¶ … businesses need a place to operate. In some business operations, customers have little concern for the physical location of the business. This is often true for service businesses, such as contractors offering trade services (plumbers, electricians). In other businesses, especially those where customers go to the business, the physical location and the building the business works from is important. Stores and restaurants are typical businesses where the customer visits the business location, and then buys while in the business's building.
To expand the local small coffee shop and restaurant, the physical building must be changed. The changes suggested include physical improvements to both the interior and exterior.
The Small Business Administration advises that "Strategic thinking is a process whereby you learn how to make your business vision a reality by developing your abilities in team work, problem solving, and critical thinking. It is also a tool to help you confront change, plan for and make transitions, and envision new possibilities and opportunities." (SBA) The owners of the business must develop a clear vision of the future of their small enterprise, and think strategically and critically what it will take to arrive at that future point.
The current restaurant is successful, offering its customers a small menu. The business is unique in that it offers its customers an artsy, unique ambience to enjoy while dining. The inviting atmosphere encourages customers to remain on the property, linger, and order extra food while enjoying...
This is one key of success, and it should not be tampered with or changed.
Before making any major changes to the building housing the business, a comprehensive business plan needs developed. The plan should update any previous plans, and incorporate current results, while developing the strategic plan of the restaurant. The new business plan should consider current revenues, profitability, and return on investment. It should also critically analyze the customer base and staffing. The plan should also provide a timeline for expansion of the building housing the business, and offer specific start and completion dates for each point in the plan.
Following review from the businesses supporting professionals, including the bank, CPA, attorney, and other professionals, the changed plan needs carefully carried out. As stated in the Hurdle Book, "For plans created to help run a business, their worth is measured by how much they help run a business -- or, in other words, their implementation." (Hurdle). Owners of this restaurant should use the new, updated plan as their primary management tool in handling the business.
Because the restaurant is open and running successfully, a customer base has been established. This customer base should be carefully surveyed to discover how the business can be expanded successfully. Obvious questions are "what other items should be added to the menu?" And "what changes would you make to the restaurant?" The survey should reveal how the existing customer base would likely…
