Location Transport - How important is location in opening a restaurant?

How important is location in opening a restaurant?

How important is location in opening up a restaurant? Can a small restaurant in an out of the way location be just as successful as a restaurant in a strongly populated (pedestrian traffic and auto traffic) location? How do either locations affect marketing dollars. Thank you

Public Comments

VERY MUCH SO
If you advertise the remote location as part of what makes the restaurant magical, it can be a PLUS
location, location, location. location is key and it is everything
You have to find a place with good reputation and a good environmeny. Also a place that there isn't any bandalism.
Very important,as they say,location,location,location.
Very important, but quality of food is equally important.
Probably the biggest factor of all.
I would say that location is very important. The more people see your restaurant, the less money you have to spend on advertising.
Location is very important. Corner streets are good.
it's extremely important.
There are 3 answers to your question a = location b= location c= location Go get the right location very important. Once you are built up and have a great rep then you can think of moving out.
It is vital You need to know if your surrounding market wants the product/service you are providing!
Yes, but word of mouth is very important also
Location is very important
Location is huge ! If your restaurant is out of the way and inconvenient to get to then people will say, "Oh, how about such in such?" "No, that is just too far out of the way. How about yadda yadda since its just right there?"
Yeah it is important , if you consider the type of resurant and the area. For example , you won't want to put a 2 michellin star , pucker resturant in the middle of slough , or somewhere where shootings and murders happen regulary. :)
very... unless you already have a reputation in the area to where people will make the drive, you can be a more successful restaurant that is crappy and in a great location, as opposed to awesome food and service in the the middle of nowhere
location is everything. You have to be very special indeed to open and make it in an out of the way local as you will not get any foot traffic at all. They will have to want to come there for your food- are you that special.
There are a few factors to consider: - Is it the first branch? - Is it out of the way but within a touristic area, next to a hotel, close to a big firm? - What's the marketing budget? Basically remote restaurants can be charming and become successful thanks to word of mouth, but if you can't take the risk, then opening your first branch in a populated area would be a better choice.
I think its a gamble and would have to have something very special about it , and then if its out of the way one person cant drink because of driving plus they would have to advertise heavily.I also think the diners would tend to stay at the restaurant all night , and still spend the same amount of money as the would if they only stayed for a couple of hours Where as a town restaurant can get away with not so good food , as you have walks ins and many more potential diners ,who only stay for the meal because there are other pubs and clubs in the area , that way there is a chance to fill the table again .
For me I say location is second to Food. If the food sucks it doesn't matter where you are located you will go out of business. My husband and I go to and seek out a few whole in the wall places in our area because of their great food. One of our favs is completely packed by 10:30-11 for lunch. Have great food and they will come. Word gets around.
Location is crucial. The more difficult to get to, the fewer customers you'll get. Some, but certainly not all, small restaurants in out of the way areas are just as successful but the reasons are that the owner has several compensating factors that are not limited to: Stellar food and service A lot of referrals from family, friends, and associates A large portion of money spent on advertising Easy parking or public transportation stops nearby Great reviews that are also heavily promoted/advertised to the public The better the location, the less likely you'll have to spend a huge amount on advertising. The more out of the way location will have difficulty getting the heavy traffic that you'd find in a downtown area and will need to advertise fairly heavily.
For fast food location is everything....... On the other hand some of the most successful restaurants here in my city are actually a little off the beaten path.... Theres this restaurant called The Spaghetti Warehouse in Syracuse NY..... Its on a side street across from a power substation on a rarely traveled street and they have been laughing all the way to the bank for years.... Sometimes all you need is good food and an excellent marketing plan and you will make money no matter what the location is!..... As long as its near highways and its in a relatively safe area of town money can be made.....