You're close to realizing your dream of opening your own restaurant. You have the space and designed it to be a cozy and inviting eatery. You've hired key staff and are working on a marketing plan. Now it's time to finalize your menu and put those items of yours into a detailed menu that will communicate your passion for food to your guests and entice them to try your culinary offerings again and again. How do you do this? We've broken it down into key decisions you need to make as you are developing your menu.

Deciding to open a bar is a big decision. It’s likely the realization of a life-long dream. As exciting as this time can be, it's important to plan carefully. Your success will depend on it. To make things easier, we've put together a brief tutorial on the steps you need to take when opening a bar from scratch.

Owning your own company means being your own boss. Not only do business owners get to choose their professional path—they get to determine the direction of their company as a whole. Many would say that becoming a small business owner is the epitome of the American Dream.

If you want to be a business owner, where do you start? Here’s some advice and a few tips on how to start your own business, no matter what type of business you are trying to start.

Technology has changed the way we do business. A physical space or storefront is no longer a requirement to run your business. Now, more than ever, having a solid, engaging, professional website is of the utmost importance.  

Small businesses are uniquely positioned to take advantage of this new reality if they put the effort in. But it takes more than a great website. If you’re looking for a proven way to grow your small business, you should have a blog on your website.

The food truck trend represents one of the most exciting developments in the culinary industry. These compact dining establishments bring a variety of enticing flavors to locations in which such cuisine might not otherwise be available. Consumers benefit from convenient access to numerous culinary styles, while restaurant owners are able to expand business flexibility and minimize the costs associated with traditional brick-and-mortar locations.

The need for Food Service Managers is estimated to grow by 9 percent through 2026. If you desire to join this industry’s growth by running your own business, consider the Johnson & Wales University’s online Food & Beverage Entrepreneurship bachelor degree.

After graduating from Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Angelo Pitassi ’03 MBA started two businesses—an e-commerce company focused on meeting needs of Rhode Island’s jewelry manufacturing industry and a consumer-focused health technology company that was inspired by his youngest son’s diagnosis with type-one diabetes.

Do you have a great idea that could turn into a small business? Take a look at some do’s and don’ts to start up and stick to your concept courtesy of some top publications.

Trust Your Gut

Don’t let your great ideas pass you by. If you want to go out and start something, do it!

Do What You know

Although you may have a great idea for an app, make sure that’s your expertise before you jump in head first. If it’s not your industry, find someone who’s an expert to help get your concept off the ground.

Businesses seeking growth often look to add-ons to help increase their average ticket sales. On a drive through of your favorite burger joint, you’ve probably heard, “Would you like fries with that?” In how many other situations have you been asked if you would like to add an item or make an upgrade?

If you have not considered how you can maximize sales for your own business, there is no time like the present to begin. Here are four ways you can grow your business at the point of sale: