This article reports the results of a survey conducted to obtain detailed information concerning Australian restaurant and catering operators' perceptions of their industry. Members of the Australian Restaurant and Catering Association were given the opportunity to voice their opinion, in an open-ended format, concerning factors that either hinder or help their operation. Through content analysis, several factors were identified that respondents perceive as important to the success of their business or as increasing the difficulty of operating their business. In particular, five broad success/difficulty factors emerged, relating to product, staff, financial, environmental and customer issues. Respondents were also asked whether managers and/or owners of businesses in the industry should possess appropriate qualifications. Although a majority of respondents believe managers should be appropriately qualified, many in the sector perceive experience, motivation and other qualities to be more, or equally, important. Implications of the findings are discussed within a framework of recent hospitality and management literature.