Restaurant Checklist

Starting out

• Choose a concept.
• Consider buying a franchise.
• Develop a business plan.
• Choose a name.
• Choose a location.
• Choose design and layout.
• Decide how much seating will be needed.
• Decide on lighting and music.
• Determine what licenses are needed and apply for them.
• Choose equipment.
• Choose food service.
• Choose menu and decide on pricing.
• Calculate start-up costs.

General Operations

• Assemble restaurant tool kit.
• Set up labor control tools.
• Decide what the hours of operation will be for each meal period.
• Decide equipment layout in all service stations.
• Test all equipment.
• Set up exterior landscape service.
• Purchase miscitems for front desk.

Kitchen Operations

• Prepare chart showing order & delivery dates from vendors.
• Finalize opening supplies orders.
• Provide list of all primary and backup vendors.
• Determine your needs for linens.
• Finalize all order books by product and purveyor & backup.
• Finalize beer and wine selections.
• Clean, organize and label all shelving.
• Set up dish machine service.
• Schematic all kitchen stations & service stations.
• Buy quality knives and slicer blades.
• Develop table numbers and seating charts.
• Set up soda system installation.

Finance

• Obtain federal tax number, employer and employee tax numbers.
• Open bank account.
• Set up POS charge system.
• Set up opening budget for tracking.

Staffing

• Develop projected list of employee needs.
• Develop pay scales for all crew work groups.
• Review staffing manual for interviewing and hiring procedures.
• Identify dates of training.
• Validate service sequences.
• Document and train management and staff.

Marketing

• Hire local PR firm.
• Set up your website.
• Send out press releases to all local media.
• Organize pre-opening press event.
• Decide any other pre-opening events.