Couldn't have said it more strongly, but that's what I meant by KISS keep it simple stupid. If I do it again it will be all paper, no dishes, dishwasher, just a big garbage drum for trash. No waitresses ether. No highly skilled employees, find a good one and teach him/her pay a little more than the others. Teach them the basics of smoking your way, not theirs, it's your money on the line. I had a few chefs try and tell me what/ how do things and told them "when you pay the bills you can do anything you want"
Right now my SIL is working at a BBQ place just helping out in ST. George UT. It had a few partners, BAD. I guess some were just investors with the money, no knowledge, MISTAKE. They are begging her to take over the place, after 7 months, (and the bills.) She does the books, makes the desserts, and say's no way. They were paying an employee almost $3,000 a month for who knows what, while she wasn't getting paid, maybe a friend or relative. They also invested I think about $30,000 dollars for a fryer and hood system to just add fried catfish and FF, STUPID.
When she demanded a paycheck it bounced. She is staying till the end of the month, and I guess they are closing down.
When someone has money or knows someone that does and gets in the business, that is the wrong thing to do. Failure rates are some of the highest for restaurants. We had a Quisnos here that lasted less than 6 months, sad. Somebody lost their ***.
The reason I'm so confident if I start a BBQ is if I could survive 8 years with tons of competition in the rib bussiness in a town of 3,500 with a tourist season of 10 weeks, and high overhead I should be able to do it in a populated area. I am proud to have lasted 8 years, especially with the
recession of the 80's.
You need to know your market, overhead, and know your menu mix, a small menu is better than a big one, do a few things outstanding, that's all you need.
Off my soap box for now, lol.
While I encourage people to be thier own boss I also caution them to do their homework. It may take some time and money, but may save their A S S in the long run.
As usual, just MHO.