The Complete Idiot's Guide to Starting Your Own Restaurant (ISBN 002864168X)

Just the Basics:
For someone coming in with no knowledge at all of the restaurant business, this is not a bad general guide. I was a little disapointed however at the terse treatment the author gave to money processing in the restaurant. There are many types of restaurant computer systems(POS) and lots of systems to accept checks and credit cards. Since in most restaurants these payment forms far outdistance cash, it would be helpful to include some of the basic credit card processing provisions and information about terminals. Merchants are misguided and ripped off all the time on check and credit cards sytems that are not proper for the specific restaurant. The topic deserves a chapter, not just a few paragraphs.

Readable book with common-sense and valuable expertise:
I have no links of any kind to any party involved in producing or selling this book. I came to this book with only low-level restaurant work knowledge, but with the idea I might set one up. So far it's only an idea. Though I have run businesses, the management and ownership side of the restaurant business is new to me. I know that if I go into restaurants I will be competing with experienced operators. I will need to try and catch up quickly (or lose money and make errors). One important lesson my business experience has taught me is that advice from those in the know is pure gold. So, considering a restaurant business, I bought this book. In my opinion it is first-class. It's well-written, clear, comprehensive, quite entertaining, and the points he makes are good solid management points. It's just what I was looking for.

Basic Knowledge:
I was expecting a little more detail than what this book delivered. It mostly goes through basic business information that can be found on the internet. I thought the timeline, forms, and employee scheduling sections were useful. However, I guess since it is a "Complete Idiot's Guide," I should not have expected it to be more than basic.

Southern Bus Boy:
I have been wanting to open a restaurant for several years now. I work in a seafood restaurant in a northern Mississippi town, and I don't know, I guess serving people is just in my blood. I am a big Howard Cannon fan. I do wish that the book was a little more detailed, but I believe he really loves the business. If you want to open a restaurant, buy this book. I'd also recommend Running a Restaurant for Dummies.

A must for new and veteran restaurant operators:
Mr. Cannon covered all issues necessary to help with any suprises in the restaurant business. I continue to use it whenever problems arise.