Thinking of expanding to another location? Now, more than ever, intelligent site selection is essential — who can afford a hit or miss approach in this economy?
Some larger operations, like Marcos Pizza, use site selection software. With 170 locations, this chain, headquartered in Toledo, is poised to open hundreds of additional restaurants. Their software, designed by Pitney Bowes, allows them to quickly determine if their target customers are present and present in enough numbers to translate to good sales potential, says Byron Stephens, vice president of new business development.
Stephens attributes a signifi cant part of their sales growth to this technology, but smaller operators needn’t fear they’re at a disadvantage without this kind of assist. Managed correctly, traditional approaches can bring you a winning location. Let’s take a look at three general categories you need to consider when scouting for a new location; the area surrounding the site, the site and the building.