Location is one of the hardest decisions to reverse — get it right before you sign anything.
Understand your customer base. A dine-in restaurant needs footfall and visibility; a delivery-focused takeaway can succeed in a less prominent, lower-cost unit within the right delivery radius.
Check the competition. Some competition validates demand for your cuisine; too much in a small area can make it hard to stand out.
Assess accessibility. Parking, public transport, and pedestrian footfall all affect how easily customers can reach you, dine-in or collection alike.
Consider delivery radius carefully. For delivery-focused businesses, population density and average order value within a realistic delivery distance matter more than street-level footfall.
Factor in total occupancy cost. Rent is only part of it — business rates, service charges and lease terms all affect whether a location is genuinely affordable.
Check planning and licensing restrictions. Confirm the unit has (or can get) the right planning use class and any licences you’ll need before committing.
Test demand before committing long-term. Where possible, a short lease or pop-up trial can validate demand before a longer commitment.
Wherever you’re located, a strong online ordering presence helps you reach customers beyond just passing footfall. See how CholoEAT can help.
