Guide to Opening a Restaurant

Choosing a restaurant concept

The list of restaurant types is practically endless. Do you want to open a franchise, start from the ground up or purchase an existing restaurant and make it your own?

I recommend: Use AllFoodBusiness to help define your restaurant concept and FoodService411 to collect the background research necessary for opening a restaurant.

Put together a road map

Every business needs a business plan. In the restaurant industry, a comprehensive business plan will keep you focused on the fundamentals: the market opportunity, the financials and how the operation will run. It may also make the difference between getting a business loan and being turned down.

I recommend: Use Business Plan Pro or RestaurantBizPlans.com to write a structured, professional business plan.

Hire a consultant

If you've never owned a business before, opening a restaurant may be more challenging than you expect. Investing in a consulting firm could help keep your doors open and save money down the road.

I recommend: Contact Restaurant Profit Strategies & Solutions or RAS for professional restaurant advisory services.

Organize and manage operations

Save time and money by keeping your business operations in order and expertly managed. There are a variety of solutions available to the restaurant owner. Find one that works best for your business and use it. The more organized you are, the better your chance of succeeding.

I recommend: Use RestaurantForms or Virtual Restaurant to manage your business operations. Both provide tools to help manage timesheets, financial statements, budgets and staffing costs.

Find the right chef

Choosing the right chef could be the most important decision you will make when starting your restaurant. Depending on your menu, you will want somebody who can meet the expectations of your customers as well as your expectations of how your kitchen will be managed. Take time on this decision and interview a selection of people. Make sure your chef is both an artist and a professional.

I recommend: Recruit your chef at Chef2Chef or ChefsEmployment.