[JudgeDread]

Hey Everyone,
I have been a yo yo 3fatchicks member for about 3 years. That being said I did loose 15 lbs the first time around, and gradually the weight came back well now it is time to get my stuff together and bring that back down...so I am back and needing advice on my other aspects of life too!

So to the point. Any of you guys own a business? Specifically a bar or restaurant?

My husband and I were thinking of starting a business since we are sick of working for people. We know it takes a lot of work, and start up money. We will need investors or a large loan. Our credit is very good, we both work well paying jobs, but the restaurant we envision is to be more upscale and fairly large.

-Our city population is about 101,000. We have lots of military and law enforcement personnel on the side of town we want to build on. There are also tons of retirees in the area with good money.

-There is really no restaurants/bars in our area currently (there is one but it is a dump, nobody goes there). Otherwise the closest places are Pizza Unos, and Ruby Tuesdays...chains.

-We have an AWESOME mountain range that can render some of the most beautiful sunsets, we wish to capitalize on this by getting a property with an unobstructed view.

-In addition to the view, we would like a place with a beautiful patio garden area. This is NM, and outside temps are usually quite pleasant. We would also like to have an area dedicated to weddings, quincineras (sweet 15 very big here), and other parties...again capitalizing on the view.

-We are not looking to be too expensive, but reasonable for the area. We would like it to be a nightlife destination as well since again there is nothing on that side of town.

So my husband and I have no background or experience in this industry other than watching Restaurant Impossible and Bar Rescue LOL. We see it can be a lot of work, but we have some great potential here in this area to make a great business.

We are looking to be owners, no managers. So clearly hiring a competent staff is important.

How much do Managers get paid? For example do any of you know how much Managers at chains like Olive Garden or PF Changs get paid?

Does anybody have some insight on start up costs as far as building goes? I know the kitchen will be a huge investment alone, and of course it depends on builders and materials...but we need to start somewhere to start getting ballpark figures rolling.

Any tips, stories, or advise would be awesome! We would like to make a dream become reality! Thanks!