Success and Failure in Northern California

Abstract

This study examines the success factors for independent restaurant operators in the San Francisco Bay Area. Through interviews and questionnaires, the cases of nine successful restaurants and nine failed restaurants were studied from 2003 to 2007. The findings reinforce past studies by emphasizing the internal factors, such as overconfidence and emotional unfitness, that led to failure. Augmenting an earlier model, this study seeks to help future entrepreneurs and those who invest in restaurants.