Whether you’re a journalist, food blogger or someone looking to learn more about the industry, you’re probably here because you’re preparing questions to ask a restaurant owner during an interview (or consultation).
Below, we’ve gathered 43 questions that cover the most important aspects of successfully running a restaurant, from building the business to overcoming various challenges.
Looking at job listings can also reveal what restaurant owners prioritize — from skills to experience — which can help you ask more relevant questions during an interview.
43 Interview Questions To Ask a Restaurant Owner
Read on for a peek into restaurant owners' minds and get the full picture behind their business. Each of these 43 questions also comes with example answers that restaurant owners can use if they’re going to be interviewed.
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We’ve also separated the questions into 9 categories to help you easily find the ones you’re looking for the most:
- The business’s beginnings
- Operations
- Financial management
- Questions specifically for Chef-owners
- Customer service
- Marketing and branding
- Hiring practices
- Staff training
- Handling of specific situations or challenges
How To Prioritize Questions When You Have Limited Time
Restaurant owners are busy — and interviews don’t always go as planned. What you thought would be a 30-minute conversation can easily turn into 10. That’s why prioritizing your questions is just as important as preparing them.
Start by identifying your must-ask questions — the ones that will give you the most valuable insights or serve your main purpose for the interview.
These could be about decision-making, challenges or lessons learned. From there, group the rest into “nice-to-have” questions that you can drop if time runs short.
A helpful approach is to think in layers:
- Core questions (non-negotiable)
- Follow-ups (if time allows)
- Bonus questions (only if the conversation flows naturally)
Keeping your questions short and focused is just as important as prioritizing them. This quick video breaks down why concise questions lead to better interviews:
This way, even if the interview is cut short, you still walk away with meaningful answers — and make the most of the opportunity you worked hard to secure.
What Restaurant Owners Wish Interviewers Would Ask More Often
Many restaurant owners are used to answering the same questions — about their menu, concept or inspiration. While these are important, they don’t always lead to the most insightful conversations.
What often stands out instead are questions that go deeper into the realities of running a restaurant. For example, owners may appreciate being asked about:
- The toughest decisions they’ve had to make
- Mistakes that shaped how they run their business today
- What they wish they knew before opening their restaurant
- How they handle staffing challenges or high turnover
For restaurant owners, using platforms like OysterLink to post job openings can also make it easier to connect with qualified candidates in a competitive hiring market.
These kinds of questions show that you’ve moved beyond surface-level curiosity and are genuinely interested in understanding the industry.
They also give owners the chance to share experiences that are rarely talked about — making the interview more engaging for both sides.
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Common Mistakes To Avoid When Interviewing a Restaurant Owner
Even well-prepared interviewers can fall into a few common traps that limit the quality of their conversation.
One of the biggest mistakes is asking questions that could easily be answered with a quick search. This not only wastes time but can also signal a lack of preparation.
Similarly, asking too many generic or predictable questions can make the interview feel repetitive and unmemorable.
Another common issue is trying to get through every prepared question instead of listening and adapting. Some of the best insights come from follow-up questions — but you’ll miss them if you’re too focused on sticking to a script.
Simple techniques — like getting comfortable with silence or asking better follow-up questions — can also lead to more meaningful answers. This quick video highlights a few of them:
It’s also important to avoid making the interview feel one-sided. While your goal is to gather information, building rapport and showing genuine interest can make the conversation more natural — and lead to better answers.
How To Build Rapport With a Busy Restaurant Owner During an Interview
When you’re speaking with a restaurant owner, you’re often working with limited time — so building rapport quickly is key.
Start by showing that you’ve done your homework. Referencing specific details about their restaurant, concept or background can immediately set a more respectful and engaging tone.
It signals that you value their time and aren’t asking generic, one-size-fits-all questions.
During the conversation, focus on being present and responsive. Instead of rushing through your list, listen actively and react to their answers. Simple follow-ups or acknowledgments can make the interaction feel more like a conversation than an interrogation.
Small shifts in how you communicate — from tone to body language — can also make a big difference in how comfortable the other person feels. This short video highlights a few of those cues:
It also helps to be mindful of pacing. Keep your questions clear and concise, and avoid overloading them with too many parts. This makes it easier for the owner to respond thoughtfully — especially if they’re juggling multiple responsibilities.
Questions To Ask Restaurant Owner: Conclusion
Interviewing a restaurant owner isn’t just about asking questions — it’s about asking the right ones.
Your goal should be to go beyond surface-level topics and uncover insights that aren’t immediately visible.
With limited time and a busy interviewee, thoughtful preparation, strong prioritization and genuine curiosity can make all the difference. The better your questions, the more valuable and memorable the conversation becomes.
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