Simple Guide On How to Start a Charcoal Chicken Shop in Australia

Australians love their chicken, there’s no discussion to be had about that fact. You can find different kinds of restaurants that offer chicken prepared in various ways, but there is nothing that Australians love more than going to a charcoal chicken shop and getting a spicy marinated charcoal rotisserie chicken. There are good reasons for this dish preference - besides being tender and tasty, it’s a healthier alternative to fried chicken, especially when accompanied by fresh vegetables. 

So it should be no surprise that takeaway charcoal chicken outlets have the highest rate of success when compared to other fast food operations. The best thing about them is that you don't even have to be a great chef to succeed at such a business venture except maybe having some experience in the fast food industry. Almost every suburb in Australia has its own charcoal chicken shop and they succeed because they source a large number of their customers from the local area. So why not start a charcoal chicken shop yourself?

The Fundamentals for Opening a Charcoal Chicken Shop

A charcoal chicken shop offers a kind of home-style cooking that is simple and appealing to people who want really good and wholesome meals they don't have to prepare themselves. Thus, the food should be fresh and the service quick enough to keep people moving, especially if you are going to set up a small shop with limited seating. Location is everything - before you set up shop you need to be familiar with the area and the people in it. This means you will need to conduct market research to understand your target market, where they are located and how they can be drawn into your business. Also, study the businesses in your area, find out their history, and what kinds of people they draw and use that information to determine whether your business would fit. Market research could determine whether your business will fail or succeed. 

The Advanced Steps for Opening Your Business

Starting a business, no matter how small, is a major life-changing decision and a major financial investment. There are 6 steps you need to go through before you open up your charcoal chicken shop in Australia:

#1. Create an outline for your business

Plan your business by creating a written outline that lists the things you will need and the steps that you need to take to open a charcoal chicken shop. Find out what these things will cost and come up with a budget estimate on the amount of funding you will need to get your business going. We can’t stress enough how important it is to start your business with a budget estimate in hand. Here are just some of the reasons:

• Financial Clarity: A detailed budget provides a comprehensive understanding of the financial landscape, outlining expenses, projected costs, and necessary investments. This clarity helps in strategizing and aligning financial resources effectively.
• Resource Allocation: It facilitates the allocation of resources to essential aspects like equipment, staffing, licensing, marketing, supplies, and overheads. Proper allocation ensures a balanced investment across all operational facets, preventing oversights or underestimations.
• Risk Mitigation: Accurate cost estimates mitigate financial risks by anticipating potential expenses and preparing for unforeseen costs. It aids in developing contingency plans and safeguards the business against financial pitfalls or unexpected financial demands.
• Investor Relations: A well-structured budget serves as a tool for presenting the business concept to potential investors or lenders, assuming you don’t have the money to start a charcoal chicken shop on your own. It instils confidence in stakeholders regarding the business's viability and financial management.
• Operational Efficiency: Having a clear budget enables better decision-making regarding cost-effective strategies, supplier negotiations, and resource optimization. This efficiency contributes to the business's overall profitability and sustainability.

#2. Determine your funding sources 

Assess your current savings and investment funds. Carefully consider additional funding streams if you don't have enough or don't want to use your own money for the initial start-up costs. Look at banks that offer loans and companies that help small businesses. Consider taking on a partner who can make up for your financial shortfalls by investing their money in the business. The average start-up cost of a charcoal chicken franchise is approximately $AUD 92,000.

#3. Deal with legalities and tax considerations

Determine the legalities of setting up the kind of business you want to set up and find out what the tax considerations are. Make sure you obtain the required business licenses and permits and check what the state health board rules and regulations are regarding setting up and running a restaurant. Australian states and territories have varying classifications for food businesses so make sure you’re compliant with your local regulations. To help you out, here is a link to a list of the main government food and safety websites for different locations.

#4. Find a location

Contact your local commercial real estate agents to help you find a location. It’s good practice to start by looking at locations that previously housed restaurants. These will have the basics for your own establishment and you might end up spending less money outfitting the building for your own purpose than having to start from scratch. Additionally, decide early if you want to lease or buy.

#5. Find suppliers

Your main business is to provide food so you should research food suppliers that will provide you with your chickens, spices, seasonings and all the other food you plan to have on your menu. Acquire your most important piece of equipment - the rotisserie - as well as other cooking utensils like pots and pans, dining equipment like table chairs, plates and silverware, and other catering equipment.

#5. Determine your staffing needs

You need to be clear at the beginning about what role it is you will be playing in the day-to-day operations. Advertise the positions you need to fill and interview candidates to find the best people who will advance your vision and mission to set up the best charcoal chicken shop in the area. Provide some training to your new hires and acquaint them with your service requirements.

#6. Spend time on marketing and advertising

Market and advertise your business. As we’ve mentioned, your primary customers are the locals. Thus, use local newspapers and social media platforms like Twitter, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. Make sure that you have a website that will be your online shop front, but don’t worry about making it too elaborate just make sure it has the essential info - your address and contact information, menu, and some nice pics to show off your goods. If you plan to take online orders, then you’ll need to enable that too. Finally, talk to people in the neighbourhood. Local businesses thrive on good word-of-mouth marketing.

Where Can You Get the Equipment You Need?

Anyone can start their own charcoal chicken shop in Australia, but you need to know that going out on your own is a bit risky. However, by being meticulous in your research and your planning you can significantly increase your chances of success. And one final thing you’ll need to plan for is the equipment you’ll need.

Luckily, that part is easy. AGC Catering Equipment sells everything you need for a commercial kitchen. From chef uniforms to cooking equipment, we have it. AGC has been a family-run business for over 30 years and we pride ourselves on providing high-quality supplies and after-sales services. If you’re setting up your charcoal chicken shop, feel free to contact us and our team will provide you all the assistance you need!