Originally Posted by
mx_599
Yes, thanks for everyone's advice.
To address some concerns. I fully realize my idea is not unique and has been done many times. I purposely have not looked into any of these places for fear of clouding my own original thought.
There certainly has to be a survey of all locations. Competition aside, you have to question if there is even a prime physical location available anymore.
It is not my intention to be so pompous to think I can upstart something like this anywhere I want without pissing people off, stepping on toes, or backlash. It is possible that there are no untapped locations left in the country. In this case, sometimes competing will be necessary if you really want to do something. Remember, as much as any of these places would like to think they own exclusive rights...they do not.
Competition is good. Unless Obamamessiah takes us down some irreversible course...competition will be good in the future as well.
There are a few things I have not mentioned and some things I have that would not work. You can't spread the business too thin. I also like health and wellness and might see how I could incorporate this.
There are multiple traps available to catch a mouse...which is best might be up for debate.
There are still many untapped areas, probably more out west than back east. Having worked on the east coast during my career, I can attest that there's more money in certain eastern cities. However, the established competition in those locations makes them a little less attractive for the type of start up you described. The food industry is brutal and the majority of eateries fail fairly soon. You'll need to research, research, research, especially if you'll be applying for a business loan. The biggest question is how much of a permanent sea change in consumer spending habits is occurring due to the devastating number of jobs lost in the US, which some economists predict will never be refilled.
Maybe you should evaluate resort areas, too. People may choose to eat out less often to cushion diminished incomes. However, those who can afford vacations will eat out while traveling. There are thousands of mountain resort communities in the west, and it's most western states, not just Colorado. I would suggest you include Idaho (Sandpoint is an awesome resort community in the Idaho panhandle), Washington, Oregon and Montana (if you can find property in the resort towns near Glacier--Glacier's visitor numbers were up last year--one that isn't too far way that may still be affordable is Eureka).
Good luck.