TEN PILLARS OF F&B SUCCESS: A CLOSER LOOK

After three decades shaping some of Hyderabad’s most celebrated venues, Surender Vanam has learnt that hospitality thrives on far more than good food and stylish interiors. Success, he believes, rests on ten fundamental pillars — a framework every aspiring entrepreneur should examine before stepping into the world of food and beverage.

Surender Vanam

This month, we turn the spotlight on the first two: Conceptualisation and Location — the twin foundations that determine whether a dream finds its footing or falters.

The Ten Essentials

Over the years, experience has revealed ten interconnected areas that make or break an F&B venture:

1.    Conceptualisation

2.    Location Finalisation / Term Sheet / Lease Agreement

3.    Budgeting & ROI Projections

4.    Interior Designing (Bar & Kitchen) & Turnkey Solutions

5.    Staff Selection & Training

6.    Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) & Manuals

7.    Menu Engineering

8.    Pre-Opening / Launch Plan

9.    Marketing / Promotions / Data Management

10. Accounting & Mystery Audits

 

Conceptualisation: Where Every Journey Begins

Every venture starts with an idea, but only a clearly defined concept can withstand the test of time. The questions may sound simple: Is the idea suited to the market? What kind of food and experience will be offered? Who is the audience — students, corporates, young professionals, celebrities? And can they afford it?

In today’s social landscape, overlaps are inevitable. A lively bar may host celebrities one evening and students the next. That’s why the strongest concepts balance aspiration with accessibility — creating an atmosphere that feels distinctive yet welcoming, stylish yet approachable, and above all, commercially viable.

Location: The Backbone of the Business

Even the sharpest concept can falter in the wrong setting. Accessibility, visibility, parking, and nearby competition all matter as much as the décor inside. Beyond the physical, the legal and financial framework of a term sheet or lease agreement is just as critical. Rent levels, renewal clauses and turnover projections can safeguard stability or erode it. A carefully chosen, well-protected location provides the backbone for long-term success.

The Road Ahead

While we pause here to consider just two pillars, the remaining eight are no less crucial. Budgeting, design, staff training, SOPs, menu engineering, launch planning, marketing, and audits all interlock to form a business that is resilient, profitable, and scalable.

10 Downing Street Begumpet

The success of Surender's strategy is seen in 10 Downing Street Begumpet, where celebrities rub shoulders with common men. For him, hospitality is not about luck but about discipline and foresight. His ten guiding principles offer budding entrepreneurs more than a checklist — they provide a blueprint for turning ideas into lasting ventures.