Originally Posted by nwmtnbkr

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.