A common problem faced by many of the businesses featured on Recipe For Success is bringing existing buildings up to current health and safety codes. Nearly every business owner interviewed tells some story of how their restaurant lost money early on, because of delayed openings due to health code issues.
Recipe For Success is a half hour so it doesn’t go into much detail, however it does give the story behind each business, including why the owner wanted to start it, how they decided on a concept, menu, location and how they got financing to fund their dream. Although the problems they encounter are glossed over due to time constraints, the show gives a good picture of what it is like starting your own food-based business.
Other shows on the Food Network I recommend include:
Road Tasted-The hunky sons of Paula Deen take to the road and check out various eateries all over the country. This gives you a glimpse into regional cuisine from around the United States. It may even inspire some of your own menu items!
Feasting on Asphalt- I love, love, love Alton Brown! He is such a geek, but in the coolest sort of way. Feasting on Asphalt is a bit like Road Tested, except the cast drives motorcycles around a specific part of the US. This season they are traveling up and down the mighty Mississippi, tasting everything from gator to Norwegian lutefisk fresh water mussels. Again, I think this show is great for inspiration, to get your mind thinking of different menu items, different looks for your restaurant, and so on.
