Food Franchises...not so cool as a business?

How did you like that last post.....yes it was pure advertising...I did eat a ton of Ho Hos on my trip....but as most of you know me ...I don't need diet pills. So lets get back to ranting.

My topic today....Fast Food Places.

A new one opened here in the valley in the past few weeks...Surf Dogs. This is an independent restaurant (I think). The motif is beachy with the an array of different types of Hot dogs and sandwiches. John orders the fish sandwich and I order the chili dog and a Chicago Dog (hot dog, sesame bun, full length pickle on the dog , mustard, ketchup. lime green relish and hot peppers)

Here's the rant....

New Business?....try to be friendly...we are sitting at the counter...they are not that busy...the owner is standing around ....not a word from him...the counter gal....not to friendly...

The Hot dogs....the chili was tasty...the dog itself was bland.....Because they BOILED it. I haven't had boiled hot dogs since camp......and camp is where they should stay. John had the fish sandwich. It was the shape of a triangle....It looked like a frozen Gordens piece...on a bun with nothing else...no tomato...no lettuce.

There was nothing exciting about the service....the buns were unique and they had been steamed so they were extra soft....the main dish was OK. All for $15-$16

I will be amazed if this place is open in 90 days.

I wonder what people are thinking....if your gonna open a place, if this is the dream...you would think they would go overboard with the service...call people by there name....say hello...and then make the signature dish...the hot dog...Dynamite! You can have this model of business. These poor guys are trying to get 80% of their business in a three hour window. With rents in the valley at about $25 a sq ft.......you need to sell a ton of dogs to make a living.

There is a reason why a high percentage of small businesses go under within the first year....#1 reason is cash flow....the second?....not making your business customer centric and unique.