Business investment ideas?

LoCarb

If you had $200k in capital to invest (or use towards a business loan) in a franchise/product or business idea...what would you do?  H asked me this hypothetical question yesterday and I'm clueless.  I keep thinking restaurant franchises even though 50% fail w/in their 1st yr.  I have permanent mommy brain and would love to play off your ideas to continue the conversation tonight. Help me look intellectual, please.

2-Step

I would definitely open a wine and coffee bar in a cute area of town. I'd serve really great coffee in the morning with some great basic simple food like gourmet cream cheese and fresh bagels and then at night it would be wine and microbrews with small plates.

I'd have a room in the back with a wall of books called the library where book clubs could meet and have a free book exchange, and a chalk board wall where people could write their all time favorite titles and tally how many people had read them. Plus discounts if your book club meets there. I'd have open mike night and family night and bring your dog night. I'd also have a strong charity tie in somehow.

 It's a long time dream of mine and it will happen someday! I already know the menu and the name. I know lots of restaurants fail, but I feel like it's a chance worth taking if you are passionate about it.

I work in marketing and I feel like I have a very good grasp on what it would take to survive. I also managed a small restaurant and bakery for years so I have a good idea of that side too.

Now, I just have to raise that 200k!

duchess0727

Depends on the food franchise - i think if you did Dunkin Donuts, Chipotle, Panera or something with really good name recognition that has very easy to prepare food, you would be good.  Not sure how much it costs to invest in those franchises.  I wouldn't do something that involved complicated food b/c I think there is a good possibility of failure, huge expenses and long hours.  You could consider flower store (1800flowers) or something kid related (my gym or gymboree)

cmgedney

My SO would love to open a Cookout. Currently it's a Southern VA/NC fast food joint, but they are open late and are cheap with a box type meal that is pretty popular. It would do really well in near a campus or a popular movie theater since they stay open until 2 or 3. Some have drive thrus, some are outside dining only, some are inside dining.

 

I have always wanted to do a drive thru Starbucks near a commuter lot right off a heavy traveled exit in No VA of 95. That and a Sheetz as well, especially in my area since gas prices are ridiculous and they usually have some of the best prices.

leannsiiple

I would love to open a dance studio and also a dance supply store. It's always been my dream.