Dine-in theaters have become very popular in recent years—and for good reason; watching a movie while eating a meal is a new and exciting experience for many people. If you'd like to cash in on this trend, opening your own dine-in movie theater is a good way to do so. Here are five tips to help you get started.
1. Create a business plan.
The first thing you need to do is draft a business plan. This will help you clarify your vision, and potential investors will want to see a business plan when deciding whether to fund your venture. Be thorough when making your business plan and make sure you have enough starting capital in case it takes a while to make a profit.
2. Rent the space.
If possible, find a space that already has a kitchen. Professional kitchens require a ventilation hood over gas stoves and fryers, which can be very expensive to install yourself. It's better to find a place that is as close to your final vision as possible.
3. Furnish the theater.
After you've rented a space for your new dine-in theater, you have to equip it to suit your purposes. You'll need to buy projectors and large screens for the movie showings. When buying chairs for the theater, don't forget to purchase tables too. Since this is a dine-in theater, people will need a place to eat their meals. Install counter shutters over the concession stand, in order to protect it when it's not in use. Counter shutters can cut down on your need for staff since they will safely secure and hide the concession area after it closes. For more information on counter shutters, visit a website like rollok.com.
4. Create the menu.
A chef can help you create the perfect menu for your dine-in movie theater. When deciding what foods to serve, think about the logistics of eating during a movie. People will probably prefer finger foods since they're easy to eat while watching the screen. Plan to serve foods like pizza, french fries, onion rings, and—of course—popcorn.
5. Hire staff.
You'll need to hire employees to run your theater. In addition to a head chef, you will need to hire cooks, ushers, and cashiers. You may also want to consider hiring security guards to ensure everyone's safety.
As with any business, it's important to do your research before opening a dine-in movie theater. However, if you plan carefully and follow all the necessary steps, it's very possible to have a successful restaurant-theater business.