What I wish I knew before I opened my first restaurant.

“Babe lets sell the house, move out of the city and open a restaurant.”

My husband made this statement five years ago and without hesitation I agreed. Some said we were mad, others envied our willingness to take such a risk, few said we were making the right choice.

Five years on and my business mentor recently summarised our experience perfectly “Jill, what you are experiencing is an MBA on the run”. You see we didn’t just open one restaurant; we opened three in three years. We have succeeded and we have failed. We have had the elation of winning awards and being on television, to financial strain, debt and staff shortages. It’s fair to say it’s been a roller coaster ride but still we love it.

Recently, I struck up a conversation with a customer and she shared that she was thinking about buying a café. She asked my opinion and would I recommend it. I didn’t answer immediately but instead asked her a series of questions. In the end she answered her own question, and decided that it wasn’t the right choice. She is not the first to ask me that question. I reflected on our conversation for some time afterwards and it made me think about what I wish I had known before I opened my first restaurant. So on the anniversary of our decision, five years ago, here are the top five things I wish I had known

Cash flow.

I once read that revenue is ego, profit is sanity but cash is life. I agree with this statement one hundred percent. For the first few years we focused on our profit and loss statements without really understanding or managing our cash flow. We got into financial trouble and lost control of our cash. My advice, manage your cash from the beginning and don't lose sight of it. Know your numbers and make it your priority.

Hidden set up costs.

I really didn’t do my homework here. I was unaware of what costs were involved with things like council contracts, music licensing, payroll tax and many more. I thought we needed a liquor license a health inspection and off we go. Little did I know! My advice, know all the costs involved and have the right working capital put aside before you start.

Staff shortages.

This is an industry wide epidemic. In particular it is difficult to find qualified chefs who are passionate about what they do, and front of house Managers who have leadership capabilities. My advice, recruit carefully and plan to retain from the start. Understand that short term is long term in hospitality so always have a pipeline of talent in training for critical roles.

Don’t take it personally.

Yes people will criticise and write negative reviews. Some are warranted, we are human and make mistakes, and others however are in spite. This is difficult when you put all your hard earned money into your business and you work really hard to make it work. My advice, remember why you started in the first place and trust your instinct. Don’t let negative commentary from people who don’t understand what you do get you down. Remember the 80/20 rule and if you can satisfy 80% all the time you’re doing ok.

Get a mentor.

The best decision I made was to work with a mentor. My only regret was not doing it earlier. I started working with my mentor when things were at an all time low. My mentor is not a restaurateur but is very successful in business. He makes me accountable and guides my decision making particularly when my emotions get the better of me. My mentor does not tell me what to do but makes me think outside the square before making decisions. My advice, engage a mentor who can teach you new skills, who can share different experiences of success and learning’s and who makes you accountable. Do it now, don’t wait until business is bad.

About Jill:

Jill Henderson is a restaurateur and co-founder of The Winey Cow and Mi Mexiko restaurants in Mornington Victoria. She started working in hospitality over 20 years ago and built three restaurants in three years. Jill is on the Victorian State Council for the Restaurant & Catering Association, is a speaker and hands on in managing her venues.

Her first restaurant, The Winey Cow was awarded best Café Dining Vic/Tas in 2018, Café of the Year Vic/Tas in 2016 and a finalist for Australian Café of the Year 2016. She has been featured in the good food guide, local media and on Channel 9’s postcards.

A mum, Jill runs her restaurants alongside her husband and business partner Cam. Together they are passionate about their family, running profitable restaurants and about the hospitality industry.