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Should I start a restaurant business or an online business?

How would someone start a business (restaurant) in China?

  • I've been interested in awhile about starting a business (a restaurant) in China. (not anytime soon; need to go to school first, but I think it's important to have ideas now and build on them) How would one go about it? Especially if you are not rich and don't know anyone who is... Would majoring in International Studies/Business help even if you don't have the money to start a business. Where would one get the money to start a business; especially one in another country?

  • Answer:

    Opening a restaurant is never an easy thing - many people seriously underestimate how difficult it can be to open a restaurant. But anyway, let's assume he did something similar in the past and knows what he is talking about. For starters... DO NOT make a menu that sells chinese and non chinese Food together. Especially not if you are after Foreigners. ( I am talking Europeans, Americans and such, not HK chinese and Asians) They either want Western or chinese Food and choose their Restaurant based on that. It also is a logistical nightmare. The concept & menu should be based on the location you are at. Look at what is missing in this place and come up with a concept matching that need. The less people need to travel for good food the more they come back. Especially at first. Once you are established that is a bit of a different story. Once he has a possible location, drafted a business plan and such he can then look at business partners. If it is his 1 venture into China I would strongly recommend getting a local partner or a foreigner who has done something like this before. This due to all the rules & regulations, such as Hygiene Office, Hygiene License and other fun stuff. There is lots of that and they start to take it more serious. Without knowing anything about size / concept / location it is hard to look at a lump sum he should have ready. If he can take over a existing location it will be cheaper than starting from scratch. I am more than happy to provide more answers if he has any specific questions. One thing is for sure though. Opening a new Restaurant in Shanghai is not easy. And it will be expensive and nerve racking. Maybe get him to come work here for a few months in a place before he decides to invest all his savings.

Jaehyun at Yahoo! Answers Visit the source

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Not necessary to major in business, although it would be helpful in giving you some background knowledge. Since you are interested in the food business, ultimately leading to a restaurant, work through your current contacts (friends or family) and see if you can get some financial help to start something small but related first, such as catering or selling your own baked food. This is a low-cost start-up and requires minimal capital to start, but hones your skills and knowledge about the food business. Then start accumulating your own capital from there and also experience and knowledge with the food business. Meanwhile, keep talking to people in the China restaurant business about the challenges and also issues involved in running a restaurant in China. Find out online about the rules and regulations in China governing the restaurant business. Soon, when you graduate, you should be ready in terms of knowledge, contacts, some capital and reputation (from your previous food businesses) to start a restaurant.

CuriousQuestioner

you need money and human ressource and know well about china

THOMAS

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