Restaurant Startup Checklist
Countdown to Opening
Months
Before
Opening
Category
Activity
Responsible
Person/Party
Target
Completion
Date
Status/Date Competed
5
Design/
Construction
Water service
- Permits, procedures, plans, installation, inspection
5 Finance/Legal
Tax ID numbers/accounts
- apply for federal, state unemployment insurance, state sales tax
5 Ongoing Services
Insurance agent
- building, general liability, liquor liability, workman's comp, group medical
5 Operations
Table mix & arrangement
- determine mix of 2 top, 4 top, round, booths
- determine booth / table positions, table numbers
4 Administration
Liquor license
- apply for
- consider hiring firm to assist in processing application
4
Design/
Construction
Water quality
- test for hard water, take bids for water softening, filtration
4 FF&E
Safe for office
- determine type, bid & order
4 Food & Beverage
List of available suppliers
- create list of suppliers for food, beverages & supplies
4 Marketing
Menu boards & pictures
- determine type, design, order
- pictures of key menu items bundled with side & beverage
4 Marketing
Banners
- NOW HIRING /COMING SOON / NOW OPEN
4 Operations
Hours of operation
- determine for each day/meal period
4 Operations
Vending machines
- cigarettes, pay phones, video games, other
4 Personnel
Employee benefits
- determine insurance coverage (medical, dental, life, disability) & eligibility
- vacation, meals, comps, tuition reimbursement, other
4 Personnel
Employee job descriptions
- create for all staff & management positions
- download templates on RestaurantOwner.com
Startup Checklist Page 10 of 24