Greetings.  I'm Kevin Moll, President of Denver-based Restaurant Consulting Services, Inc. (RCSI). We provide nationwide restaurant consulting for owners, buyers, startups, investors, lenders and multi-unit operators. Since 2004, we have helped clients reduce risk, secure financing, improve profitability, and successfully open, buy and operate restaurants and bars. If you are considering a purchase, developing a concept, seeking SBA financing, addressing high food costs or improving an existing operation, these answers to common questions explain how we can help!

1. What does a restaurant consultant do, and when should I hire one?

RCSI helps restaurant owners, buyers, investors and multi-unit groups solve problems, identify opportunities and avoid costly mistakes. Our team provides services nationwide which include due diligence, restaurant business plans, feasibility studies, financial projections, restaurant development, operational improvement and Prime Vendor Agreements. The best time to engage us is before a major commitment such as buying a restaurant, signing a lease, investing in a concept or seeking financing. We define the right scope, provide a clear proposal and get to work. If you have unique or timely challenges, or want to talk, we welcome your call anytime M-F, 8AM-5PM MTN. (720) 363-0164. 

2. What is restaurant due diligence, and do I need it before buying a restaurant or bar?

Due diligence tells you what you are really buying, enabling you to make a wiser decision. Our nationwide service evaluates the financial, operational and business condition of a restaurant or bar before closing. Depending on the transaction (independent or franchise), we typically review sales, expenses, financial statements, staffing, inventory, equipment, licenses, permits, lease terms, operating systems and much, much more. We represent the buyer’s interests and identify issues that can support a decision to proceed, renegotiate or walk away.

3. What is included in a professional restaurant business plan?

Our restaurant business plans are built for the intended readers: Stakeholders, bank, SBA lender, investor or landlord. Our plan will clearly present your concept, management, startup costs, funding requirements, operating assumptions and detailed financial projections in a clear, credible format. Our financial models are top notch and conventional in appearance - lenders love what they see because they're complete, presenting all of the information clearly and formatted properly. RCSI also prepares combo "Feasibility Study - Business Plan" documents for banks, SBA lenders and investors. If your funding need is in excess of $200,000, this combo document is what you want. This satisfies both the bank AND the SBA at the same time. RCSI creates customized, lender-ready plans grounded in realistic assumptions and experienced judgment. Already have an AI-generated plan? We can review, validate and strengthen it. Approximately 90% of our business plan clients obtain funding approval.

4. Do I need a restaurant feasibility study?

A feasibility study tests whether a concept, location or development makes financial and market sense before major capital is committed. We may analyze demographics, competition, demand, projected sales, operating costs and development costs and other project factors. RCSI prepares studies for projects ranging from straightforward restaurant concepts to multi-million-dollar hospitality developments and can combine feasibility, business planning and financial projections into one coordinated report called a "Feasibility Study - Business Plan." (See #3 above). Give us all call to discuss your desire for a restaurant feasibility study and let's talk about the need for quality financials as well.  

5. How can Restaurant Consulting Services help lower my food costs?

Ever hear of a Prime Vendor Agreement or PVA? Today, food and related products have never costed more, and fact is, every dollar you save is $10. you don't have to earn at 10% profit. RCSI helps operators reduce food costs through negotiated Restaurant Prime Vendor Agreements (PVAs). A PVA consolidates purchasing with a primary broadline distributor and establishes negotiated pricing, terms and service expectations. The result can be stronger purchasing leverage, lower costs, better service and improved profitability. Single or multi-unit operators purchasing $600,000 or more annually from broadline distributors should contact us to determine whether a PVA can create meaningful value. In many cases, substantial cash incentive is available for our clients that engage us to assist them. Within 60 days, we can accomplish this for you, regardless of where you're located.  

6. Can you help a struggling or underperforming restaurant become profitable?

Yes, as long as your business is still open, it's likely we can turn it around! Our Operations Analysis™ identifies where revenue, efficiency and profit may be slipping. We evaluate areas such as food and labor costs, purchasing, menu pricing, staffing, scheduling, management, service, marketing and operating procedures. The result is a practical, prioritized action plan management can implement and measure. Profitable restaurants also use this service to strengthen margins, accountability and overall performance. We guarantee our results or there is no cost to you.

7. Do you do bar and restaurant business valuations?

Yes. RCSI provides restaurant and bar business valuations nationwide. We consider profitability, cash flow, equipment, lease terms, location, concept, operating history and overall business conditions. Our valuation reports have supported client decisions for more than 20 years. Buyers use them to evaluate asking prices; sellers use them to establish realistic value and prepare for the market.

8. Can you help me open a restaurant from concept through opening day?

Absolutely! For over 22 years, RCSI has assisted hundreds of clients nationwide with concept development, feasibility, business planning, financial modeling, startup budgets, operating systems, menus, equipment, staffing, training, purchasing and vendor relationships. We can coach you or your team, coordinate with architects and contractors, or help manage the broader development process. Early involvement reduces costly mistakes and keeps the project organized from concept through opening day.

9. Does Restaurant Consulting Services work with clients nationwide?

Yes. Restaurant Consulting Services, Inc. is based in Denver, Colorado, and services clients throughout the United States. Since 2004, we have worked with restaurant owners, buyers, startups, investors and hospitality operators across a wide range of concepts and markets. Many engagements are completed remotely, with on-site work coordinated when needed. We work confidentially with every client and that's one of the reasons our company continues to grow year after year. Our company mission is: "We protect the interests of every client" and that's exactly how we operate.  See what our clients have to say! TESTAMONIALS

10. I need many different services. What services does RCSI offer?

Many clients refer to us as their one-stop-shop! Click here to see the entire list of services. 

Have a Restaurant Question? Let’s Talk. If you are creating, opening, buying, selling, financing, improving or growing a restaurant, contact Kevin Moll, President, at: kevin@restaurantconsultingservices.com or by phone at (720) 363-0164 or through the Restaurant Consulting Services contact page.

Restaurant Consulting Services, Inc. | Nationwide Restaurant Consulting Since 2004