to plate up culinary delights at their physical location, serve digital customers via their website, partner with food delivery apps, and spread their flavors through catering services.

Their marketing mix combines traditional methods with digital strategies. Social media campaigns, local SEO, content marketing, collaborations with community businesses and events, email marketing, and in-store promotions flavor their marketing efforts. The goal? To resonate with their target audience, whet their appetites, and draw them into the delightful dining experience that Fast Bites Delight promises.

They’ve created a multi-faceted approach to reach their customers, demonstrating adaptability and a customer-centric approach. In your plan,  consider different strategies  to reach your audience – from physical to digital platforms.

• Fast food restaurant financial projections

Projections give stakeholders a taste of the financial potential. Fast Bites Delight estimates revenue will rise from $300,000 in 2023 to $400,000 by 2025. Their expenses are expected to start at $200,000 in 2023, increasing to $240,000 by 2025.

With these numbers, they project profits simmering at $100,000 in 2023 and rising to a sizzling $160,000 by 2025.

Fast Bites Delight provides clear and realistic financial projections, an essential element to  demonstrate viability and profitability . Make sure your plan includes similar forecasts, indicating your business’s financial potential.

• Milestones for your fast food restaurant

Milestones add structure and strategy. Fast Bites Delight’s roadmap includes obtaining permits and licenses by June 2023, getting the restaurant ready for a grand opening in October 2023, and launching catering services by December 2023. In March 2024, they plan to expand their online delivery options.

By June 2024, they aim to turn a profit monthly. Franchise opportunities may even be on the table in 2025.

This part of the plan breaks down their journey  into achievable steps . It provides a clear timeline of expectations and goals. Similarly, include your startup’s major milestones to give a timeline for your growth.

• Assembling the perfect team

Running a fast food restaurant is no solo venture. The owner/operator stands at the helm, overseeing daily operations from menu planning to staff training. A kitchen manager ensures the back of the house operates smoothly, maintaining food safety, managing kitchen staff, and collaborating on menu development. Front-of-the-house manager ensures customers receive top-notch service while maintaining a clean and welcoming environment.

They clearly define the roles and responsibilities within their team, showcasing how everyone contributes to the restaurant’s success. Define your team structure similarly to give potential investors confidence in your operation’s management.

• Partnerships for your fast food restaurant

Partnerships add value and resources that a standalone business might struggle to find. Fast Bites Delight aims to join forces with local farms and food suppliers to source high-quality, fresh ingredients. Collaborations with food delivery apps extend their reach, making their meals accessible to customers from their homes or offices.

Community organizations and schools also fall within their network scope. By hosting fundraising events and promoting healthy eating habits, Fast Bites Delight aims to strengthen their ties with the community. Local businesses and health and fitness centers present partnership opportunities for catering services and promotional offers, combining business with the promotion of healthier lifestyle choices.

Partnerships are a strategic asset to Fast Bites Delight, extending their reach and adding value to their offerings. Identify potential partnerships for your business to show how you plan to leverage community and industry networks.

• Conclusion: The sweet success of fast bites delight

Fast Bites Delight’s business plan is a masterclass in combining vision, market analysis, strategic planning, and financial forecasting. From understanding their audience and competition to defining their unique value proposition, planning their funding needs, setting goals, and assembling the right team, they have a roadmap that can guide their venture toward success.

As a fast-food entrepreneur, applying these principles and tailoring them to your context will set you on a path toward a successful venture in this highly competitive market. So get ready, set, and let your fast food business plan cook up a storm!

The conclusion reaffirms their unique approach and ties the entire plan together. When you conclude your business plan, summarize your unique value proposition and how each aspect of your plan contributes to achieving your goals.

If you are ready to write your plan, you can download our free  fast food restaurant business plan  from our library of  500+ sample business plan templates . 

Makenna Crocker is the Marketing Specialist at Richardson Sports. Her work focuses on market and social trends, crafting gripping and authentic content, and enhancing marketing strategy to foster stronger B2B and B2C relationships. With a master’s degree in Advertising and Brand Responsibility from the University of Oregon, she specializes in generating a strong and responsible brand presence through content that positively influences and inspires others.

Table of Contents

• Conduct a market analysis 

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Fast Food Business Plan Template

Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 7,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans to start and grow their fast food restaurants.

How To Write a Business Plan for a Fast Food Restaurant

Below are links to each of the key components of a comprehensive business plan for a fast food restaurant:

• Executive Summary – The Executive Summary is the first and most important section of your fast food restaurant business plan. It provides a concise overview of the entire document and should be written last to ensure it accurately reflects the rest of the plan.
• Company Overview – In this section, you will introduce your fast food restaurant, including its mission, vision, and goals. Explain the business concept, legal structure, its unique selling proposition, and the target market you intend to serve.
• Industry Analysis – In the Industry Analysis, conduct a thorough analysis of the fast food industry, including market trends, growth potential, and key players. Identify any challenges or opportunities that may impact your fast food restaurant.
• Customer Analysis – Define your target market in detail. Who are your ideal customers? What are their demographics, preferences, and behaviors? Understanding your customer spending habits will help you tailor your products, marketing, and operations to meet their needs.
• Competitive Analysis – In the Competitive Analysis, evaluate your direct and indirect competitors. Identify their strengths, weaknesses, and fast food market share. This analysis will help you understand the competitive landscape and develop strategies to differentiate your restaurant.
• Marketing Plan – The Marketing Plan section is where you will outline your marketing strategy, including your target audience, messaging, branding, advertising, social media marketing, and promotional activities. This section should clearly articulate how you will attract customers, the pricing strategy you will use, and the loyalty programs to keep them coming back.
• Operations Plan – The Operations Plan will describe the day-to-day operations of your restaurant, including staffing, training, inventory management, food preparation, online ordering, and customer service. This section should outline your procedures for ensuring efficiency and quality.
• Management Team – In the Management Team section, introduce the key members of your management team and their qualifications. This section should demonstrate that you have the necessary expertise to successfully run the restaurant.
• Financial Plan – In the Financial Plan section, develop detailed financial projections, including projected revenue, expenses, profit and loss statement, cash flow statement, and balance sheet. This section will help you assess the financial viability of your fast food business and secure funding.
• Appendix – In the Appendix, include any supporting documents, such as market research data, resumes, permits, licenses, and fast food menu items. This section can be used as a reference for investors, lenders, and other stakeholders.

Next Section: Executive Summary >

Fast Food Business Plan FAQs

What is a fast food business plan.

A business plan provides a snapshot of your fast food restaurant concept as it stands today, and lays out your growth plan for the next five years. It explains your business goals and your strategy for reaching them. It also includes market research to support your plans.

Why Do You Need a Business Plan for a Fast Food Restaurant?

If you’re looking to start a successful fast food restaurant or grow your existing one you need a business plan. A business plan will help you raise funding, if needed, and plan out the growth in order to improve your chances of a successful fast food business . Your fast food business plan is a living document that should be updated annually as your business grows and changes

What Are the Sources of Funding for a Fast Food Restaurant?

Fast Food restaurants are usually funded through small business loans, personal savings, credit card financing and/or angel investors.

This is true for a traditional fast food restaurant, a quick service restaurant and a takeout restaurant business plan.

How Do I Download a Free Fast Food Business Plan PDF?

You can download our fast food restaurant business plan pdf and use our sample fast food business plan to write your own business plan. This is a business plan template you can use in PDF format. If you are looking for the quickest and easiest way to complete your business plan, Growthink’s Ultimate Fast Food Business Plan Template has numerous features not available in the free template including its financial projections template which automatically calculates your complete five-year financial projections including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements.

FAST FOOD BUSINESS PLAN OUTLINE

• Fast Food Business Plan Home
• 1. Executive Summary
• 2. Company Overview
• 3. Industry Analysis
• 4. Customer Analysis
• 5. Competitive Analysis
• 6. Marketing Plan
• 7. Operations Plan
• 8. Management Team
• 9. Financial Plan
• 10. Appendix
• Fast Food Business Plan Summary

Start Your Fast Food Plan Here

Other Helpful Business Plan Articles & Templates

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How it works

How to Write a Restaurant Business Plan in 2024 (Step by Step Guide with Templates)

A restaurant business plan is a framework that guides you to plan and forecast every element of restaurant management and operations.

This includes anything from your restaurant's menu design , location, financials, employee training , and a lot more.

• Creating a solid business plan is important, as it helps:
• Transform your restaurant ideas into reality.
• Boosts entrepreneurial success by 16% ( Harvard Business Study ).
• It equips you to navigate challenges before they arise.
• Attracts potential investors.

Planning is key to restaurant success. Without a plan, you're more likely to join the 26% of restaurants that fail within a year.

Create a business plan to set yourself up for success. Here's how to get started. 

What is a restaurant business plan? 

Before writing a business plan, it is important to understand its fundamentals.

It serves as a roadmap for starting and running your restaurant , making it easy for outside parties, such as investors, to understand your objectives, vision, and plan of action for your restaurant.

The length and level of detail of business plans vary, ranging from brief synopses to large papers. Investors can benefit from clear insights and additional information provided by beginning with a concise plan and working their way up to a detailed one.

In short, a thorough description of the resources allocated to the success of your restaurant should be included in your business plan.

Steps to include in your business plan 

Your restaurant and mission statement needs to reflect your brand and goals, but you don't have to start from scratch.

The Eat App Restaurant Business Plan template , created by industry professionals and packed with insider information, is your go-to manual for creating a profitable business plan.

Your finalized business plan should have 11 essential elements, no matter how you write it. Continue reading below. 

1. Executive summary

A restaurant business plan should always begin with an executive summary. Why?

• 80% of venture capitalists say they read the executive summary first.
• 62% of investors say they would not continue reading a business plan if the executive summary did not capture their interest.
• A strong executive summary can increase the likelihood of securing funding by up to 40%.

An executive summary not only acts as the introduction to your restaurant business plan samples but also as a summary of the entire idea.

The main aim of an executive summary is to draw the reader (oftentimes an investor) into the rest of your business plan.

The executive summary also helps you envision the identity of your restaurant which essentially shapes the customer experience and sets you apart from direct and indirect competitors.

To establish a distinct identity, you need to focus on common elements of an executive summary, including:

• A mission statement 
• Proposed concept development
• Cuisine selection
• The overall execution
• The potential costs
• Expected return on investments (ROI)
• Business succession plan

Let's take a more in-depth look at the concept development, cuisine selection, and mission statement.

1.1 Concept Development

Selecting the type of restaurant, service style, and atmosphere is the first step towards creating a unique dining experience. Whether you envision a sample menu for a:

• cozy, intimate bistro
• bustling quick-service deli
• fast-casual restaurant
• fine dining establishment

Your concept should reflect your passion and expertise in the industry.

1.2 Cuisine Selection

The cuisine you select for your restaurant can significantly influence its success.

Choosing the appropriate cuisine is vital for distinguishing your establishment from competitors and attracting your target customers.

To make an informed decision, consider factors such as:

• Market demand
• Expertise and passion
• Ingredient availability
• Competition
• Profitability
• Cultural fit
• Seasonality
• Dietary restrictions and trends

In the highly competitive restaurant industry, keeping track of current and emerging cuisine trends can be a significant advantage.

1.3 Creating a mission statement

A well-constructed mission statement communicates the purpose, values, and goals of your restaurant to potential investors and customers alike.

A mission statement serves as a guiding light for decision-makers and employees, fueling their efforts to achieve your restaurant’s objectives.

To create an impactful mission statement, consider the following steps:

• Identify the purpose of the restaurant.
• Contemplate the brand’s image.
• Account for the target audience.
• Incorporate company values.
• Ensure brevity and comprehensiveness.

Related content: How to Write a Restaurant Mission Statement 

Remember, your mission statement should not only differentiate your restaurant from competitors but also resonate with your target market.

2. Business description

This is where you carefully introduce the company in the restaurant business plan (and overall business model).

Include the name of the restaurant you are launching in this field along with its address, phone number, and other important information.

Then, also include the owner's information as well as a synopsis or explanation of their background. The restaurant's legal position and its short- and long-term objectives should be outlined in the second section of the company description.

To demonstrate your understanding of the changes in the local food business and the reasons why the most independent restaurant investors will be successful in this market, please submit a brief market research.

Here's an example of the page layout:

Company Description

Restaurant Name: [Restaurant Name]

Location: [Restaurant Address]

Contact: [Restaurant Phone Number] | [Restaurant Email Address]

Owner: [Owner Name]

Experience: [Owner Name] has over [Number] years of experience in the restaurant industry. They have worked in various roles, including [List of Roles]. They are passionate about food and creating a memorable dining experience for their guests.

Legal Standing: [Restaurant Name] is a [Type of Legal Entity] registered in [State/Province].

Further reading

• How to Write a Great Restaurant Description

3. Market analysis

The market analysis portion of the restaurant business plan is typically divided into three parts.

3.1 Industry analysis

What is your target market ? What demographics will your restaurant cater to?

This section aims to explain your target market to investors and why you believe guests will choose your restaurant over others.

Comprehending your target market is key to customizing your restaurant offerings to their preferences and needs.

By diving into demographics, preferences, dining habits, and trends, you can fine-tune your concept and marketing strategy to reach and appeal to your target audience effectively.

An example of analyzing your target market

 Comprehending your target market is key to customizing your restaurant offerings to their preferences and needs.

Demographics and preferences

Identifying your primary target market involves considering factors such as:

For example, a neighborhood with a high concentration of families might prefer a family-friendly restaurant with a diverse menu catering to various age groups and dietary preferences.

Conversely, a trendy urban area with a predominantly young and affluent population may gravitate towards upscale dining experiences and innovative cuisine.

Cultural and ethnic backgrounds also have a significant impact on restaurant preferences, with people from different backgrounds having distinctive tastes and customs that influence their dining choices.

By thoroughly understanding the demographics and preferences of your target market, you’ll be better equipped to create a restaurant concept that resonates with them and ultimately drives success.

Dining habits and trends

As the restaurant industry continues to evolve, staying informed about dining habits and trends is crucial for adapting your offerings and attracting customers.

For example, the rise of online ordering and delivery services has significantly influenced dining habits, with many consumers seeking the convenience of having their meals delivered to their doorstep.

Health trends have also had an impact on dining habits, with an increasing number of individuals seeking healthier options when dining out.

3.2 Competition analysis

It's easy to assume that everyone will visit your new restaurant first, so it is important to research your competition to make this a reality.

What restaurants have already established a customer base in the area?

Take note of everything from their prices, hours, and service style to menu design to the restaurant interior.

Then explain to your investors how your restaurant will be different.

3.3 Marketing analysis

Your investors are going to want to know how you plan to market your restaurant. How will your marketing campaigns differ from what is already being done by others in the restaurant industry?

How do you plan on securing your target market? What kind of offers will you provide your guests? Make sure to list everything.

• How to Identify Your Restaurant’s Target Market (Expert Tips Included)

The menu is the most important part of a restaurant's debut. Your restaurant wouldn't be able to operate without it.

You most likely don't have a final draft at this time, but you should aim to create a mock-up menu for your restaurant business plan. You can choose a design that you can envision yourself using and add your logo to the mock-up.

There are several resources available online if you need assistance with menu design or don't want to hire a designer.

But the price should be the most important component of your sample menu. The cost research you've completed for investors ought to be reflected in your prices. They will have a clearer idea of your restaurant's intended price range as a result. 

You'll quickly see how important menu engineering can be, even early on.

5. Employees

The company description section of the restaurant business plan briefly introduces the owners of the restaurant with some information about each. This section should fully flesh out the restaurant's business plan and management team.

The investors don’t expect you to have your entire team selected at this point, but you should at least have a couple of people on board. Use the talent you have chosen thus far to highlight the combined work experience everyone is bringing to the table.

6. Restaurant design

The design portion of your restaurant business plan is where you can really show off your thoughts and ideas to the investors. If you don’t have professional mock-ups of your restaurant rendered, that’s fine.

Instead, put together a mood board to get your vision across. Find pictures of a similar aesthetic to what you are looking for in your restaurant.

The restaurant design extends beyond aesthetics alone and should include everything from restaurant software to kitchen equipment. 

7. Location

The location you settle on for your restaurant should be well aligned with your target market (making it easier to cater to your ideal customer) and with your business plans.

At this stage in the process, it's not uncommon to not have a specific location in mind - but you should at the very least have a few options to narrow down.

Pro Tip: When you approach your investors about potential locations, make sure to include as much information as possible about each venue and why it would be ideal for your brand. 

Example for choosing an ideal location

Choosing the ideal location for your restaurant is a pivotal decision that can greatly influence your success. 

To make the best choice, consider factors such as foot traffic, accessibility, and neighborhood demographics.

By carefully evaluating these factors, you’ll be better equipped to maximize visibility and attract your target market.

7.1 Foot traffic and accessibility

Foot traffic and accessibility are important factors in selecting a location that will attract customers and ensure convenience.

A high-traffic area with ample parking and public transportation options can greatly increase the likelihood of drawing in potential customers.

Additionally, making your restaurant accessible to individuals with disabilities can further broaden your customer base and promote inclusivity.

7.2 Neighborhood demographics

Analyzing neighborhood demographics can help you determine if your restaurant’s concept and cuisine will appeal to the local population.

Factors such as income levels, family structures, and cultural diversity can all influence dining preferences and habits.

By understanding the unique characteristics of the neighborhood, you can tailor your offerings and marketing efforts to resonate with the local community.

Conducting a market analysis can be a valuable step in this process.

To gather demographic data for a particular neighborhood, you can utilize resources such as the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey and reference maps.

Armed with this information, you can make informed decisions about your restaurant’s concept, menu, and pricing, ensuring that your establishment is well-positioned for success within the community.

Conducting market research will further strengthen your understanding of the local demographic.

• Why does restaurant location matter?

8. Market overview

The market overview section is heavily related to the market research and analysis portion of the restaurant business plan. In this section, go into detail about both the micro and macro conditions in the area you want to set up your restaurant.

Discuss the current economic conditions that could make opening a restaurant difficult, and how you aim to counteract that. Mention all the other restaurants that could prove to be competition and what your strategy is to set yourself apart.

9. Marketing

With restaurants opening left and ride nowadays, investors are going to want to know how you will get word of your restaurant to the world.

The next marketing plan and publicity section should go into detail on how you plan to market your restaurant before and after opening. As well as any plans you may have to bring a PR company on board to help spread the word.

Read more : How to write a restaurant marketing plan from scratch

10. External help

To make your restaurant a reality, you are going to need a lot of help. List any external companies or software you plan on hiring to get your restaurant up and running.

This includes everything from accountants and designers to suppliers that help your restaurant perform better, like POS systems and restaurant reservation systems.

Explain to your other potential investors about the importance of each and what they will be doing for your restaurant.

11. Financial analysis

The most important part of your restaurant business plan is the financial section. We would recommend hiring professional help for this given its importance.

Hiring a trained accountant will not only help you get your own financial projections and estimates in order but also give you a realistic insight into owning a restaurant.

You should have some information prepared to make this step easier for the accountant.

He/she will want to know how many seats your restaurant has, what the check average per table will be, and how many guests you plan on seating per day.

In addition to this, doing rough food cost calculations for various menu items can help estimate your profit margin per dish. This can be achieved easily with a free food cost calculator. 

• Your Complete Guide to Restaurant Financing and Loans

A well-crafted restaurant business plan serves as a roadmap to success, guiding every aspect of the venture from menu design to employee training.

By carefully considering each component of the plan, aspiring restaurateurs can increase their chances of securing funding, attracting customers, and achieving their long-term goals.

Remember, a restaurant business plan is not just a document to satisfy investors; it is a living tool that should be revisited and updated regularly as the business grows and evolves.

By staying committed to the plan and adapting it as needed, restaurateurs can ensure that their culinary dreams have a solid foundation for success.

What is the most important thing to open a restaurant? 

Opening a restaurant is a complex venture, but the most important thing is a clear and solid business plan . While passion for food and hospitality is essential, a business plan lays the foundation for everything else. It helps you define your restaurant concept, target market, financial strategy, and operational details.

How to start a food business with little money? 

Six steps to launch a small food company:

1. Choose the category of food products you want to offer. 2. Verify the ideas you have for products. 3. Create a plan for your business. 4. Get to work developing your brand. 5. Establish your web store. 6. Locate and expand your following.

Does a restaurant need a business plan? 

Without one, it might be extremely difficult or perhaps impossible to get finance from a bank or investor for your restaurant venture. For this reason, having a business plan is essential. You might find it difficult, if not impossible, to remain in business for very long without the crucial beginning or operating capital.

How many pages can a business plan be?

15 to 20 pages.

A business plan, which is usually 15 to 20 pages long, is a written document that describes your company's operations, goals, and proposed course of action. It outlines the chances you're pursuing, the tools you'll need to reach your objectives, and your definition of success.

How to create a restaurant budget?

To create a restaurant budget, start by estimating your expected revenue based on market research and sales forecasts. Next, calculate your fixed costs, which include expenses like rent, utilities, insurance, and salaries that remain constant regardless of sales volume. Then, estimate your variable costs, such as food, beverages, and supplies, which fluctuate with the level of sales. It's also wise to set aside a contingency fund for unexpected expenses to avoid financial strain. Finally, regularly review and compare actual performance to your budget to make necessary adjustments and keep your restaurant’s finances on track. 

How to write a mini business plan?

To write a mini business plan, start with a brief executive summary outlining your business idea, goals, and key objectives. Include a description of your target market and competitive landscape. Outline your product or service offerings, and detail your marketing and sales strategies. Provide a snapshot of your financial projections, including expected revenues and costs. Conclude with a summary of your operational plan, highlighting key milestones and management roles. Keep it concise but comprehensive to effectively communicate your business vision.

How to write a business plan for fast food? 

To write a business plan for a fast food restaurant, start with an executive summary that outlines your concept and goals. Describe your fast food offerings, target market, and competitive edge. Include a market analysis of local trends and competitors, and detail your marketing strategies for attracting customers. Outline your menu, operational procedures, and management structure. Provide financial projections, including startup costs and revenue forecasts, and specify any funding requirements. This plan will serve as a comprehensive guide for launching and managing your fast-food business.

Growth Marketing Manager at Eat App

Saif Alnasur used to work in his family restaurant, but now he is a food influencer and writes about the restaurant industry for Eat App.

Reviewed by

Nezar Kadhem

Co-founder and CEO of Eat App

He is a regular speaker and panelist at industry events, contributing on topics such as digital transformation in the hospitality industry, revenue channel optimization and dine-in experience.

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