Don’t Touch These Businesses
Thinking of starting your own Chicago restaurant? Whether you’re at the “smallbusiness.xo.com” stage or you’re planning menus you’re going to have a lot of competition. Here are a few areas we suggest you stay out of – you can never win.
Chicago Dogs: You think hot dogs are a great idea – they’re cheap, easy to make and you can sell in volume. Think again. The hot dog market here is totally saturated and you can’t do anything other restaurants aren’t already doing. Think burgers instead.
Pizza: Do we even have to tell you why this isn’t a winning strategy? The deep dish fan base is totally satisfied and don’t think something fru fru or New York style is going to take off here because there aren’t a lot of options. Stay out of the pizza business altogether.
Steak Sandwiches: If you think Philly is the only place with steak sandwiches, think again. Chicagoans love their jardinire and thinly sliced beef but they’ve got it down pat. If you haven’t been in business for over 100 years you’re not going to make a rippe.