I applied for a restaurant license for our 2 room B&B right off the bat. I had, and still do have, thoughts of doing a weekend reservation -only breakfast for all comers, plus special occasion dinners. Having put that out there, we are located in a community of less than 300 people, in a county of about 4000, with one main lightly traveled highway stringing through it. When we re-modeled the place, I went down to the health dept (the inspector is also the department head, and is responsible for both food licenses, inspections and septic installation permits throughout the county. Everyone here wears several hats!) At any rate, I asked what we would need to do to satisfy restaurant requirements. We did what was required, got our license, and I make sure I keep it current, though it is presently underused. I think there is a market for what we would offer, as the only day-to-day restaurants here serve American diner food, straight from the Sysco delivery. To do anything else would be too labor intensive to support in an area that can barely keep a diner and full bar going. If we want something a cut above we have to (and many do) drive 30 miles one way or 45 miles the other way to places with larger populations. I think my idea will fly, and we can do it without having to hire out, but I will have to quit my day job, and I'm not quite ready to do that yet (I still really like it).
I don't think there is much of value to you in this story, other than there are so many different (and wonderful) ways of doing the hospitality business. When I was much younger, I worked in many kinds of restaurants, from pulling pints in pubs, to big city fine dining. If you can make your way in the restaurant business, it is very good experience for any occupation where good organization plus time management skills, and the ability to get along with many different personalities is a requirement. (That covers most occupations - don't you think?
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This forum is a god-send for those in the planning stages. Just keep reading the stories. Some will jump out at you with the lightbulb coming on, and another line will be written in your plan book. Keep thinking like a guest. Why do I want to come to your place. Is there ample and easy parking? Can I make my decision right now while I'm reading your website and book right away? What will I do while I'm there? Is vegetarian (gluten-free, whatever) OK, and will I enjoy something I don't have all the time at home?) Can I find the place easily? Is there ample and easy parking? (yep, that's there twice, your guests need to park. They need to be able to figure it out in just the few seconds it takes to see the place and pull in. They won't read, or probably even
see, signs. Your neighbors need to not be inconvenienced. If you don't get this right to begin with, it is nearly impossible to fix later)
My, what a ramble this has turned into. Our (one) guest is still sleeping away, and doesn't want breakfast (a first for that).
I just want to add that while we looked for the perfect property (there is no perfect, just the best compromise) that was in our price range, could be converted to B&B and in a place that we would like to live, we had the perfect excuse for many enjoyable road trips. We got to know many out of the way places in our state that we can now recommend to others who like quirky gems in out of the way places.
If you want to do this, keep asking questions, keep reading, and work out the plan that will work for you, it will come together. Several former aspirings in this forum have now been running their inns for some time now. Its great to read their posts along with everyone else's. We all keep learning, and sharing, and we're better innkeepers for it. You're part of the mix now. I hope to keep reading
your posts..
