If you’ve ever imagined stepping up to accept a restaurant award—maybe even being celebrated at the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards—then you’re probably the kind of person who takes pride in every dish, every detail, and every decision in your restaurant. But here’s the truth: incredible food is just one part of the equation.
To stand out in what people now call the Curry Oscars (yes, the actual Oscars of the curry industry!), you need more than delicious curries and impeccable service. You need structure. A game plan. A business strategy that not only keeps your doors open but also positions you as a serious contender for industry recognition.
And that starts with one thing: your business plan.
Let’s walk through 10 key elements that every restaurant owner—especially one with award-winning aspirations—should include in their plan.
1. A Real Vision (Not Just “We Want to Serve Good Food”)
Let’s be honest, every restaurant says they love food. But what makes your story different? Is your restaurant bringing heritage recipes to the high street? Are you fusing flavours from South Asia with modern British twists?
Judges at the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards aren’t just looking for tasty dishes—they’re looking for purpose, passion, and originality. Your business plan should spell out your bigger mission. Why you do what you do. And why it matters.
2. Knowing Who You’re Actually Serving
Who’s walking through your door? Are they busy office workers grabbing a quick bite? Families coming in for a Sunday feast? Or students ordering biryani at midnight?
Your plan needs to show that you really understand your customers, not just their age and postcode, but their preferences, habits, and expectations. The better you know your diners, the better experience you’ll create. And the more likely you are to impress at the Curry Oscars.
3. Your “Something Special” (That You Don’t See on Every High Street)
There are many Bangladeshi, Indian, and Pakistani restaurants all over the UK. You will have to amp up your game if you want to stand out amongst the others.
Your business plan should clearly say: Here’s what makes us different. It might be a signature dish, a regional focus, a quirky theme, or your unique way of serving guests. That’s the stuff award judges love.
4. Solid Operations That Run Like Clockwork
A chaotic kitchen, long wait times, and unreliable staff rotas won’t just drive away customers—they’ll kill your chances at an award.
Behind every smooth-running, award-winning restaurant is a well-oiled machine. Your business plan should explain how you’ll manage staff, supply chains, service, and even those inevitable Friday night rushes.
Trust us—when judges are reviewing your restaurant for awards, they can feel the difference a strong back-end makes.
5. Numbers That Make Sense (Even If You Hate Spreadsheets)
We get it. Financial forecasting isn’t the most exciting part of running a restaurant. But it’s crucial.
Your business plan should include realistic projections: how much you expect to earn, what your costs look like, and how you’ll grow over time. Not just to keep the accountant happy, but to show that your business is healthy and sustainable.
And believe it or not, even food industry awards panels care about your bottom line.
6. A Thoughtful, Strategic Menu
Look at your menu as a story that tells about your roots, style and ambitions.
In your plan, you need to explain why you chose certain dishes, what ingredients you have chosen to make them shine, and how they align with the identity of your restaurant. Judges want to know there’s intention behind your offering, not just a mishmash of curries.
And don’t forget to mention how you cater to modern diners—vegan-friendly? Gluten-free options? These are all factors that get noticed at the award level.
7. A Marketing Plan That Goes Beyond Instagram Posts
You could serve the best samosas in London, but if no one knows about them, it doesn’t count.
A strong marketing section in your plan shows how you’re going to build buzz, whether that’s through social media, food bloggers, online reviews, community partnerships, or local press.
And yes, you should also plan how to shout about it when you do win a restaurant award. Visibility matters. Big time.
8. A Focus on Team Culture (Because Awards Aren’t Won Alone)
Your kitchen team, your waitstaff, your delivery drivers—they’re the heartbeat of your business. And if they’re not happy, your guests won’t be either.
A thoughtful business plan should include how you’ll hire, train, support, and reward your team not just for performance, but for loyalty and passion. The Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards often recognise outstanding teams—and that’s not by accident.
9. Being Green and Giving Back
Nowadays, people want to eat at restaurants that care about the community and the planet, not just about the flavour of the food.
Is the packaging you use biodegradable? Source ingredients locally? Support food banks or local charities? Your plan should reflect that. Awards like the Oscars of the curry industry are increasingly paying attention to sustainability and social impact.
10. An Actual Plan to Win Awards
It’s obvious: if you want to win awards, you need to plan for it.
In your business plan, you must include specific goals detailing how to enter competitions such as the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards.. Which categories are you aiming for? What will help you stand out? Have you prepared testimonials, polished your branding, getting reviews?
Final Thoughts
Let’s be honest—winning a restaurant award won’t happen overnight. But if you’ve got the passion, the discipline, and a plan in place, it’s within reach.
This isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s about building a restaurant that people genuinely love. A place that’s known for more than just a good meal. And when that kind of magic meets a strong business foundation, award judges take notice.
So go ahead—dream big. Write your plan like you’re already on the shortlist. Because if you get the basics right, the Curry Oscars might just have your name on them next year.
FAQs: Getting Award-Ready with Your Restaurant Business Plan
- Do I need a business plan if my restaurant is already open and running?
Absolutely. A business plan is essential as it’s a living document which you need to keep updated, as it will help you to stay focused, make smarter decisions, and prepare for awards. - How do I find out what awards my restaurant could apply for?
Start with industry-specific ones like the Curry Oscars or Oscars of the curry industry. Also, look into regional food awards, hospitality recognition programmes, and local council-run initiatives. Most award websites outline their categories and entry criteria clearly.
3. Can a small or family-run restaurant win national awards?
Without a doubt. Many winners at the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards are small businesses with big hearts. What matters is consistency, storytelling, community impact, and, of course, unforgettable food.
