text: i am thinking of opening a restaurant. any advice from other small buisness owners? i have never owned a business before,much less a restaurant. my mom used to do catering though and i would help. she is really sick now, and not able to cook anymore. i would like to open a small restaurant and use her recipes. i am looking for feedback from other small business owners, particularly restaurant owners. thanks! i am a professional chef.  i have been in the restaurant business for 15 years.  over half of the restaurants i have worked in have closed.  here is my word of advice:  if you do not fully understand the restaurant business (inventory turnover, shelf life, appropriate staffing, reservations, production, production capabilities, etc.) 1.  find someone who is willing to be an investor that is capable of performing these tasks.  make sure your chef has an interest in the success of the restaurant or,  2.  find a safer business to get into.    if you have specific questions feel free to email me. mikechampagne@hotmail.com