Success Factors in Independent Ethnic Restaurants

Abstract

The number and popularity of ethnic restaurants have grown dramatically. Researchers have identified factors contributing to overall restaurant success; however, it is uncertain whether these factors affect independent ethnic restaurants in the same way. The authors interviewed 20 owners of successful independent ethnic restaurants in southeast Texas to determine which factors ranked as the most important. Ethnic restaurateurs agreed with previous research that “competent management” was the most important contributor to success. They also ranked prior business and/or culinary experience as important; however, they did not rank formal hospitality education as an important success factor. Rather, cost controls, market-driven pricing, and loyal patrons were deemed to be more important.