Why Are So Many Lubbock Restaurants Closing?

I believe the answer to Lubbock's restaurant closures is pretty simple.

I believe the answer to this question, in most cases, is pretty simple: too many are opening, and they are opening in more desirable parts of town.

As you know, I did a little time as a bar owner, with some snacks on the side. If you can come up with a little niche, you can make it in Lubbock as long as your expectations are reasonable. Some owners just don't think things through, even with the largest of companies.

First, let's talk about Lubbock in general. We all know the drill around here. A new restaurant opens and it's packed for about six weeks, then it slows to a more normal volume and it's sink or swim from there.

Let's look at some other causes I frequently see:

*They cheap out on staff (or training of the staff), they then get a bad name and they are done before they've ever started.

*They fail to recognize when it's time to start advertising

*They locate too close to other restaurants of that type

*They haven't located or relocated in areas with the most population growth

*They have a dated concept

*They over-franchise, meaning too many locations (hello, Taco Bueno!)

*They don't research the market (hello again, Taco Bueno, did you really think you were taking Taco Villa and Rosa's down?)

*They get arrogant over their initial success

I know some of you want to just sum this up as 'the owners are a-holes,' but there are plenty of a-holes in the world that are quite successful. Hopefully, if you plan on going into business you can avoid these mistakes.