So You Want to Start a Restaurant or Food Truck?

Name: Midwest Strategic
Address: Eau Claire, WI, 54703, US
Telephone: (715) 497-2968

Opening a restaurant, bar, or food truck is exciting—but it's also brutal if you skip the fundamentals. At Midwest Strategic, we’ve helped dozens of food startups avoid disaster and start strong. Here's what you need to know before you sign a lease or buy your first deep fryer.

1. Nail the Business Basics First

Don’t build your menu before your model. You need a clear plan: pricing strategy, breakeven point, projected labor costs, and customer flow. If you can’t answer “How much do I need to sell daily to survive?” then you’re not ready to open. We help you get those answers fast—before it costs you everything.

2. Get Equipment Smart—Buy Right, Buy Once

Through our partner Now Equipment, you can source name-brand, refurbished kitchen equipment at prices that won’t kill your cash flow. Whether it’s a Henny Penny fryer, a Hobart mixer, or a True refrigeration unit, buying well-known brands not only ensures reliability—it helps retain value if you ever need to sell or flip your business.

3. Stand Out—Because Nobody Needs Another Burger Joint

If you're doing burgers or pizza, you better be damn good—or different. Your average customer has hundreds of options. Unique concepts like hibachi, regional BBQ, or fusion cuisines create buzz, but don’t go so niche that your market disappears. Balance is everything: familiar enough to draw a crowd, special enough to stand out.

4. You’re Not Alone—We Built This Together

Midwest Strategic isn't just a consulting firm. We’re part of a business ecosystem built on real partnerships—from used equipment dealers and digital marketers to funding sources and logistics experts. When you work with us, you tap into a network that wants to see you win.