Project Based Learning: Restaurant Design

Essential Question How do the academic skills you acquire in language arts, math, and social studies prepare you for the real-life experience of owning and operating a small business?

The Task You will work as a group to design and operate a new restaurant Each group member will have one (or more) of the following primary job responsibilities: Owner Architect Manager Chef Designer Marketing Consultant

Job Responsibilities Owner – locate and ‘purchase’ real estate, apply for business license, maintain budget Architect – design blueprint, assist in selecting furnishings and restaurant décor Manager – hire staff for the restaurant, select uniforms, create a help-wanted ad to attract employees Chef – create a menu, work with the designer to furnish the kitchen Designer – carry out the theme of the restaurant through selecting furnishings and décor Marketing Consultant – produce a commercial and design print advertisements to promote your restaurant

Congratulations! Your group has been given a budget of $1,500,000 and has been challenged to open a new restaurant. You will work very hard these next few weeks to bring your ideas to light and make your business dreams a reality. How will you encourage people to give your restaurant a try?

First Steps Think of a CONCEPT. A concept gives potential customers an idea of what to expect when they dine at your restaurant. It will drive your decisions about location, menu, hours of operation, etc. When thinking about a concept, consider the type of cuisine you will serve. Does your food match your overall theme?

Decide on the Cuisine Will you specialize in the food you offer? Will you serve ethnic food, fast food, gourmet coffee, or comfort food?

Cuisine Continued Think of the people who live in your community. What cuisine might they find most interesting? Inspiring? Flavorful? What culture do you want to represent in your restaurant menu, atmosphere, design and style?

Determine Your Target Market Before you open your restaurant, you will need to decide on a target market. Who are you trying to encourage to eat at your restaurant? Will you try to attract business executives, couples, or families with children? You must also set appropriate price points for your menu items.

Decide on an Operational Strategy Your restaurant will most likely fall into one of these basic service categories: Fine Dining Casual Dining Fast Casual Quick Service

Fine Dining Fine dining restaurants provide a high perceived value for their guests Defined by white tablecloths and beautiful décor Pleasant atmosphere Renowned chefs Exceptional service Specialized, pricey dishes

Casual Dining Offers full table service that is more upscale than fast-casual restaurants More affordable than fine dining restaurants Appeals to a wide customer base and are usually family-friendly

Fast Casual Also known as quick casual and limited service Typically perceived to offer better food quality and improved service over fast food restaurants Menus tend to be less extensive but also less expensive than casual dining restaurants

Quick Serve Make a business of convenience and speed of service Typically have simple décor, inexpensive food items and fast counter service Most fast food restaurants fall into this category

Additional Considerations Layout of your restaurant Employees Type of service Take-out Delivery Catering

Atmosphere Lighting - Dim and cozy? Bright and cheerful? Lots of windows? Seating - Booths? Intimate tables? Picnic Tables? Benches? Flooring - Wood? Tile? Carpet? Wall finish - Paint? Wallpaper? Showcase of sport memorabilia? Music – Live? Recorded? Décor- Plants? Paintings? Advertisements?

What about employees? Uniforms Training Quantity Shifts Wages

Name & Logo What will your restaurant be named? Name should match theme Ex: Taco Bell (serves tacos, burritos, nachos, etc) Ex: Chick-fil-a (serves chicken biscuits, chicken sandwiches, chicken salad, etc.) What will be the design of your logo? How will it be used to promote your business?

Restaurants Examine the following slides Can you determine each restaurant’s theme? What kind of atmosphere do you detect? What kind of food do they serve? Who is the target market? How much would you expect to pay for a meal? Would you choose to eat there?

Dewey Destin’s, Destin Florida

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse

McDonald’s

IHOP

The Challenge Owning and operating a business requires the ability to make wise decisions. Your group will be given a variety of materials and resources to guide you in this process. Use the materials, resources, and your time wisely! Each group member has a specific responsibility, but you will work collectively to complete this challenge. Your challenge will culminate with a project presentation and ‘tasting’ event for teachers, administrators and parents. Good Luck!

Project Requirements Include: Brainstorm sheet Real Estate activity sheet GABA application An original logo Restaurant blueprint Food activity sheet Complete menu Commercial and print advertising Documentation of purchases An item from your menu prepared for our “tasting” event

Credits and Resources: www.familyconsumersciences.com http://moneyinstructor.com/docs/pdf/checkspage.pdf http://moneyinstructor.com/docs/pdf/wsbasicregister.pdf