HOW TO START A FAST-FOOD RESTAURANT IN NIGERIA

It shouldn’t be a surprise to see most investors wanting to start a fast-food restaurant in Nigeria because a  Fast food restaurant business is one of the very lucrative busibusinesses in Nigeria as well as other countries and this is because food is a basic necessity of life and people, tired and hungry after a hectic day at work and who can’t also stand the stress of preparing their meals can easily walk into any fast food restaurant and get take-outs or would you even talk about those who are stuck in traffic after the days work.

They can quickly get out of their cars and walk down to any restaurant around to get something to eat. Not leaving out people whose work is quite a distance from their homes and they have to leave for work very early in the morning and because they may not be able to prepare something, they stop at a fast-food restaurant and get food for themselves.

The relevance of fast-food restaurants cannot be overemphasized and in this article, I would be discussed how to start a fast-food restaurant in Nigeria.

STEP 1; To start a fast-food restaurant in Nigeria, HAVE A BUSINESS PLAN.

This is the most crucial step when starting a business. This business plan would include a budget ( are you purchasing land? Are you buying a fast-food franchise?) If you are buying land, you are to put into consideration the price of the land, the cost of building, etc, and if it is a Fast food franchise, not just anyone but a well-known one you are to consider the cost of acquiring it.

Also, you would be considering the location which has to be accessible and comfortable, the design, sitting arrangements, entertainment/ relaxation facilities e.g; Air conditioners in different corners, Television set and very comfortable chairs.

After everything has been summed up, you would need to know how much capital is needed to kick-start. If you already have the capital ready you can begin but if you do not you can borrow from friends, family, or solicit loans.

STEP 2; To start a fast-food restaurant in Nigeria, ACQUIRE A LAND (IF YOU DO NOT HAVE IT)/ GET AN ARCHITECT/ CONTACT A BUILDER AND A CONTRACTOR/ BUILDING APPROVAL.

In this step, you should consider employing the services of a real estate agent whom you would give your requirements and budget and who would in turn work with it.

They would give you a list of suitable and available lands that go in line with your pocket. You would have to check the location of the lands, the electricity/ water supply, and other necessities and proceed to make your choice.

Then, you get an architect who would draw the building plan according to your taste and instructions. Getting a builder and a contractor is the next step.

The job of the builder is to duplicate whatever he sees on the Building plan. And it is necessary that you get a contractor who would help oversee the progress of the building and you can also visit regularly to monitor also.

After the architect has concluded the drafting or drawing of the house plan, he would need to submit the building plan approval. Then employ the services of a quantity surveyor to prepare the bill of quantities.

 If want to purchase a fast-food franchise instead, you can follow the brief steps below;

STEP 3; To start a fast-food restaurant in Nigeria, DO YOUR RESEARCH

This is a very important aspect to consider when starting a business. You would have to look up the laws governing the industry. Request a duplicate of the franchisor’s FDD( franchise disclosure document) and audit with your lawyer.

STEP 4; To start a fast-food restaurant in Nigeria, YOU WILL NEED FINANCIAL SUPPORT.

In this step, you might need a loan from banks and other financial institutions to do the business. Getting a loan in addition to what you already have in your pocket is preferable and safe.

Submitting your business plan alongside your loan application can make you secure a bank loan easier.

STEP 5; To start a fast-food restaurant in Nigeria, DO FRANCHISE RESEARCH/ PURCHASE.

After you must have checked the available fast food, pick the best and most flexible. Note that before purchasing it is pertinent that you understand the terms and conditions discussed with the franchisor.

STEP 6; To start a fast-food restaurant in Nigeria, LEGALIZE/REGISTER YOUR BUSINESS.

It is pertinent that you have your QSR registered with the AFFCON( Association of fast food and confectioners) in Nigeria.

STEP 7;  EMPLOY THE SERVICES OF SEASONED CHEFS AND WELL-CULTURED STAFF.

Good staff beef up the profile of restaurants. So, before employing any staff you must conduct a thorough interview, and look at their portfolios.

And for that the chef, you must make sure that he/she has a detailed experience. It is also important that you employ waiters and waitresses to make work easier.

STEP 8; PICK A STYLE OF SERVICE

 This requires that you know what type of food you will specialize in. Continental, intercontinental or local dishes. You might also want to add pastries and confectionaries. Make sure that you have a menu on the table with the list of available dishes.

As it is slightly stressful for a waitress or waiter to ask what a customer would have amidst listing the available dishes. Instead, the customer should pick, order, and enjoy.

STEP 9;  RUN DELIVERY SERVICES/ MARKETING STRATEGIES

Customers won’t always come to your outlet to buy food and to efficiently service customers in the comfort of their homes, offices, or wherever you have to make delivery services available and you can also make use of dispatch riders.

Note that you can print fliers and place them in every take-out pack. This is an efficient marketing strategy. Also, distributing this flier to your friends to place in their cars or homes is effective.

CONCLUSION; Fast foodfood business is lucrative as well as competitive. And food being a basic necessity of life also makes it a great business idea. So, making great meals and maintaining a healthy environment is paramount to the success of your fast food restaurant.