I’m getting ready to open our first store next month. Do we have to have extensive training or can we just get by with a day and work out the kinks in our first couple of weeks?

The single biggest mistake independent operators make, in my opinion, is that they don’t realize that properly training the entire staff — with at least one practice day feeding the locals or friends and relatives for free — is the most important investment they can make. Most independents don’t set those funds aside or just get too anxious and want to start generating sales immediately. Poor training will create a negative word of mouth that your business most likely won’t be able to sustain. So do it right and make the perfect first impression in your community!