Checklists LibraryChecklist for Starting a Restaurant Business

HoReCa

10/1/2025

Checklist for Starting a Restaurant Business

A Restaurant Startup Checklist helps turn the complex process of opening a new restaurant into a clear, step-by-step plan. Instead of juggling dozens of tasks from memory, owners and managers can follow a structured sequence covering business planning, licensing, financing, staffing, menu design, marketing, and pre-opening operations. Each line has a simple outcome — permit approved, POS system tested, staff hired, menu finalized — so nothing critical is overlooked.

For new restaurateurs, this checklist reduces stress and provides a roadmap. It guides you from registering your business and securing funding to choosing equipment, developing a menu, and preparing your team. By checking off each task, you can see progress and identify what still needs attention before the doors open.

For managers and investors, the checklist creates accountability and visibility. It ensures that safety inspections, staff training, and trial runs are completed before the grand opening, and it leaves a record of actions taken — valuable for compliance, quality assurance, and future audits.

The template works in both printable PDF format for simple use and in a mobile checklist app where you can add photos of permits, log vendor agreements, track budgets, and assign tasks to team members. Keeping the checklist updated makes the launch more predictable, improves coordination across departments, and helps ensure a successful restaurant opening from day one.

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Business plan completed and reviewed

Check

Restaurant concept and target market defined

Check

Chosen location evaluated (foot traffic, parking)

Check

Competitor analysis documented

Text

Financial projections prepared (3–5 years)

Check

Business name registered and approved

Check

Federal Employer ID Number (EIN) obtained

Check

Local business license secured

Check

Food service permit approved

Check

Alcohol/beverage license applied (if needed)

Check

Health department inspection scheduled

Check

Fire & safety code compliance checked

Check

Note any pending permits/licenses

Text

Business bank account opened

Check

Accounting software selected and configured

Check

Startup funding secured (loan, investor, savings)

Check

POS and payroll system purchased/set up

Check

Estimate startup cost total ($)

Number

Lease signed and filed

Check

Kitchen layout approved by health inspector

Check

Kitchen equipment purchased and delivered

Check

Dining furniture and fixtures ordered

Check

Refrigeration units tested

Check

Upload photo of installed kitchen equipment

Media

Record number of major appliances installed

Number

Note outstanding facility issues

Text

Organizational chart created

Check

Job descriptions finalized for all roles

Check

Hiring ads posted

Check

Number of applications received

Number

Initial interviews completed

Check

Uniforms ordered

Check

Training/orientation plan documented

Text

Draft menu created

Check

Menu items costed and margin calculated

Check

Suppliers and vendors selected

Check

Menu tested with sample audience

Check

Upload image of final menu draft

Media

Note allergen and dietary labeling compliance

Text

Number of finalized menu items

Number

Restaurant logo and brand identity created

Check

Website launched

Check

Social media accounts created (FB, IG, TikTok)

Check

Local press/release plan prepared

Check

Online reservation system set up

Check

Upload screenshot of website home page

Media

Record number of followers at launch

Number

Marketing budget noted

Text

Cleaning and sanitization of facility completed

Check

Waste disposal and recycling service contracted

Check

Staff training completed

Check

Fire, health, and safety inspection passed

Check

Upload photo of training in progress

Media

Trial service/soft opening scheduled

Check

Estimate guest count for soft opening

Number

Feedback from trial service collected

Text

Grand opening date set

Check

Promotions/discounts prepared

Check

Invitations sent to local press & community

Check

Upload photo of opening event poster

Media

Number of RSVPs received

Number

Additional notes or issues before opening

Text

Opening day sales recorded

Number

Guest feedback collected

Text

Social media mentions reviewed

Check

Upload photo from opening day

Media

Lessons learned documented

Text

Next improvement steps scheduled

Check

Checklist for Starting a Restaurant Business

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