Business Plan Research

[chicagocubs]

It would be very difficult to exceed Chick Fil A. Not only are they a very well run business, but, they have a particular following here among many evangelicals since it is essentially Christian-based.

We have a zillion restaurants here in Charlotte. I cannot think of any segment that is lacking. Having said that, many independents are going out of business under the pressure of the chains that have a lot more resources and more ability to buy in bulk, thus lowering their prices. Recently, a guy that had a hot dog cart in front of a corporate building had to go elsewhere due to low sales. The only areas of the big restaurant chains that are growing are the dollar menus and/or the $5.00 specials as another poster stated. Your price point of $8.00 is too high for this market and unless your product is especially unique, you probably would not get the traffic that you want/need to keep the store viable.

[FrankTheTank2]

UNCC is opening an new Student Union. I think there is a Wendey's already moving in, not sure about other places.

[sophialee]

Honestly I think you'd be hard pressed to start off doing 300-500 covers per day at $8.00 per check anywhere until you've established your business. Most will lose money at least the first year. Unless you can afford to do this, I personally wouldn't do it right now. JMO.

I mean, is that what you are shooting for right away? Or two years or so down the road?

[soon2binNc]

Especially regarding the location.

Frank - Thanks for the UNCC student union that might be an ideal situation but they are opening soon so may be booked. What is your opinion of the university area I have read such extremes ?

njmd - by market leader I meant that Chick fil-a ia a leader in the fast / casual food court space not that they are direct product competition. I would not go beak to beak with them and definitely not Prices.

I mis-typed when I said could exceed Chick. (have to lay off the crack) A solid food court Chick. store does about 1.3, I think it is possible to get in the .9 - 1.1 arena.

Belle - Yes you can find a "complete meal" for around $5.00 ... if burger, fries and a coke constitutes a "complete meal" that are advertised nationally. But that is the lowest quality at the lowest price... my target market is not the mass market. the new kfc grill is a low price point and a better product but still mass produced for the mass market.

Sophia - Obviously I would not do 300-500 covers immediately ! Unrealistic expectations and underfunding are the 2 biggest killers. 400 - 500 is max output for the footprint and staffing. I would be happy to start with 50 covers a day with slow exponential growth until it reached a stabilized sales range.

I appreciate all the responses and welcome more ... especially regarding the location question. If I am able to pull it off you all get an invite to the Grand Opening !


B.

[PEOPLESCHAMP]

Save your money..for a rainy day...dont do it