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Checklist for Opening a Restaurant

By: Dachary Carey

Creating a checklist for opening a restaurant is a helpful tool in the planning stages. A checklist can help you identify areas you haven't covered, make sure you've completed items you need to check off and ensure you're ready when you open the doors.

Restaurant Planning

Create a concept
Draft a menu
Pick a location
Write a business plan

Restaurant Paperwork
Financial Paperwork

Set up bank account
Merchant account
Payroll service
Obtain funding

Building Paperwork

Zoning paperwork
Building permits
Restaurant permits
Liquor license

Running a Restaurant

Business insurance
Worker's Compensation
Liability
Liquor bonds
Create employee manuals
Create application/hiring paperwork
Check federal and local staffing regulations for necessary paperwork
Comply with OSHA and federal signage and paperwork

Restaurant Creation
Construction

Comply with necessary regulations and building code requirements
Design front-of-house seating area
Design functional kitchen
Price construction and select a contractor
Create a construction schedule
Secure any remaining permits and construction-related paperwork
Build the restaurant
Install any code-required signage
Plan and build parking lot
Complete landscaping

Equipment

Set up utilities
Purchase or lease kitchen equipment
Select dishes/flatware/service items
Select a linen service
Select and install POS system

Security

Create security protocols
Hire a security service
Install a double-door safe
Plan a night drop
Re-key all locks after construction and before opening

Hire Staff

Set wages and hire staff
Chef
Cooks
Prep cooks
Bartenders
Waitstaff
Busboys
Dishwashers
Host/hostess
Management and supervisors
Certify ServSafe or other restaurant certification programs
Create and distribute employee manual
Determine review/raise/evaluation process

Restaurant Opening
Inventory

Order pre-opening inventory
Establish ongoing inventory amounts and order process
Create inventory and ordering forms
Set up inventory in kitchen/prep space
Label and organize all inventory to comply with local, state and federal regulations

Staffing

Create schedule
Train staff
Run practice openings (friends and family opening)
Organize sidework
Develop opening/closing checklists for kitchen and front of house
Run soft opening
Organize restaurant opening

Restaurant Marketing
Printed Materials

Graphic design/logo/colors/fonts
Menus
Business cards
Signs
Gift certificates
Letterhead

Advertising

Develop advertising plan
Get a listing in the Yellow Pages
Utilize online resources
Create Web site
Get a listing with local business organizations
Invite newspapers/publications to restaurant
Create positive customer experience for good word-of-mouth restaurant marketing
Locate and monitor review Web sites for restaurant feedback