My partner & I've been thinking for some time about setting up a small service-based business in Savannakhet, Laos.
There are a few localities available in the town - some very evenly priced. The level of passing traffic & associated noise varies around the town. There appear to be a few nice places closer to the river, ranging up to a block-so so from the water front.
My partner is a top-class cook & has worked in the cooking game for many years - mainly in Thai-Chinese restaurants, hotels & so forth. I'm pretty much a techno-freak type, but can get on pretty well with people - get them laughing pretty quickly. I'd be able to operate upstairs (3-level shop-house) & come downstairs from time-to-time, or on demand.
I'd like the operation to be one that could be active Mon-Fri say 09h00 - 20h00, Sat 09h00 - 13h00. (Savannakhet pretty much shuts down over a weekend)
A components that could be thrown into the mix could include:
- A food-based operation e.g. sandwiches, burgers, salads...
- A small general store for essential items;
- One or two internet computers - could grow if business warrants
- Coffee-shop, cakes ...
The gearing would be to passing trade & tourists in the area. There will be no alcohol beverages on offer. I'd be happy to break even each month in terms of rental & expenses.
I'd really be open to ideas & suggestions from the wise, seasoned sages of TD. Thanks folks for your applied wisdom.