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"Gangs" a la Crips and Bloods do not exist in NC. I'm sure there are "groups of kids" in any high school who make trouble, but it's not what you're thinking of from SoCal.
Chapel Hill does indeed have the best schools (University kids, ya know) and along with it, the highest cost of living in NC.
Finding a rental that takes pets is not a no-brainer, but I'm sure is possible.
Really, the East Coast is not at all like SoCal, particular the Southeast...have you ever been to this area to get a feel for the culture? It's quite different. The restaurant scene is certainly growing in the Triangle and Durham has been known as a Food Town for quite some time.
What kind of restaurants, I guess, is the main question. Would they be three of the same thing or three separate experiences? I'm sure you're aware how high the failure rate is for any restaurant business--what is your background running them?
I've driven through North Carolina, and lived in NJ and Florida for brief stints. We're going out next week to get a feel for the area. We won't develop a menu until we decide on the area to which we're moving. We'll make that decision in a few weeks.
Yes, restaurant failure is high. We have our own notions for why most restaurants fail and a plan to overcome those, plus wiggle room for those things we don't anticipate. We've been involved for over twenty five years in the restaurant industry and functioned in operations, menu development, many (many) openings from construction through opening day, marketing, and finance. The only reason why we wouldn't take this step is fear of failure.
Thank you for your insight. I really appreciate advice.
As it relates to your home purchase, I am assuming you are prepared to pay cash for your house, as I can't imagine getting mortgage approval with either no job or a job that is a newly self-employed restaurant owner. I'm sure you have a plan but mention the obvious just in case.
Timing is key. Buy before giving up paycheck, or rent until the restaurant has consistent cash flows. Thank you for your insight.
My husband and I are moving from Orange County in Southern California to open restaurants - ideally three to five. California is a difficult state to do business in and as small business owner, we don't want to take the risk. In our search for a business friendly state, we came upon North Carolina, Virginia and Texas. We further narrowed down our options to specific regions - the Triangle being one of them. I'm looking for opinions for where we should tour when we fly out there next week.
Along those lines, at the opening ceremony of a new facility my employer built, the mayor of Santa Monica said "We're definitely business friendly in Santa Monica, just not business easy..."
However, what is crime really like in Chapel Hill? I've read a few posts about gang related activity there. I know that all areas have crime, and if you're not part of those activities, then you're not likely to have issues. I see maps where LA and OC have horrible gang related activity - but honestly, we live in a community where I NEVER see anything remotely related to gangs and crime. This is affectionately referred to as "living behind the orange curtain". Perhaps it's the same phenomenon in Chapel Hill...?
I'm familiar with both areas. Regarding crime, I did find that although L.A. has some horrendous areas, it seems to be more contained than what you might find in Raleigh. Despite the fact that Cary is a decent area, you might find many rough looking people roaming the mall. I also would never assume you won't be affected if you're not involved. I've been held up twice in my life: once in North Raleigh and once near Beverly Hills around Rodeo Drive...
Anyway, perhaps you have suggestions for locations where restaurants do well and where is a good place for us consider living. Thank you in advance - I've been reading posts for a few weeks now and look forward to hearing from you.
I'm not in the restaurant business, but I wouldn't necessarily count on "all else being equal" except lower operating costs. Raleigh's food selection is pretty sparse compared to what you'll be used to, and is dominated by large, bland chains. There could be a number of factors; density, local tastes (or lack thereof haha), I would hesitate to speculate.
Probably depends on what kind of restaurants...make sure you serve heaps of potatoes...
I like the heaps of potatoes. It will be probably be a restaurant that focuses on the meat ,with which potatoes are perfect. Unless, of course, the market doesn't like meat. Then we will give the market what the market demands.
I like the heaps of potatoes. It will be probably be a restaurant that focuses on the meat ,with which potatoes are perfect. Unless, of course, the market doesn't like meat. Then we will give the market what the market demands.
Just fyi because you're new here, the potato thing is a running joke in the RDU forums ever since a transplant started a thread complaining that we don't know anything about anything -- especially potatoes.
With that said, your restaurant better be full of potatoes and I better be able to pour gallons of ranch dressing on everything while guzzling down my kiddie pool size glass of sweet tea. Because, 'murica.
Just fyi because you're new here, the potato thing is a running joke in the RDU forums ever since a transplant started a thread complaining that we don't know anything about anything -- especially potatoes.
With that said, your restaurant better be full of potatoes and I better be able to pour gallons of ranch dressing on everything while guzzling down my kiddie pool size glass of sweet tea. Because, 'murica.
That's funny. I've lived in enough areas (Nor Cal, So Cal, St. Louis, Naperville, Miami Beach, New Jersey) to respect the differences and never behave like one area is superior to another. Except that all are better than NJ - just my humble opinion . And I'm married to a NJ native.
That's funny. I've lived in enough areas (Nor Cal, So Cal, St. Louis, Naperville, Miami Beach, New Jersey) to respect the differences and never behave like one area is superior to another. Except that all are better than NJ - just my humble opinion . And I'm married to a NJ native.
Sounds like you've never ventured off the NJTP. NJ is a beautiful state with lots to offer. What kills it aside from crooked pols is the lousy weather and insanely high prop taxes.
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. And I'm married to a NJ native.
