Opening a New Restaurant Checklist
A Comprehensive List to Opening Your Restaurant Successfully
Pre-Opening Essentials (6-12 Months Before Opening)
Business Foundation & Legal Structure
Conduct comprehensive market research and competitive analysis
Create detailed business plan with 3-year financial projections
Secure initial funding and establish investor relationships
Choose optimal business structure (LLC, S-Corp, C-Corp, Partnership)
Register business name and check for trademark conflicts
Apply for Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Register for state and local business licenses
Apply for sales tax permits and resale certificates
Obtain food service establishment license
Apply for liquor license (timeline: 3-6 months in most states)
Secure building permits for construction/renovation
Obtain occupancy permits and certificates of completion
Schedule fire department inspections and approvals
Apply for outdoor seating and sidewalk café permits
Secure signage permits for exterior displays
Register for workers' compensation insurance
Apply for unemployment insurance registration
Obtain zoning compliance and conditional use permits
Secure music licensing agreements (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, PRO)
Apply for live entertainment permits (if applicable)
Register with local chamber of commerce and restaurant associations
Financial Infrastructure & Banking
Establish business banking relationship with commercial banker
Open primary business checking account
Set up business savings account for tax reserves
Establish business credit cards and lines of credit
Secure merchant services for credit card processing
Set up ACH payment processing for vendors
Implement accounting software (QuickBooks, Toast, etc.)
Hire certified public accountant (CPA) for tax planning
Establish bookkeeping procedures and chart of accounts
Create cash flow management and forecasting systems
Set up payroll processing service
Establish petty cash policies and procedures
Create expense reporting and approval workflows
Set up automatic bill pay for recurring expenses
Establish banking relationships for future expansion
Create financial reporting schedules and KPI tracking
Insurance & Risk Management
Secure general liability insurance ($1-2M coverage)
Obtain property insurance for building and equipment
Purchase workers' compensation insurance
Secure liquor liability insurance (if serving alcohol)
Get cyber liability insurance for data protection
Obtain employment practices liability insurance
Secure business interruption insurance
Purchase key person life insurance on owners/managers
Get equipment breakdown insurance for kitchen appliances
Secure commercial auto insurance (for delivery vehicles)
Obtain umbrella liability policy for additional protection
Purchase plate glass and sign insurance
Get food contamination and recall insurance
Secure directors and officers insurance (if incorporated)
Create risk management procedures and safety protocols
Location & Real Estate
Conduct thorough site selection analysis and foot traffic studies
Negotiate lease terms with legal counsel review
Understand all common area maintenance (CAM) charges
Negotiate tenant improvement allowances
Secure personal guarantee limitations and exit clauses
Understand assignment and subletting rights
Review percentage rent clauses and sales reporting requirements
Confirm parking availability and customer accessibility
Verify compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Assess public transportation access and delivery logistics
Evaluate neighboring businesses and synergy opportunities
Conduct environmental assessments if required
Review utility capacity and upgrade requirements
Understand local noise ordinances and operating hour restrictions
Assess future development plans in the area
Waste Management & Environmental Planning
Research and contract with grease disposal and recycling services
Establish composting and organic waste management systems
Set up recycling procedures for packaging materials and containers
Partner with waste management companies for regular pickup schedules
Investigate food donation programs for surplus inventory
Create sustainable packaging and to-go container policies
Establish oil recycling programs for cooking oils
Research local environmental regulations and compliance requirements
Emergency Preparedness Planning
Develop natural disaster preparedness plans (fire, flood, earthquake)
Create power outage operational procedures
Establish medical emergency protocols and stock first aid supplies
Create emergency contact trees and communication systems for staff
Develop evacuation plans and conduct safety drills
Install emergency lighting and backup communication systems
Create emergency supply kits (flashlights, batteries, water)
Establish relationships with local emergency services
Concept Development & Branding (4-6 Months Before Opening)
Restaurant Concept & Identity
Define target demographic and customer personas
Develop unique value proposition and positioning statement
Create comprehensive brand story and mission statement
Design restaurant concept and service style definition
Establish price points and market positioning strategy
Develop signature dishes and unique selling propositions
Create ambiance and atmosphere guidelines
Define service standards and customer experience goals
Establish sustainability and community involvement initiatives
Develop customer loyalty and retention strategies
Accessibility & Inclusivity Planning
Plan for Braille menus or digital accessibility options
Develop service animal accommodation policies
Consider multilingual menu options or staff language capabilities
Research cultural dietary considerations for local demographics
Plan wheelchair accessible seating arrangements
Consider hearing-impaired customer accommodation (visual alerts, etc.)
Develop inclusive marketing materials representing diverse customers
Plan staff diversity and cultural competency training
Professional Design & Branding
Hire professional restaurant designer or architect
Develop comprehensive interior design plans and 3D renderings
Create detailed floor plans optimizing traffic flow
Design kitchen layout for maximum efficiency and safety
Select commercial-grade furniture, fixtures, and equipment
Choose color schemes, lighting design, and acoustics planning
Design custom logo and comprehensive brand identity system
Create brand guidelines document for consistent application
Develop typography and graphic design standards
Design exterior signage and storefront appearance
Create branded uniforms and staff appearance standards
Design menu layouts and photography style guides
Develop branded merchandise and promotional materials
Create social media templates and digital brand assets
Design business cards, letterhead, and corporate materials
Equipment & Infrastructure (3-4 Months Before Opening)
Kitchen Equipment & Appliances
Purchase commercial ranges, ovens, and cooking equipment
Install commercial dishwashing systems and glass washers
Set up walk-in coolers and freezers with backup systems
Install commercial ice machines and water filtration systems
Purchase food preparation equipment (mixers, slicers, processors)
Set up exhaust hoods and fire suppression systems
Install commercial-grade smallwares and kitchen tools
Purchase food storage containers and labeling systems
Set up steam tables and food holding equipment
Install hand washing stations and sanitation equipment
Purchase cutting boards, knife sets, and prep tools
Set up portion control scales and measuring equipment
Install kitchen display systems for order management
Purchase backup equipment for critical operations
Establish equipment maintenance and service contracts
Front of House Equipment
Purchase dining room tables, chairs, and booth seating
Install POS systems at all service stations
Set up hostess stations with reservation management systems
Purchase serving trays, linens, and table settings
Install sound systems and background music equipment
Set up lighting systems with dimmer controls
Purchase bar equipment (if applicable) including beer taps
Install wine storage and temperature control systems
Set up customer payment terminals and tip processing
Purchase cleaning supplies and janitorial equipment
Install security cameras and alarm systems
Set up customer WiFi network and internet infrastructure
Purchase office equipment (computers, printers, phones)
Install customer restroom fixtures and amenities
Set up coat check and waiting area furnishings
Technology & Systems Integration
Install comprehensive POS system with cloud backup
Set up inventory management software integration
Implement staff scheduling and time clock systems
Install customer reservation and wait list management
Set up online ordering and delivery platform integration
Implement customer relationship management (CRM) system
Install accounting software with POS integration
Set up payroll system with time tracking integration
Implement food cost analysis and menu engineering software
Install customer feedback and review management tools
Set up social media management and posting tools
Implement email marketing and customer communication systems
Install security system monitoring and access controls
Set up backup power systems for critical operations
Create technology troubleshooting and support procedures
Technology Backup & Contingency Systems
Develop manual order-taking procedures for POS system failures
Create cash-only operation contingency plans
Set up mobile hotspot backup for internet failures
Install uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for critical systems
Create printed backup copies of all essential digital information
Establish vendor relationships for emergency equipment rental
Train staff on manual credit card processing procedures
Create communication systems that work during technology failures
Menu Development & Culinary Operations (2-3 Months Before Opening)
Menu Engineering & Pricing
Conduct extensive recipe development and testing
Calculate detailed food costs for every menu item
Perform competitive pricing analysis in local market
Conduct focus groups and taste testing sessions
Develop seasonal menu rotation and limited-time offers
Create portion control standards and plating guides
Design kids' menu with appealing, healthy options
Develop comprehensive allergy and dietary restriction alternatives
Create detailed nutritional information and calorie counts
Establish menu item descriptions with compelling copy
Develop signature dishes and chef specialties
Plan daily specials program and rotation schedule
Create wine pairing recommendations and descriptions
Establish dessert and after-dinner menu options
Develop catering and private dining menu options
Supply Chain & Vendor Management
Research and vet primary food suppliers and distributors
Establish relationships with local farms and specialty vendors
Negotiate pricing contracts and payment terms
Set up backup suppliers for all critical ingredients
Create vendor evaluation and performance tracking systems
Establish quality standards and inspection procedures
Set up automatic ordering systems for high-volume items
Create emergency supplier contact database
Negotiate delivery schedules and receiving procedures
Establish vendor payment processing and invoice management
Create seasonal sourcing plans for fresh ingredients
Set up specialty item sourcing for unique menu requirements
Establish relationships with beverage distributors
Create vendor communication and relationship management procedures
Implement vendor compliance and food safety requirements
Food Safety & Compliance
Develop comprehensive HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points) plan
Create detailed food safety and sanitation procedures
Establish temperature monitoring and logging systems
Implement allergen management and cross-contamination prevention
Create food storage and rotation procedures (FIFO)
Develop cleaning and sanitization schedules and checklists
Establish pest control prevention and monitoring systems
Create food safety training programs for all staff
Implement recall procedures and traceability systems
Set up food safety incident reporting and management
Create health department inspection preparation procedures
Establish food handler certification requirements and tracking
Implement food safety audit and compliance monitoring
Create food safety documentation and record keeping systems
Develop food safety corrective action procedures
Staffing & Human Resources (2-3 Months Before Opening)
Organizational Structure & Leadership
Define organizational chart and reporting relationships
Develop detailed job descriptions for all positions
Establish compensation structures and pay scales
Create performance evaluation criteria and review schedules
Develop advancement opportunities and career path planning
Establish management training and development programs
Create succession planning for key positions
Develop conflict resolution and disciplinary procedures
Establish employee recognition and incentive programs
Create team building and staff engagement initiatives
Recruitment & Hiring Process
Develop comprehensive recruitment strategy and sourcing plan
Create compelling job postings and advertising campaigns
Establish partnerships with culinary schools and hospitality programs
Set up online application and candidate tracking systems
Develop structured interview processes and evaluation criteria
Create practical skill assessments and working interviews
Implement background check and reference verification procedures
Establish drug testing and medical examination requirements
Create onboarding timeline and new hire orientation program
Develop employee handbook and policy documentation
Set up I-9 verification and employment eligibility processes
Create employee file management and record keeping systems
Establish probationary periods and performance expectations
Develop uniform and appearance standards
Create emergency contact and personal information collection
Training & Development Programs
Create comprehensive training manuals for all positions
Develop food safety and sanitation training modules
Design customer service excellence training programs
Create POS system and technology training curricula
Develop wine and beverage service training programs
Create allergen awareness and handling training
Design upselling and sales technique training
Develop conflict resolution and customer complaint handling training
Create cross-training programs for operational flexibility
Establish ongoing education and skill development programs
Design leadership development for potential managers
Create safety and emergency procedure training
Develop cultural competency and diversity training
Establish mentorship and buddy system programs
Create training assessment and certification procedures
Employee Benefits & Retention
Design competitive benefits package (health, dental, vision)
Establish retirement plan options (401k, Simple IRA)
Create paid time off and sick leave policies
Develop employee discount and meal programs
Establish flexible scheduling and work-life balance initiatives
Create employee assistance programs and wellness initiatives
Develop profit sharing and bonus programs
Establish educational assistance and tuition reimbursement
Create employee referral and retention bonuses
Develop performance-based advancement opportunities
Establish employee feedback and suggestion systems
Create employee appreciation and recognition programs
Develop exit interview and retention analysis procedures
Establish workers' compensation and injury management
Create employee communication and engagement strategies
Marketing & Customer Acquisition (1-3 Months Before Opening)
Digital Marketing Foundation
Develop comprehensive digital marketing strategy
Create professional website with online ordering capability
Implement search engine optimization (SEO) for local search
Set up Google My Business profile with complete information
Create social media accounts across all relevant platforms
Develop content calendar and posting schedules
Design email marketing campaigns and automation sequences
Create customer database and contact collection systems
Implement online reservation and booking systems
Set up review management and reputation monitoring
Create digital advertising campaigns (Google Ads, Facebook Ads)
Develop influencer partnership and collaboration strategies
Create loyalty program and customer retention initiatives
Implement customer feedback and survey systems
Design mobile app or mobile-optimized ordering system
Traditional Marketing & Community Engagement
Develop public relations strategy and press kit
Create relationships with local media and food critics
Plan grand opening event and media coverage
Design print advertising campaigns and materials
Create direct mail campaigns for local neighborhood marketing
Develop partnerships with local businesses and organizations
Plan community involvement and charitable giving initiatives
Create catering and private dining marketing programs
Develop corporate account and business partnership strategies
Design promotional materials (business cards, brochures, flyers)
Create branded merchandise and giveaway items
Plan seasonal marketing campaigns and holiday promotions
Develop event hosting and venue rental marketing
Create referral programs and word-of-mouth incentives
Establish local sponsorship and advertising opportunities
Community Relations & Neighborhood Integration
Establish noise management policies for neighborhood harmony
Coordinate parking arrangements with neighboring businesses
Build relationships with local suppliers and vendors
Participate in local business association meetings
Plan community service and volunteer opportunities
Create partnerships with local schools and organizations
Establish relationships with local government officials
Plan neighborhood appreciation events and special offers
Pre-Opening Marketing Campaign
Create "coming soon" signage and neighborhood awareness
Launch teaser social media campaigns with behind-the-scenes content
Collect email addresses for launch announcements
Plan friends and family soft opening events
Create buzz with local food bloggers and influencers
Develop countdown campaigns and opening day anticipation
Plan media interviews and press conference
Create opening week promotions and special offers
Design loyalty program launch incentives
Plan community leader and VIP preview events
Create social media contests and engagement campaigns
Develop partnerships with delivery and third-party platforms
Plan opening day documentation and content creation
Create customer feedback collection for opening period
Design follow-up marketing for post-opening customer retention
Operational Systems & Procedures (1-2 Months Before Opening)
Service Standards & Customer Experience
Develop comprehensive service standards manual
Create detailed standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all positions
Design customer greeting and seating procedures
Establish order taking and upselling protocols
Create food running and table maintenance procedures
Develop payment processing and checkout procedures
Establish customer complaint resolution procedures
Create accessibility and special needs accommodation procedures
Design reservation management and wait list procedures
Establish private dining and special event protocols
Create takeout and delivery service procedures
Develop catering order management and fulfillment procedures
Establish customer feedback collection and response procedures
Create customer loyalty program enrollment and management
Design VIP and repeat customer recognition procedures
Kitchen Operations & Food Production
Create detailed prep lists and production schedules
Establish mise en place standards and organization systems
Develop recipe standardization and portion control procedures
Create cooking procedures and quality control checkpoints
Establish food temperature monitoring and logging procedures
Design plate presentation and garnish standards
Create kitchen communication and ticket management systems
Establish inventory rotation and waste reduction procedures
Develop cleaning and sanitation schedules for all equipment
Create opening and closing procedures for kitchen staff
Establish equipment maintenance and repair procedures
Design special diet and allergen handling procedures
Create food cost tracking and waste analysis procedures
Establish emergency procedures and contingency plans
Develop kitchen safety and accident prevention procedures
Financial Controls & Cash Management
Create comprehensive cash handling procedures
Establish daily sales reporting and deposit procedures
Develop void and comp authorization procedures
Create tip reporting and distribution procedures
Establish inventory counting and valuation procedures
Design cost control and expense management procedures
Create daily, weekly, and monthly financial reporting systems
Establish petty cash management and reconciliation procedures
Develop credit card processing and reconciliation procedures
Create payroll processing and time clock management
Establish bill paying and accounts payable procedures
Design budget monitoring and variance analysis procedures
Create profit and loss analysis and reporting systems
Establish internal audit and control procedures
Develop financial goal setting and performance tracking
Seasonal Operations Planning
Develop weather-related operational adjustment procedures
Plan seasonal staffing fluctuation strategies
Create holiday hours and special event operating procedures
Establish outdoor seating weather contingency plans
Plan seasonal menu transitions and ingredient sourcing
Develop heating and cooling system operational procedures
Create seasonal marketing and promotion calendars
Plan inventory adjustments for seasonal demand changes
Pre-Opening Testing & Refinement (2-4 Weeks Before Opening)
Systems Testing & Integration
Conduct comprehensive POS system testing with all scenarios
Test kitchen display and order management systems
Verify all payment processing and tip distribution systems
Test reservation system and customer communication tools
Verify inventory management and automatic ordering systems
Test all kitchen equipment under full load conditions
Conduct sound system and lighting system testing
Verify security system and camera functionality
Test fire suppression and safety systems
Conduct WiFi and internet connectivity testing throughout facility
Test backup power systems and emergency procedures
Verify HVAC system functionality and temperature controls
Test all customer-facing technology and ordering systems
Conduct integration testing between all technology platforms
Create system troubleshooting and technical support procedures
Staff Training & Team Building
Complete comprehensive onboarding for all team members
Conduct intensive menu training with full tasting sessions
Practice customer service scenarios and role-playing exercises
Train all staff on POS system and payment processing
Conduct wine service and beverage training sessions
Practice allergy management and special dietary procedures
Conduct emergency response and safety training
Practice opening and closing procedures with full team
Conduct team building exercises and communication training
Establish performance expectations and accountability systems
Create ongoing training schedules and skill development plans
Develop team communication systems and feedback procedures
Practice conflict resolution and customer complaint handling
Establish recognition and reward systems for excellent performance
Create team culture and shared values implementation
Soft Opening & Mock Services
Plan friends and family preview events
Conduct multiple full-service dress rehearsals
Practice rush period scenarios and stress testing
Test catering and private dining capabilities
Conduct takeout and delivery service testing
Practice special event and large party service
Test all menu items for consistency and presentation
Conduct customer feedback collection and analysis
Refine service timing and kitchen coordination
Practice reservation management and wait list procedures
Test payment processing and tip distribution under load
Conduct inventory management and ordering procedure testing
Practice customer complaint resolution scenarios
Refine staff scheduling and break procedures
Document all issues and create improvement action plans
Final Inspections & Compliance (1-2 Weeks Before Opening)
Regulatory Compliance & Inspections
Schedule and pass final health department inspection
Complete fire department final inspection and approval
Obtain occupancy permit and certificate of occupancy
Complete building department final inspections
Verify zoning compliance and conditional use permits
Complete signage permit approval and installation
Verify ADA compliance and accessibility requirements
Complete liquor license final approval (if applicable)
Verify all employee certifications and training requirements
Complete workers' compensation insurance verification
Verify all utility installations and safety inspections
Complete elevator inspection (if applicable)
Verify grease trap installation and maintenance agreements
Complete final environmental compliance verification
Obtain final business license and operating permits
Quality Assurance & Final Preparations
Conduct comprehensive deep cleaning of entire facility
Complete final equipment calibration and testing
Verify all temperature monitoring and logging systems
Complete final inventory stocking and organization
Verify all safety equipment and emergency supplies
Complete final staff uniform fitting and appearance standards
Verify all signage installation and branding compliance
Complete final menu printing and display installation
Verify all technology systems and backup procedures
Complete final cash register setup and till preparation
Verify all vendor delivery schedules and receiving procedures
Complete final marketing material preparation and distribution
Verify all insurance policies are active and current
Complete final staff scheduling and opening day assignments
Create opening day timeline and contingency plans
Opening Day Execution
Opening Day Operations
Arrive early for pre-opening team meeting and motivation
Complete final equipment checks and system verification
Verify all food and beverage inventory is properly stocked
Ensure all staff are present, uniformed, and ready for service
Conduct final cleanliness and presentation walk-through
Test all systems one final time before opening
Brief staff on opening day specials and promotions
Ensure management coverage for entire operating period
Activate all marketing campaigns and social media announcements
Document opening day with professional photography and video
Monitor customer feedback and service quality throughout the day
Address any issues quickly and professionally
Maintain energy and enthusiasm throughout the day
Celebrate achievements and recognize outstanding staff performance
Plan for post-opening day team debrief and improvement planning
Post-Opening Optimization (First 90 Days)
Performance Monitoring & Analysis
Track daily sales, customer counts, and average check size
Monitor food costs, waste levels, and inventory turnover
Analyze customer feedback and online reviews daily
Track staff performance, turnover, and satisfaction levels
Monitor peak times, wait times, and table turnover rates
Analyze menu item popularity and profitability
Track marketing campaign effectiveness and ROI
Monitor cash flow, expenses, and profitability trends
Analyze supplier performance and delivery reliability
Track customer acquisition and retention rates
Monitor online presence and social media engagement
Analyze reservation patterns and no-show rates
Track catering and private dining revenue opportunities
Monitor equipment performance and maintenance needs
Analyze competitor activities and market changes
Continuous Improvement & Optimization
Adjust menu items based on customer preferences and costs
Refine staff scheduling based on actual customer patterns
Optimize inventory levels and ordering procedures
Enhance training programs based on observed performance gaps
Improve service procedures based on customer feedback
Adjust pricing strategies based on market response
Enhance marketing strategies based on customer acquisition data
Optimize kitchen procedures for efficiency and consistency
Improve supplier relationships and negotiating better terms
Enhance customer loyalty programs and retention strategies
Optimize technology systems and integrate new capabilities
Improve financial controls and cost management procedures
Enhance safety procedures and risk management protocols
Develop expansion plans and growth strategies
Create systems for ongoing innovation and adaptation
This comprehensive checklist should be customized based on your specific restaurant type, concept, location, and local regulations. Consider using project management software to track progress and assign responsibilities to team members throughout the opening process.