I am researching MBA programs for somebody who is in the restaurant business. Specifically, I have opened one restaurant, and the experience was somewhat haphazard. Even so, the place is relatively successful and I would like to expand, either through product sales or by opening new locations.

To do so I feel I need a better foundation in core business skills, such as marketing, segmentation, new business development et al, and it seems like the most efficient way to do this is through an MBA. Problem is I don't know where to start. I know that there are decent programs that have a focus in entrepreneurship, like Em Lyon, which I am partial to due to location. But looking through that program's curriculum I don't see anything specifically adapted to somebody in my business. There are also hospitality programs, Cornell or whatever, but those seem to be too broad...

So I'd like to hear suggestions if anybody has them! France/Western Europe would be ideal but the US is fine too. Thanks in advance!!

There will not be a useful MBA in running a restaurant. That's too specific a topic and, honestly, restaurants are not very different from hotels because of their specific features: capacity management, high fixed costs, staff retention, high role of physical evidence in the customer experience. The ESSEC hospitality MBA is the obvious choice because it has an entrepreneurship track.

That is the conclusion I've come to as well. Thanks for the ESSEC suggestion, I'll look into it.

I would also consider the ESSEC Global MBA if it gives you access to similar electives. In the MBA, you might want to have the space to change your mind.