Feasibility Studies

We evaluate the probability of success and risks associated with your restaurant project.

A Restaurant Feasibility Study is an invaluable tool in the restaurant industry. Our food industry consultants will travel to your location and compare your concept’s unique features with your specific site attributes and then present you with a financial forecast of your business. During the feasibility studies we will:

• Conduct site visit to inspect nuances of your location, the local community, and competitive set
• Establish the primary, secondary and tertiary trade areas
• Analyze the dominant demographic and lifestyle groups in your trade area
• Determine the target guest profile and depth of guest profile within the primary trade area
• Determine the size of the targeted groups
• The restaurant feasibility study will also review the competitive set of restaurants
• Determine over-served and under-served concepts and categories to identify the holes in the market
• Establish other popular restaurant concepts in the market for comparison, opportunity, and missing concepts
• Evaluate sales performance of local restaurants vs. national averages
• Review and identify all possible traffic and location barriers for the current site
• Present estimated annualized sales projections for the new restaurant concept based upon our findings

A Business Plan is a formal presentation of the business goals, the reasons why we believed they are attainable, and the plan for reaching profit goals and creation of wealth. Through our experience, our food industry consultants find a well-organized business plan, paired with an in-depth restaurant feasibility study can greatly improve your restaurant’s ability to consistently establish and meet objectives in a way that best serves the company’s owners, employees and investors.

At The Gilkey Restaurant Consulting Group, we will deliver your business plan addressing the following topics and more:

• Confidentiality Agreement
• Executive Summary
• Market Analysis
• Business Overview
• Assumptions and Explanations
• Products and Services
• Operating Model
• Management and Ownership
• Funds Required and Their Uses
• Mission Statement
• Year 1 Sales and Profit Projections & Breakeven
• 5-Year Projection
• Return on Investment Analysis

Let Gilkey Restaurant Consulting give your restaurant the best possible chance to thrive. Contact us today to get started on your restaurant feasibility study!

Restaurant Feasibility Studies FAQs

What is a restaurant feasibility study, and why do I need one before opening?

A restaurant feasibility study is a data‑driven assessment of whether your concept can succeed in a specific market. We analyze trade‑area demographics, competition, site dynamics, and projected sales to estimate your probability of success and risk. Many clients pair this step with our Business Plans service to turn findings into a detailed launch roadmap.

What does Gilkey’s restaurant feasibility study include?

Our feasibility studies combine on‑site visits with in‑depth market analysis. We define your trade area, study demographics and lifestyle segments, assess competitors, review location strengths and barriers, and build realistic sales projections. The findings often inform our Brand Development and Operations Consulting work so your concept, design, and systems align with the opportunity. See this approach in our Wild Pastures case study.

When is the right time to conduct a restaurant feasibility study?

The best time to run a restaurant feasibility study is before you sign a lease, purchase property, or finalize design. Early analysis lets you validate demand, pricing, and location viability before major capital is at risk. For timing guidance and a step‑by‑step planning roadmap, see “10 Steps to Launching a Restaurant This Summer.”

How does a restaurant feasibility study support my business plan and investor funding?

Your restaurant feasibility study becomes the factual backbone of your business plan and investor pitch. It provides data on market demand, sales potential, and risk, which we translate into financial projections, capital needs, and ROI scenarios through our Business Plans and Investment Structure services. For funding tips, see “How to Attract Investors to Your Restaurant.”

How much does a restaurant feasibility study cost with Gilkey?

Pricing for a restaurant feasibility study depends on your concept type, square footage, number of locations, and whether you bundle services like business planning or operations support. After a brief discovery call, we provide a custom proposal tailored to your needs—similar to how we price other consulting services. To get an estimate, contact us for a complimentary consultation.