Open & Operate a Restaurant - Food Truck - Brew Pub

Opening a restaurant can be a challenging and rewarding experience. Here are some steps to follow to open a restaurant:

1. Develop a business plan: Before you start anything, you should create a business plan that outlines your concept, target audience, menu, pricing, marketing strategy, financial projections, and other important details. This will serve as your roadmap for success.

2. Choose a location: The location of your restaurant is critical to your success. Consider factors such as foot traffic, accessibility, parking, and nearby competition when selecting a location.

3. Obtain necessary permits and licenses: You will need to obtain various permits and licenses, such as a food service permit, liquor license, health inspection certificate, and business license. Contact your local government to find out what permits and licenses are required.

4. Hire a team: You will need to hire a team of staff members, such as cooks, servers, and bartenders. Ensure that they have the necessary skills and experience to perform their job duties effectively.

5. Design and furnish the space: The design and decor of your restaurant should reflect your concept and target audience. Invest in quality furniture, fixtures, and equipment to create a comfortable and welcoming environment.

6. Create a menu: Develop a menu that is appealing to your target audience and aligns with your concept. Consider factors such as food cost, pricing, and ingredients when creating your menu. CLICK HERE to go to the Food Costing Page

7. Order your smallwares Package. Use this worksheet to determine the amount of smallwares needed for a 100 seat restaurant. If you restaurant only has 75 seats, multiply the quantities by .75. If you restaurant has seating for 125 people, multiply the quantities by 1.25… Click here for the worksheet.

8. Market your restaurant: Develop a marketing plan that includes tactics such as social media marketing, email marketing, influencer partnerships, and events to promote your restaurant and attract customers.

Opening a restaurant requires a significant investment of time, money, and effort. Make sure to conduct thorough research, seek guidance from experienced professionals, and stay focused on your goals to increase your chances of success.

Insurance

The most common types of insurance used in the restaurant business are essential to protect against various risks and financial liabilities. Here are some key types of insurance typically needed by restaurants:

1. General Liability Insurance: This covers third-party liability claims for injuries or damages occurring on the restaurant premises. It’s a fundamental coverage that can protect against things like slips, falls, and other accidents.

2. Property Insurance: Essential for covering damages to the restaurant building and its contents, including equipment, furniture, and inventory due to fire, theft, or other disasters.

3. Liquor Liability Insurance: Necessary for establishments that serve alcohol, as it covers injuries and damages caused by intoxicated patrons.

4. Workers’ Compensation Insurance: This is mandatory in most places and covers medical expenses and lost wages for employees injured on the job.

5. Business Interruption Insurance: Helps cover lost income and other expenses if the restaurant has to close temporarily due to a covered peril like a natural disaster.

6. Food Contamination Insurance: Provides coverage for losses or damages resulting from contaminated food, including the costs associated with a health department shutdown and cleanup.

7. Employment Practices Liability: This coverage applies to the worker’s federal and state rights. Claims examples are intimidation, discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. It costs the employee nothing to file an EEOC claim.  The average cost to settle one of these claims is $25k if you’ve done nothing wrong. 2 in 5 restaurants have this claim every year. It’s the most common restaurant claim there is.

These insurance types are crucial in providing financial protection and support to restaurant owners, helping manage risks associated with operating a food service business.

Have you always wanted to open a restaurant business, but you have little to no foodservice industry experience?

We have created this 10 slide tutorial to give you and idea of what you need to do to get started. These are the basics for anyone new to the restaurant business…

Tools for Financing, Equipment Leasing, Legal Help, Setting Up P&L’s, Food Trucks, Free Websites, Menu Engineering, Food & Labor Costing, and more…

Food Trucks and Concession Services

Rev up your food truck business with our essential resources! From marketing strategies that boost sales to clever slogans that capture customer attention, we provide the tools you need to thrive. Dive into profitable event opportunities and maximize your revenue with our comprehensive support. Fuel your success on the go!

The business side of restaurants involves a multifaceted approach to creating and maintaining a successful establishment. It encompasses various aspects, such as market analysis, financial strategies, long-term objectives. Effective business plans are essential for restaurants. The financial aspect is also crucial, as it requires budgeting, cost control, and revenue optimization. In the end, managing the business side of restaurants is essential for achieving success in a competitive industry.

Transform your restaurant’s menu into a profit powerhouse with our expert menu engineering services! Maximize your revenue by strategically highlighting your best dishes and optimizing prices based on robust sales data and cost analysis. Boost your bottom line and delight customers with a perfectly engineered menu…

With a professional website for your business, potential clients are 76% more likely to buy from you. Hiring a web agency to build your website can run you anywhere from $5,000-$20,000.

That’s why we’re here. As part of our free-website program, we’ve helped thousands of entrepreneurs since 2019 to get a professional website for their business—for free.

A restaurant’s profit and loss (P&L) statement is critical as it provides a clear financial snapshot, showing revenues, costs, and expenses over a period. This enables owners to identify trends, manage budgets effectively, and make informed decisions to drive profitability and growth.

Legal Help

Our platform has lawyers that specialize in business law. Business lawyers typically provide advice and other legal services that affect various aspects of a business, which include corporate law issues, contracts, business formation, compliance, mergers and acquisitions, intellectual property, and other types of legal issues that come up when running a business. ContractCounsel’s approach makes legal services affordable by removing unnecessary law firm overhead.

For aspiring restaurateurs, financing is key. The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers programs like 7(a) and CDC/504 loans with favorable terms. Local private lenders also provide tailored options, understanding the unique needs of restaurants. Combining SBA resources with private lending can secure necessary capital for startup or expansion, laying a strong financial foundation for success.

Unlock the full potential of your culinary business with our top-notch restaurant equipment leasing services! Keep your capital free and your kitchen cutting-edge without the burden of outright purchases. Tailored lease terms and budget-friendly options are available. Stereamline your business today!

Avoid legal problems and run a productive workplace with an up-to-date employee handbook!

Anyone who hires and supervises employees needs clear policies when it comes to crucial issues like pay and overtime, medical leave, and social media. Create Your Own Employee Handbook provides everything business owners, managers, and HR professionals need to create (or update) a legal and plain-English employee handbook.

 

Finding the right vendors for your restaurant is essential for maintaining quality, consistency, and operational efficiency.

Reliable vendors provide high-quality ingredients that are crucial for crafting dishes that delight your customers and keep them coming back. They help you avoid supply chain disruptions that can harm your business and reputation.

Strong vendor relationships often lead to better service and flexible terms, giving you more control over inventory and operations.

Investing in top-notch vendors is not just about sourcing products—it’s about forming partnerships that support your restaurant’s success and growth. By carefully selecting your vendors, you enhance your dining experience, streamline operations, and set the stage for long-term profitability.

Website Sponsors and Services

Order a Pre-Opening Guide & Checklist