Have you ever thought of opening a restaurant? First of all, let me just ask: WHAT ARE YOU — NUTS?

But if you’re determined that the life of a restaurateur, caterer or food truck maven is for you — or if you’re already in the business and want to learn how to do it better — plan to join me Wednesday, Feb. 29, at the National Entrepreneur Center for “Starting a Restaurant or Other Food Business.” I’ll be talking about the things I look for when reviewing a restaurant, and some of the things I do to help restaurateurs improve the customer experience.

I’ll also be joining a panel of industry professionals who will talk about their experiences in the food service industry. We have Theo Hollerbach, Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Cafe; Holly Luisi, the Bohemian Baker; Missy Jahn, Oblivion Taproom; Jim McCuen, DeVyne DeLytes (which at first I thought was the name of a law firm); and Steve Whipple, former owner of Woody’s Wings and Whatnot. That’s a lot of experience, so I know they’re going to have some pertinent advice to help you take the next step.

The seminar, which is presented by SCORE is from 10 a.m. to noon at the Entrepreneur Center inside Fashion Square Mall, 3201 E. Colonial Drive. (Park in the parking garage near JCPenney; the entrance is off the back of the garage.) Cost is $10, and seating is limited. To register, click this link for the Starting a Restaurant or Other Food Business page, or call 407-420-4843.

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