People are always going to need prepared food, and even people who love fine dining need food on the go from time to time. From quick lunches to those nights when people just don’t feel like cooking, sometimes a sandwich is exactly what the doctor—or at least the doctor’s schedule—ordered.
For that reason, the sandwich shop is still a popular place for busy people and foodies alike. That doesn’t mean, however, that running a sandwich shop is easy and customers will knock your door down with orders. Use this guide to learn more about opening a sandwich shop for the first time.
You’ll Want Business Skills
More than anything else, efficiently running a sandwich shop is about things like ordering food on time, handling advertising, and making sure you have money available for things like payroll. Like any other small business, having some knowledge of how these things work will really benefit you.
If you’re considering a franchise opportunity, even if you’ve never owned your own business before, having a solid business background can help. You may still face a few bumps in the road since you’ll be running a different type of business, but strong fundamental knowledge can help you get through the more confusing times.
You’ll Need Help
Even if you have years of business experience, opening a sandwich shop is likely a completely different ballgame for you. After all, the food service industry has unique demands and concerns that even savvy small business owners may not know about when they get started.
Since you’re going to need employees to help you in your sandwich shop, one of the best things you can do is to hire a manager that comes from the food service industry. Whether you’re hiring somebody who has managed a chain restaurant or a smaller mom and pop style shop, having somebody who knows the ins and outs of food service can make your life a lot easier.
Handling basics like making sure you have enough lettuce and bread for your sandwiches will also be considerably easier. After all, ordering food for a sandwich shop based on sales and expected needs is something of an art. And don’t forget the help and support of the franchisor! The franchisor will be there to help you out from the moment you open your shop.
The Customer Is Always Right
“The customer is always right” is one of those old adages that you don’t hear much anymore. With Amazon and other global companies seemingly taking over every market, the customer and the seller are often so far apart that a real conversation never even takes place.
When you’re running a sandwich shop, though, you’ll be talking one-on-one with customers on a daily basis. At the very least, your employees will interface with multiple clients each and every day if you’re going to stay in business.
As a rule, the customer is always right in such food-based, service-oriented businesses. Adopt this policy and you’ll likely find you have more repeat customers and a growing business—even if you do have to take back a sandwich every now and then.
Invest in a Jon Smith Subs Franchise
Opening a sandwich shop can be a trying experience if you’ve never been in the food service business before. However, if you love people and enjoy the thought of your own service-based business, the day-to-day issues won’t be anything compared to the joy of financial independence and doing a job you love.
Once you overcome the hurdles, you’ll find that opening a sandwich shop might be the best thing you ever did for yourself. Interested in learning more? Contact us today to find out how you can open up your own Jon Smith Subs franchise!
