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It can be challenging to open a restaurant. There are many things to think about, from the location and financing options to choosing the right name. You also need to consider hiring staff and purchasing commercial restaurant equipment.
Starting a new restaurant can be a bit daunting. Here are some tips on what to know and expect during the process!Click To TweetOPENING A RESTAURANT CHECKLIST
Concept, Location, Name
First, decide what kind of restaurant you want to open. Are you looking to open a steakhouse with high standards? A casual 1950s-style diner? Are you looking for a particular type of cuisine, such as Indian, French, or Italian? Maybe a microbrewery or a pub.
It’s all about location. It can make or break a restaurant.
Do your research before you sign a lease. Do you live in an area that is popular with foot traffic? Is there enough parking? Are there other eateries that have opened or closed on the same spot as you?
It can be very enjoyable to choose a name for your new restaurant that is meaningful to you. You can use a family name or a play on words. It could also reflect your chosen theme or location, such as Broadway Diner, The Highlands, or The Highlands.
Restaurant Business Plan
Two reasons are the most important to have a business plan. It helps you identify potential problems in your plan. It’s almost impossible to obtain financing without one.
Many people are prevented from opening their own restaurant by not having the financing. It is sometimes more difficult to obtain funding for a restaurant than for other types of business. However, it is possible. There are many financing options available, including small business agencies, banks, and private investors. Read this guide to business equipment financing for ideas.
Prepare for your financing interview and show potential investors you have a thorough understanding of the business aspects of opening and running a restaurant.
Standard licenses and permits issued to restaurants regardless of their state include signage permits, liquor licenses, outdoor spaces, workers’ compensation, and permit permits. Remember that many permits and licenses take weeks to approve. Once you have secured financing, it is time to start filling out the paperwork.
Restaurant Design
When designing a restaurant, the rule of thumb is never to use up as much space as you thought. You can quickly fill even the most cramped spaces with commercial kitchens, walk-in refrigerators, bars, toilets, and a waiting room.
The design should balance aesthetics with seating capacity while keeping practicality in view.
The right color choice for your restaurant can help you build a strong brand identity and create a welcoming atmosphere for your customers.
Advertising
New restaurants need advertising. Most tend to get advice from a Restaurant Advertising Agency while others prefer to do it themselves or a combination of both. You can now supplement social media advertising like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook with traditional advertising such as radio ads and newspapers, depending on your concept and the diners you wish to reach.
Menus, Equipment, and Staff
A well-written restaurant menu should be clear and concise, easy to understand, and not cluttered. It’s better not to use generic artwork found online and to use a beautiful font.
Once you have a restaurant design, you can begin to purchase commercial restaurant equipment and furniture. You can save money by buying equipment from a trusted source.
Hire for the kitchen and floor as you approach the opening day. You want to hire the best person for each position, including waitstaff, kitchen staff, and bartenders.
Hire people who have experience in foodservice. If possible, ask for samples of their food.
Can you share any restaurant business ideas with us?
Krystle Cook – the creator of Home Jobs by MOM – put her psychology degree on a shelf and dived into a pile of diapers and dishes instead. She is a wife and mother to two rambunctious boys, sweating it out in her Texas hometown. She loves cooking, DIY home projects, and family fun activities.
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We haven’t thought about opening a restaurant. Have considered a food truck.
What kind of food truck have you thought about?