Do you have the right skillset to run a management restaurant franchise?

Restaurant entrepreneur and co-founder of Döner Shack, Sanjeev Sanghera, outlines the skills you need to master if you are looking to pursue a management restaurant franchise opportunity

Investing in a management franchise means you will start your business with a team in place to deliver the day-to-day activities whilst you manage that team. In some instances, franchise owners have other business interests, such as multiple franchises, and hire a manager to run the franchise on their behalf so that they can work ‘on’ the business at a strategic level.

Restaurant entrepreneur and co-founder and managing director of Döner Shack, Sanjeev Sanghera, outlines below the skills you need to master if you are looking to pursue a management restaurant franchise opportunity.

As a franchisor, we search for individuals with good communications skills, self-motivation, plus a track record of staff management skills and the ability to self-manage. But most importantly, we look for the right attitude as this fosters a mindset and workplace culture that fuels greater success and achievement. With over 25 years of experience in the restaurant industry, I have learned that staying positive, even when setbacks arise, is key to moving forward and pushing through. This applies to franchisees - a positive mindset can help you reach your goals and targets in a much shorter period of time, and with better end results.

Prior to investing in a franchise, prospects should assess whether their skills and interests match those required to manage the franchise brand. They also need to look at the franchisor’s operating system behind the brand to ensure it is robust and scalable, otherwise they might struggle to grow at the rate they want and control the business. When buying a franchise, it is important to remember that you are not just buying a brand but an operating system that goes with it.

· Good leadership
Strong leadership skills and the ability to nurture a team-oriented environment will help you excel in franchising. You will either need experience in leading people or have the necessary leadership skills, such as communication and empathy, to lead and motivate the people in your franchise.

· Hiring the right talent
When it comes to a management franchise, experience in the industry or service you opt to invest in isn’t necessarily a prerequisite for success. Therefore, recruiting the right team of people to deliver your service or produce your product is crucial. Seeking out talented candidates who are a good fit for the restaurant’s clientele, concept and team are crucial.

· Problem-solving
Problem-solving skills play an important role in the restaurant manager position. If you can communicate clearly and build a sense of team spirit, you’ll likely reduce the number of conflicts in your restaurant. Keeping a cool head, listening to both sides and negotiating a fair solution is key, It is important that a restaurant manager be able to think on their feet and take the right action to solve the problem quickly.

· Strong communication skills
Clear communication is a big part of being an effective leader and is especially important in restaurants, where the pace is quick and stress levels can run high. If you are able to communicate concisely to your staff operating the restaurant, this will help them run the business smoothly and more efficiently. Having strong communication skills, tact and diplomacy will make your job easier and help your business thrive.

· Money management
One of the most challenging aspects of running a restaurant is managing the finances and making sure they are in order. Money management will be essential, and without careful management, you could find yourself in financial trouble which can lead to your restaurant going out of business.

· Project management
Project management skills are critical in restaurant franchising and are necessary if you are to successfully run a project from start to finish – from choosing a new site to organising a fit-out and then a grand opening. You will also need to be proficient in managing budgets so you can set your financial goals and targets, as well as scrutinise how you are operating and what systems or changes you need to put into place to increase your bottom line.

· Strategic planning
One of the key attributes of a management model franchise is the opportunity for large-scale growth. But, when taking into consideration the additional resources this requires, you’ll need to invest time into constantly reviewing and revisiting your growth strategy.

· Follow a system
One of the most important factors of operating a management franchise is to be prepared to follow the franchise model and maintain the brand identity. You must be willing to learn and follow the franchisor’s business plan to successfully duplicate the proven process. Being business savvy includes a willingness to learn so if you are someone who thinks they already know it all, then a franchise will not work for you.

At Döner Shack, our network is made up of management franchisees who choose to take a step back and let someone else handle the day-to-day activities. While there is no set path to becoming a management franchisee, having an aptitude for client handling, listening, strategic planning, business analysis and team building are all key for success. For those business owners looking for more autonomy and opportunities for long-lasting financial gain, then a management franchise could be the perfect venture.