Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.)

School

Management

Advisor

Roger Mayer

Abstract

Fewer than half of small restaurants remain in the market after the first 5 years of operation. Small business leaders and policymakers are concerned with business failure due to the negative economic impacts on their employees and the local community. Grounded in the entrepreneurship theory, the purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore strategies small restaurant owners use to sustain their operations beyond at least 5 years. Participants included four owners of small Nigerian restaurants who successfully operated their restaurants for more than 5 years. Data were collected using semistructured interviews and a review of internal documents. Using Yin’s five-step thematic analysis process, three themes emerged, including (a) persistence in the face of failure, (b) positive energy and engagement, and (c) strategic finance and inventory management. A key recommendation is that business owners remain persistent, develop contingency plans to tolerate failure, and remain optimistic during complex economic challenges. Potential implications for positive social change include the potential of small restaurant owners to create more employment opportunities and improve people’s living standards in communities served by successful restaurants.

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