Ask Me Help Desk - Restaurant investors

I have started a Greek catering business/Restaurant which also sells Greek Pastries. I presently am selling my products at local markets and working out of a rented kitchen. I did not realize the response I would receive and did not realize how big of a demand there is for the products in which I sell. I sell out ever time and I can not keep up with the demand.the problem I am having is people want to know where I am located and they have been wanting a great greek food restaurant in the Portland Oregon area. I come from Chicago and I know the possibilities out on the west coast are endless especially with the population expecting to increase by 1.2 million by 2010. So my question is where would I begin to find an investor or venture group willing to listen and how do I approach an investor to help fund and back opening a restaurant & location and do it right from the beginning. Thanks in advance for your answers

Kollette

Have you looked into a direct loan, and if that fails a small business adm loan.

Sadly restaurants are amount the highest failure rates in small business.
About 80 to 90 percent fail by their second year, so investors are harder to find, But if you show your current customer base, and have a good business plan written up, you will have a much better chance.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kollette

I have started a Greek catering business/Restaurant which also sells Greek Pastries. I presently am selling my products at local markets and working out of a rented kitchen. i did not realize the response i would receive and did not realize how big of a demand there is for the products in which i sell. I sell out ever time and i can not keep up with the demand.the problem i am having is people want to know where i am located and they have been wanting a great greek food restaurant in the Portland Oregon area. I come from Chicago and I know the possibilities out on the west coast are endless especially with the population expecting to increase by 1.2 million by 2010. So my question is where would i begin to find an investor or venture group willing to listen and how do i approach an investor to help fund and back opening a restaurant & location and do it right from the beginning. Thanks in advance for your answers

Kollette

The single most important move you can make is to find the 'rarified true consultant', in the risky, subjective and tumultuous restaurant business - even if you are doing a franchise or fast-food. I have found Invest Dining Solutions through some serious contacts I made by networking in the industry. It is based in New York City. Anyone without any past experience, or for everyone who is currently flailing, there is no other option if you plan to stay in business or be in business in the near future.
Everyone is looking for, restaurant investors, so it takes seed capital from you/friends and family to approach IDS to develop a business model and concept in order to have any chance from the beginning.