Here are a few things I have learned in the 10 years I have been open. In no particular order.
We all will pay a “Fools Tax” at some point. Learn from it and carry on.
When it comes to equipment put wheels on everything you can. It makes the deep cleaning of the store much easier.
If you bend the rules even one time, be it for the staff or a customer, you have effectively changed the rules. You will be held to the new rules.
When you give a raise it should be for how staff is currently doing the job and not as a carrot to get them to do a better job. It won’t happen.
Your food service vender is not always the cheapest and best place to purchase the items you require.
You must be aware of your costs at all times. Missing an increase in the cost of supplies can be a hard hit to the bottom line.
Don’t be affraid to raise your prices when your costs go up. Customers will notice but for the most part they will accept the increase without too many complaints.
Take time to network with people in you community. It is easier to spend money in a place where you know the owner.
Make time to go to food shows. There is a wealth of information that is shared by venders as well as other owners.
Success will follow when you work hard and be nice to people.