In this interview, we explore the journey of a passionate entrepreneur who turned a concept into a thriving restaurant and bar. Despite facing significant challenges and costs, the business has grown into a multifaceted establishment offering dining, fast food, desserts, and a bustling bar. Central to this success has been the use of Loyverse POS, a point-of-sale system that has streamlined operations, improved efficiency, and supported the business through its growth. Here, the owner shares insights on their business management philosophy, the benefits of Loyverse POS, and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Business Background

When my partner and I embarked on this journey, we knew we were diving into something big. It all started with an idea that took two years to materialize. The journey from concept to reality was challenging and expensive—far more than we initially anticipated. What we originally budgeted at 50 million to 65 million CFA quickly escalated to around 400 million CFA. The scale of the business grew beyond our initial expectations.

We opened our business on February 13, 2014, offering not just a restaurant but also an ice cream parlor and fast food outlet—all combined under one roof. Before this venture, I had dabbled in a few other businesses, but it wasn’t until 2016 that I discovered Loyverse POS. While researching better ways to manage operations, I came across Loyverse through a Google search and decided to implement it in our existing business. Since then, Loyverse has become an essential part of how we run things, and we’re planning to expand its use to our larger bar upstairs in the coming weeks.

Business Management Philosophy

Managing a business, especially one in the F&B sector requires a clear philosophy and a strong mindset. Before the restaurant, we had a bar that was doing exceptionally well. However, as more competitors entered the market, we had to think strategically. We were the largest bar in town, so naturally, new businesses aimed to draw customers away from us. When the bar market became saturated, we decided to diversify and enter the restaurant business. This decision was driven by the need to attract a different customer base and ensure the business stayed relevant.

We didn’t just want to focus on one aspect; we wanted to cover all angles—restaurant, fast food, desserts, and a bar. It’s about not putting all your eggs in one basket but rather embracing a more comprehensive approach to customer engagement. This strategy has proven effective, allowing us to stay competitive and relevant.

Choosing Loyverse POS

The decision to use Loyverse POS was driven by the need for a reliable, user-friendly, and comprehensive point-of-sale system. I had previously used Loyverse in a different business venture and was impressed by its functionality. When we started this new business, it was a no-brainer to implement it again.

Loyverse POS has been instrumental in operations. We use almost every feature it offers, and I particularly appreciate its ease of use. This system is straightforward enough that my staff, many of whom worked in different businesses before, adapted quickly. The kitchen printers, bar printers, and stock management tools are particularly effective, making day-to-day operations run smoothly.

Overcoming Challenges with Loyverse POS

Loyverse POS has made managing stock incredibly efficient, which is crucial in a restaurant where inventory is constantly moving. Whether we're tracking different cuts of meat or managing multiple outlets under one roof, Loyverse handles it all seamlessly.

The ease with which my team can use the system is another major advantage. Despite having staff from various backgrounds, they adapted to Loyverse quickly and have found it easy to use daily. This has saved us a lot of time and reduced the potential for errors, which is invaluable in a busy restaurant setting.

Advice for New Entrepreneurs

For anyone looking to start a business, my number one piece of advice is to conduct thorough research. Often, the budget you set isn’t enough, and if you don’t have additional resources, you might find yourself unable to start or sustain the business. Starting is the most critical part, and it requires not just a good idea but solid financial planning. Make sure you have a budget that accounts for unexpected costs.

Starting with tools like Loyverse POS, which offers many features for free and a trial period, can also be a huge advantage. It gives you the flexibility to manage your business without a hefty initial investment in software.

Future Plans

As we continue to grow, I look forward to seeing how Loyverse POS evolves. It can potentially adapt even more to the needs of businesses like ours. I’m excited to see what the future holds for the restaurant and bar and the tools that help us succeed.

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