While I agree deeply, it's kinda hard to get the right sort of experience without just jumping in. Owning and running a restaurant is very different from working at one, right? Same with software; I worked in software for a couple of decades before trying to start my own, and while it did help me with the writing software part, it didn't help me with the running the business and marketing and pitching parts. If anything, one of the most important things I learned by trying is that I waited too long to try -- there's a ton of valuable experience you get by trying which can increase your chances of success. This goes right to your point, but I guess I'm just adding the caveat that you have to learn the ropes of restaurant management, as opposed to cooking or waiting tables or washing dishes. It has recently become very clear to me what the stark difference is between a product and a business...