Restaurant Development

Leisure Business Advisors (LBA) specializes in providing the feasibility study, which is the first step in the development process. An independent expert usually prepares this study and it is generally required by  financing institutions or investors. 

The study evaluates potential markets and projects the number of customers by applying market penetration rates to the market segments. These rates are influenced by the quality of the market segments, competition, and the experience of comparable facilities elsewhere.

The study also projects potential financial performance and provides guidance on the maximum development costs that would allow an acceptable return-on-investment to investors.  For more details on the feasibility study process, click here. 

John Gerner, our managing director, conducted a feasibility study for a Dick Clark's American Bandstand restaurant in Florida, and for other restaurants in Pennsylvania, Alabama, Iowa, and Bermuda. He evaluated a new restaurant concept for Marriott Corporation and rated foodservice concessionaires for the Cincinnati Zoo.

Je Depew, Senior Associate and LBA's restaurant specialist, has extensive experience. She owns Jumpin J’s in Richmond, Virginia, which was highlighted in a recent Richmond Magazine article on best new restaurants. 

Previously, she was the General Manager and Controller for Azzurro Restaurant Corporation. Her duties included managing the $2 million restaurant in Richmond and developing its catering business. 

Before this, she served as General Manager of the Hope and Glory Inn in Irvington, Virginia. She directed the development of the Inn’s sister restaurant, the Trick Dog Café, from the construction phase through opening.  Both the Hope and Glory Inn and Trick Dog Café have received national recognition from Coastal Living and the American and European editions of Travel and Leisure.

Previously, she was an Event and Catering Specialist. At that time, she managed a variety of catering events, including those in the private gardens of the Vatican, team events for the Miami Dolphins, and barbeque outings on Hilton Head Island for Time-Warner. Budgets ranged up to half a million dollars. Before this, she served as a catering manager at Marriott for many years.

We pride ourselves on prompt service and typically respond within a day. We are also sensitive to time constraints. If needed, assignments can be accelerated for an extra fee. Our standard fee includes travel costs and all out-of-pocket expenses, so there are no unknown charges. Click here to contact us for more information.

Copyright @2005 Leisure Business Advisors LLC and its licensors.