Embracing the Challenge

Competition: A huge part of knowing what kind of restaurant you want to open is by knowing the competition in your area. What food they are making, how many of them there are, and how much they are charging. Knowing your competition is the key to differentiating yourself. For example, you my want open an Italian restaurant, and if the vast number of Italian options in Center City does not detour your efforts the next step would be to know what they are offering, like pizza, manicotti, or a little bit of tiramisu. Amongst all of these staples you may notice that a majority of the Italian restaurants do not offer any authentic soups, such as zuppa canavesana, that gives you an opportunity to set yourself apart. These are a few maps to give you an idea of your competition.

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When checking out your competition it never hurts to know whose the best, and maybe steal some of their steps to success, 22 spots gives a list of successful restaurants in Philadelphia along with tidbits about the restaurant owners. Much of their success has to do with the food they serve and the ambiance created. Which leads to keys two and three, Menu and Style. Here are two examples of successful restaurants in center city Rae and Hyatt XIX.


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Both of these restaurants specialize in New American cuisine. However they have managed to differentiate themselves by their food and furnishings. Rae focuses on taking common snacks and bring them to the next level such as their smoked rabbit nachos. They also transformed a large boxy space into smaller areas by incorporating booths that extend up as walls. At the same time they have created a modern decor with cylindrical hanging lights and metal finishes. Rae balances comfort with urban style. On the other hand Hyatt XIX strives on a sophistication offering uncommon dishes that give the customer a new experience, such as their grilled octopus. The restaurant extends their concept of sophistication throughout neoclassical architecture combined with soft white linens and hanging pearls, it truly provides the customer with a unique space to eat unique food. Both of these restaurants are located in center city, with an average plate price of $31-50, yet both have come to stand out in the public eye through a distinct menu and style.