Opening a restaurant may feel like a dream come true for aspiring owners, but there are many potential pitfalls en route to success. Bastien Blanc, co-founder and board member at TroKadero Hospitality Global , spotlights the common errors restaurateurs make and tells us how to circumnavigate them.

It’s a fact that passion alone won’t cut it in the competitive restaurant business. Countless aspiring restaurateurs stumble due to common pitfalls that can easily derail their culinary ambitions. Here are 10 of the biggest industry mistakes made and tips on how to avoid them.

1. Inadequate financial planning:

whether we like it or not, life is about numbers. It’s not uncommon for prospective restaurateurs to underestimate startup costs, such as equipment, renovations, licenses and permits. Ongoing expenses also need to be accurately analyzed. Ideally, you should create a detailed budget, seek professional financial advice and secure adequate funding through loans, investors or personal savings.

2. Insufficient market research:

restaurateurs need to ensure they understand the local market, from identifying competitors to analyzing customer demographics and preferences. In particular, looking in detail at competitors’ menus and pricing, and identifying a unique selling proposition.

3. The wrong location:

choosing a location with high rent, poor visibility or limited foot traffic can have major negative consequences. Always prioritize locations that match your concept. High-traffic areas with good visibility and accessibility are usually a must for supporting growth. Consider factors like proximity to residential areas, office buildings, public transportation and parking.

4. Overlooking operations planning:

it’s easy to get caught up in the broader project-planning side of things. However, supporting delivery is also key. Make sure you allocate the time to develop detailed operational plans, invest in a strong point-of-sale (POS) system and implement robust inventory management systems.

5. Underestimating staffing requirements:

not hiring enough staff can lead to long wait times, poor customer service and employee burnout. Moreover, retaining talented people is key to success. Providing training and coaching will help you achieve this goal, as will implementing competitive compensation and benefits packages.

6. Over-ambitious menus:

offering a menu that is too broad, too expensive or lacks a unique culinary identity also features on the list of errors made by restaurateurs. It makes sense to concentrate on a concise menu with a clear culinary focus. Consider offering seasonal and daily specials to keep things fresh and exciting.

7. Weak marketing:

failing to build brand awareness and attract customers through effective marketing campaigns is another common mistake made by aspiring restaurateurs. The good news is that it’s easy to fix. Start by utilizing social media, local partnerships and online reviews which will help you to build a strong online presence.

8. Ignoring customer feedback:

unsurprisingly, this can quickly lead to a decline in customer satisfaction and negative reviews. Always encourage customer feedback through online reviews, surveys and in-person interactions. Respond promptly and professionally to all feedback.

9. Failing to embrace technology:

overlooking tech, such as online ordering, reservation systems and mobile payment options, can hurt a restaurant business. Aim to implement a user-friendly website and/or online ordering system, integrated with delivery platforms, and utilize social media effectively to engage with customers.

10. Standing still:

flexibility and adaptability are essential qualities for a restaurateur. An unwillingness to adapt to changing market conditions, customer preferences and competition risks driving the business down. Regularly review performance data, analyze market trends and be willing to adjust your menu, pricing and marketing strategies.

By noting these potential pitfalls and taking proactive steps to avoid them, aspiring restaurateurs can significantly increase their chances of success.