How to start a self-service fast food business

Entering a fast food restaurant is one of life’s pleasures for a large part of the population, but if it is self-service, you can’t ask for more.

Having a gastronomic offer that allows you to enjoy a varied menu, at an excellent price and with a sales modality in which you serve yourself is, without a doubt, a valuable offer that attracts many people.

Self-service fast food businesses have been driven by entrepreneurs who seek to provide fast, quality service to meet the needs of their customers.

But is it complicated to set up a self-service fast food restaurant?

Below, we will share the step-by-step approach that will get you started in the self-service fast food business.

What is a self-service restaurant?

Self-service is a service modality that is developed in a local or business, which allows you to enjoy a varied menu and consume it in that establishment or order it to go through the direct attention.

Unlike a conventional restaurant, in self-service the customer is the one who takes care of picking up the order at the counter. A fast, comfortable and simple process, which does not require the intervention of other staff such as waiters.

Steps to start a self-service fast food business

To get off to a good start in the self-service fast food business, it is necessary to plan the strategies that must be implemented to respond to the needs of the public, and thus achieve their preference.

The steps for setting up a self-service fast food business are:

1. Define the target audience.
2. Consider in your business aspects such as: the competition, location and access routes.
3. Establish the fast food self-service structure.
4. Having a small team of people trained to serve the self-service restaurant fast food.
5. To look for a supplier that provides the self-service fast food business with fresh and quality products for the preparation of the menu.
6. Establish forms of distribution that will allow you to provide a quality service adapted to the needs of the customers.
7. Develop a business plan that includes resources, objectives and scope of the project within the market.

Tips for a successful self-service fast food restaurant

After indicating the step by step to install a self-service fast food business, it is necessary to keep in mind some recommendations that will help you improve the service and achieve success in your restaurant.

The idea is to inspire you and do what is best for your business, according to your experience and knowledge in the sector.

Choose the best location

It’s one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make, because a good location will make it easier for customers to access your self-service fast food business.

Attract attention to your business

Implement strategies to give more visibility to your self-service fast food business, thus increasing the possibility of attracting more customers and gaining their recognition.

To attract the attention of your clients you can use: banners, outdoor signs and personalized tents that allow your business to stand out.

Offers innovative services

Offering an outstanding service in your self-service fast food restaurant is a strategy that will undoubtedly bring benefits to your business.

Studying each service process carefully will allow you to discover the real advantages for your customers.

The ability to order online, make payments via mobile applications and receive their orders at their doorstep are some of the benefits you can offer your customers.

Train your team

One of the most important aspects you should consider when setting up your self-service fast food restaurant is customer service.

Therefore, it is necessary to train your team so that they can attend to and satisfy the needs of the client in the best way, thus obtaining what the guests need.

Implement the security protocols

Due to the new reality, after the arrival of the Covid-19 pandemic, it is necessary to implement safety protocols that guarantee the prevention of this disease.

Among the actions that should drive your self-service fast food business are:

• Use of masks.
• Cleaning and disinfection of surfaces that have had contact with the customer after each use.
• Availability of disinfectant gel for clients and workers
• Use single-use disposable table linen.
• Use digital charts or blackboards that show the menu.
• Avoid the use of decorative elements on the tables.
• Respect the obligatory social distance.
• Encourage payment through electronic media or mobile applications.
• When making the delivery, the deliveries must be made without contact with the customer

Use quality products

Make sure you check the conditions of the products offered by your supplier, this way you will avoid the loss of quality when preparing the dishes on the menu and you will be able to offer your customers fresh and quality ingredients.

Advantages of the self-service fast food business

Among the most important advantages of installing a self-service fast food restaurant are

• Reduce costs.
• Provide autonomy.
• Fast service.
• Low cost in the menu price.

Disadvantages of the self-service fast food business

The disadvantages of having a self-service fast food business are

• Difficult for the customer to understand the concept of service.
• The customer must cover part of the service in the restaurant.
• Sense of disinterest.
• There is no differential treatment with customers.

Now that you know everything about setting up a self-service business, it’s your time. Do you dare to start up?