Strategies for Establishing an Effective Plant-Based Restaurant

In the past, when it came to plant-based food, especially vegetarianism, it was commonly believed that it was a dietary choice reserved for those on a spiritual path, attending vegetarian schools, or strictly adhering to it due to health conditions. However, in recent times, consuming plant-based food has gradually become a preferred dietary habit for many individuals. Consequently, the market for plant-based food businesses has emerged and flourished, attracting a considerable number of people seeking opportunities in this lucrative field.

Although considered a niche market, operating a plant-based food restaurant is still viewed by investors as a "high risk, high reward" endeavor. The customer base is diverse, encompassing not only older adults, middle-aged individuals, and children but also appealing to office workers in search of tasty meals. To cater to the increasing demand for plant-based food, restaurants and eateries of all sizes, ranging from modest to upscale, have sprung up in various locations. However, despite the potential, not everyone who ventures into this industry achieves success, as the competition in the plant-based food business is fierce unless accompanied by appropriate planning and a strategic approach.

Operating a plant-based food restaurant holds great potential for success. (Image: Collected)

With the capital you currently have, it is essential to seek and develop an effective plan for a plant-based food restaurant business.

What preparations are necessary when opening a plant-based food restaurant?

Ensure Sufficient Capital

If you plan to open a plant-based food restaurant in central city areas, the initial investment capital required will be between 300 to 500 million VND (for suburban areas, it would be around 100-300 million VND). This budget should cover expenses such as rent, renovation and decoration of the premises, purchasing furniture, equipment, and restaurant decorations, as well as setting aside contingency funds to sustain operations for at least the first three months. Allocating a financial buffer is crucial, as it ensures the business can continue operating even during slower periods or cover any initial losses.

Building the Staffing Team

Depending on the size of your restaurant, you can hire a suitable number of staff members. For smaller establishments, it is important to carefully consider the number of employees to avoid excessive costs during the initial phase. Finding a skilled and dedicated chef who excels in plant-based cooking is essential, as well as having at least one serving staff member.

To ensure sustainable growth, it is recommended to offer shares to the chef and establish a specific contract.

Initially, it is beneficial for you to take on the role of manager to fully understand the restaurant's operations and make necessary adjustments before considering hiring an external manager.

Equipping Yourself with Plant-Based Food Cooking Knowledge:  

Even if your primary role is managing the business, it is crucial to acquire a solid understanding of culinary culture, plant-based food preparation techniques, and current trends. This knowledge will enable you to create menus that cater to the preferences of your customers, understand their needs, and make necessary adjustments. Despite plant-based food being predominantly made from vegetables, roots, and fruits, transforming them into delectable dishes requires the chef's creativity and artistic touch.

Equipping Yourself with Plant-Based Food Cooking Knowledge (Image: Collected)

Preparing the Premises and Physical Facilities

Choosing the Suitable Location:

In the food business, the location and geographical position play a crucial role. The chosen business location determines pricing and the number of customers. It is recommended to search for serene areas near temples or quiet alleyways that provide a peaceful and clean environment, ensuring utmost comfort for diners.

Designing the Restaurant Style:

Plant-based food restaurants have a different decor style compared to establishments that serve animal products. Besides using subdued and harmonious colors, any background music should be gentle and traditional. There are various styles for plant-based food restaurants, such as pure Vietnamese style, Western style, or a combination of plant-based food and artistic elements.

For example, at "Hiện Quán" located on Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, the owner, Viên Trân, chose a vegetarian restaurant style combined with a strong tea culture influence. Diners not only enjoy delicious vegetarian dishes and fragrant tea but also immerse themselves in a rustic village atmosphere. The clever arrangement of straw roofs, flower baskets, traditional wooden mortars, and bamboo baskets adds to the overall ambiance.

Designing a Suitable and Attractive Vegetarian Restaurant (Image: Collected)

Establishing the Menu and Food Presentation

The plant-based menu can consist of rice or individual servings, plant-based feasts, plant-based hot pots, plant-based buffets, and more. Pricing the dishes requires careful consideration, market research, and evaluating the unique selling points of your establishment to determine a reasonable and stable price.

Food presentation is also crucial in attracting diners. Both general cuisine and plant-based food require a balance between nutritional quality and aesthetic appeal.

Viên Trân, the owner of "Hiện Quán," has a unique perspective on the vegetarian dining experience, viewing it as a form of cultural expression. She expresses, "When you indulge in a vegetarian meal, it reflects the colors and flavors of nature. It carries a natural and gentle taste, accompanied by the soft sounds of flutes or zithers. Occasionally, you may hear the melodious tunes of a violin, the sound of water droplets, or the rustling of the wind in your ears. These elements contribute to a more delightful dining experience. A delicious meal is the culmination of various factors: the arrangement, the ambiance, the sounds, and the warm smiles of those who serve you. It is the collective dedication of many individuals, all striving to ensure that the dish is beautiful, delicious, and, above all, brings tranquility to the guests."

Finding Safe and Fresh Ingredients.

For a plant-based restaurant, you need to focus on sourcing fresh and safe food ingredients, ensuring their quality and aesthetic appeal in preparation. According to the experience shared by Mrs.Nhung, the owner of a vegetarian establishment in Saigon, "The quality of the ingredients is crucial as it directly impacts the diners' health. Therefore, you need to pay special attention to this aspect. At Nguyen Hong - Vegan restaurant, we not only offer vegetarian dishes but also vegetarian beverages like vegetarian tea."

Mrs. Nhung further explains, "Our vegetarian menu includes a variety of dishes such as soups, congees, noodles, salads, and vegetarian desserts. Vegetarian dishes must also meet the nutritional requirements of the four essential nutrient groups: protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. In particular, the protein in vegetarian food comes from plant-based sources, which is beneficial for digestion."

Conclusion

Running a plant-based food business is a promising venture, but it requires meticulous and detailed planning. Only then can you effectively manage your finances and enhance sales efficiency from the very beginning.

Information from to Lap Chef