Sorted by Administration 2 begin interviewing professional service providers attorney, accountant, architect, designer, insurance agent, real estate broker Administration collect information on required permits and licenses health dept, business license, liquor license, other Administration 0 identify insurance needs building, liability, workers comp, other Administration banking open and fund construction account Administration liquor license investigate application process/availability of license Administration apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) Administration 5 Administration 4 Administration 3 Administration 2 Administration 2 Administration 2 Administration 2 Administration 2 Administration 2 create a credit application sheet for vendors include references liquor license apply for hiring professional assistance if neccessary timekeeping system decide on system type (time cards, manual, POS) alcoholic beverage server certification determine requirements banking open operating, payroll, reserve accounts order checks, deposit slips payroll processing select vendor and open account credit card merchant accounts select vendor and open accoun tsetup for MC/Visa, Amex, Discover, Others accounting software select in house accounting software format chart of accounts consistent with industry standars petty cash setup petty cash fund for cash payments create petty cash reimbursement form Restaurant Checklist Page of 25
Sorted by Administration 2 deposit procedures set up processes, pick ups, drops, etc Administration 2 Administration Administration Administration Administration Administration Administration insurance verify with your agent that all policies are ready to go live bank supplies deposit stamp, deposit bags, deposit slips accounting/bookkeeping have CPA review sales, deposit, payroll,etc before launch permits, licenses, inspections, approvals verify that all required licenses have been secured cash tills get change & small bills from bank POS/Merchant accounts test credit card approval/processing receive final certificate of occupancy Administration Administration Administration Administration Administration Administration Administration Administration Administration Restaurant Checklist Page 2of 25
Sorted by 2 research successful concepts collect info on appealing concepts 2 research market look for opportunities or concept gaps 2 research competitive landscape which concepts are most successful determine menu price range study price points of restaurants in your area preliminary food & bar menus begin collecting menu/recipe ideas 0 continue to define concept type of service, price range, menu 9 differenitation determine your unique selling proposition concept validation/testing interview potential customers determine restaurant name do a trade name search to confirm availability finalize concept draft concept statement fully describing concept Restaurant Checklist Page 3of 25
Sorted by 2 market research study local markets create list of the most promising areas 0 0 0 0 0 9 9 9 graphic artist find a graphic artist to work with determine facility requirements overal square footage needs, seats, parking, etc site selection criteria determine site criteria demographics number of seats traffic count overall space requirements architect check references, create short list of quality firms general contractors check references, create short list of quality firms design firms check references, create short list of quality firms competitive analysis examine strengths & weaknesses of competitors evaluate relative success of restaurant in local market what dining segments are not being well served square footage determine optimum square footage needed include kitchen, dining room, storage find a real estate broker find a broker with a specialty or focus on restaurant sites health department verify no health related conditions present that could pose problems ansul system research local requirements Restaurant Checklist Page 4of 25
Sorted by construction costs get estimates for buildout from several contractors handicap access/requirements bar seating estimate potential bar revenue preliminary layout of bar building/fire/safety codes make list of all applicable code requirements electrical service evaluate adequacy of available power for equipment needs floor plan obtain or create a floor plan of existing space specifically include load bearing walls floor slope evaluation consider slope on handicap ramp OSHA requirements safety considerations for staff & guests lighting fixtures inspect interior & exterior lighting including parking lot list of existing kitchen equipment obtain detailed list evaluate condition conduct a roof inspection sewer lines evaluate adequacy; size, capacity, age, condition termite report have property inspected for termite/pest problems number of tables/seats estimate potential seating/revenue potential of dining room parking lot is there adequate parking what is the ratio of seats to parking spaces, is there a local minimum traffic patterns evaluate adequacy of traffic flow around and through space Restaurant Checklist Page 5of 25
Sorted by zoning requirements verity that there are no zoning problems with your concept/plans select architect/designer architectural/design review & approve secure builder's risk insursnce contractor select a contractor waste water permits, procedures, plans, installation, inspection water service permits, procedures, plans, installation, inspection electrical service permits, procedures, plans, installation, inspection gas service permits, procedures, plans, installation, inspection grease trap permits, procedures, plans, installation, inspection construction timeline time for each phase, completion date start demolition work design exterior siding, ramps, windows, awnings, lighting design interior kitchen, bar, dining room, bar, office, lighting secure general liability insurance outside seating design, available seating, permits, w/w station, cost feasibility utilities determine utility company options choose provider Restaurant Checklist Page of 25
Sorted by gas lines adequate size, capacity, age, condition HVAC system inspect/evaluate condition select type of flooring acoustical ceilings air conditioning/circulation address back door peep hole, buzzer for deliveries, emergency bar ti bathroom partitions & accessories burgler alarm system order canopies & awnings begin carpentry apply design elements logo, colors, type style door locks deadbolts, re key locks prior to opening door/exits hardware alarms, push bars, emergency escape doors, frames & hardware drywall electrical/lighting exterior painting Interior painting flooring instal Restaurant Checklist Page of 25
Sorted by kitchen fire control design & setup system masonry mechanical parking lot resurfacing, control access during construction paving plumbing roofing & waterproofing sprinkler system obtain requirements have wired to alarm system smoke detectors wire to alarm system sound/music system steel/railings 5 begin through list of inspectors building, fire, electrical, plumbing, health fire extinguishers install with visible operating instructions 5 landscaping design & bid contract 5 lighting for parking lot 3 3 cleaning crew bid & select vendor for initial & final clean exterior signage primary, handicap, reserved, valet, hours of operation, delivery times Restaurant Checklist Page of 25
Sorted by 3 supplier, contractor, sub contractor contacts create master phone & contact list with emergency numbers 2 electrical labeling label switches, breakers and check for accessibility 2 inspections schedule for fire, health departments, other 2 building & equipment plans retain full set of plans for operational files 2 walk through with contractor create initial punch list beverage service set up installation of post mix system, coffee, iced tea update construction punch list exterior cleanup parking lot, landscaping, building, windows final clean interior & exterior of building wash windows Restaurant Checklist Page 9of 25
Sorted by 9 4 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 preliminary equipment requirements create a list of the equipment needed equipment lists kitchen, bar, dining room, bar, office lease or purchase kitchen equipment shop equipment leasing companies safe for office determine type & order soda system installation select vendor & set up installation date phone system phone lines for office, fax, kitchen, hostess station pagers, cell phones, fire & burglar alarms internet access, service provider interior signs menu boards, restrooms, fire exit, hand wash, wait to be seated office equipment copier, fax, computer, printer, calculators office furniture desk, chairs, filing cabinet, shelving secure a receiving scale restrooms hand towel/dryer dispensers, soap dispensers, hand soap, baby changing tables janitorial equipment wet floor signs, mops, buckets, vacuum trash cans, cordless dust pan Restaurant Checklist Page 0of 25
Sorted by emergency equipment procedures determine emergency shut off steps label equipment equipment tests test each piece with supplier prior to training kitchen clock purchase & install kitchen toolkit purchase & designate location store ansul system reinspect repair and maint binder for all equipment prepare repair & maintenance binder for operating instructions, manuals mail in warranty cards storage shelves clean, organize & label; walk in, freezer, dry storage calibrate temperatures on equipment fryers, griddle, oven, stove, other check walk in & refrigeration temperatures final clean & sanitize walk in, freezer receive furniture tables, chairs, desk tops, benches, patio furniture test all equipment complete equipment warranty cards final clean all equipment hang pictures, wall decore run ice machine empty/sanitize/refill find ice company for backup Restaurant Checklist Page of 25
Sorted by Legal & Finance 2 financing investigate potential sources for startup capital savings, family, friends, banks, SBA, investors Legal & Finance 2 Legal & Finance 2 business plan begin drafting your business plan capital/construction/opening budget estimate total startup cost of project through opening day incorporate this into business plan Legal & Finance Legal & Finance 0 Legal & Finance 9 Legal & Finance 9 Legal & Finance 9 Legal & Finance 9 list of possible names for restaurant solicit ideas from friend, relatives financial feasibility begin establishing preliminary financial assumptions sales, operating costs, capital costs, number of employees, etc. refer to NRA's Industry Operation's Report for industry averages attorney find firms with restaurant experience get & check references business entity consider corporation, LLC, partnership, limited partnership seek guidance from CPA/attorney list work history prepare and include in business plan review financial projections have accountant review have experienced restaurant professionals review your financials Restaurant Checklist Page 2of 25
Sorted by Legal & Finance 9 select attorney draft/file corporate documents review/negotiate lease agreement Legal & Finance sales to investment analysis estimate total capital costs & compare to projected annual sales goal is to have minimum.5 to sales to investment ratio in leasehold goal is to have minimum to ratio when land & building is owned Legal & Finance business plan complete business plan Legal & Finance capital/construction/opening budget update projections with actual bids/current estimates Legal & Finance Legal & Finance Legal & Finance Legal & Finance 3 personal financial statement prepare / update your personal financial statement buy sell agreement attorney prepares if you have partners/investors consider insurance to fund landlord approvals determine what items require landlord approval plans, signage, other line of credit set up working capital line of credit with bank Legal & Finance Legal & Finance Legal & Finance Legal & Finance Legal & Finance Legal & Finance Restaurant Checklist Page 3of 25
Sorted by Legal & Finance Legal & Finance Legal & Finance Legal & Finance Legal & Finance Food & Beverage 4 Food & Beverage 3 Food & Beverage 3 Food & Beverage 3 Food & Beverage 3 Food & Beverage 3 Food & Beverage 3 Food & Beverage 3 Food & Beverage 2 Food & Beverage 2 Food & Beverage Food & Beverage draft list of available suppliers create list of suppliers for food, beverages & supplies beer decide what beers to stock food inventory create master inventory list of all ingredients/products to stock liquor determine well/premium/super premium brands liquor, beer & wine inventory create inventory worksheets for taking physical inventories price menu determine final price points on all menu items kitchen bible begin building recipe binder & laminated recipe card for menu items prepare recipe cards for all batch recipes wine list design & print include in main menu HACCAP training determine local/state certification requirements arrange for manager/employee certification menus covers & inserts, to go, catering, children's initial food order prepare & place initial order request free samples from suppliers to test have sufficient quantites for training take photographs of menu items for display in kitchen area Restaurant Checklist Page 4of 25
Sorted by Food & Beverage initial alcohol order prepare & place initial order Food & Beverage Food & Beverage Food & Beverage Food & Beverage Food & Beverage Marketing 9 Marketing 4 Marketing 4 Marketing 3 Marketing 3 Marketing 3 Marketing 3 Marketing competitive analysis create list of competitors obtain sample menus for research & reference menu boards & pictures determine type, design, order pictures of key menu items bundled with side & beverage order banners NOW HIRING /COMING SOON / NOW OPEN gift certificates design & print program gift certificate sales keys into POS local charities choose which to support printing stationary, envelopes, labels, business cards invitations for opening parties public relations for opening send out press releases to local media outlets opening party(s) press event, VIPs, contractors & suppliers create guest lists, send invitations Marketing Restaurant Checklist Page 5of 25
Sorted by Marketing Marketing Marketing Marketing Marketing Marketing Operations Operations Operations 5 Operations 5 Operations 4 Operations 3 Operations 3 Operations 3 visit restaurants with similar offerings take notes menu & recipes narrow menu offereings test recipes use test kitchen table mix & arrangement determine mix of 2 top, 4 top, round, booths determine table positions and numbers insurance general liability, liquor liability, worker's comp, group medical hours of operation determine for each day checklists prepare opening, closing, shift change checklists for all stations guest call system determine system to use pagers, sound system, other happy hour determine special, prices, food check state/local laws regarding happy hour/discount programs Restaurant Checklist Page of 25
Sorted by Operations 3 menu analysis calculate raw food cost on all menu items rank items by gross profit margin Operations 3 prep lists with pars create prep lists with par levels Operations 3 Operations 3 product specs create detailed product specs for all food products grade, size, packaging, brand, etc. create reservation policy consider program to place names on wait list only Operations 3 station setup sheets with pars for kitchen & dining room Operations 3 customer comment cards design & print create procedures for receiving & responding Operations 3 dining room cleaning carpet, flooring, rest rooms select outside vendor Operations 3 hood/kitchen cleaning select approved vendor Operations 3 landscaping/lawn services select approved vendor emergency exit procedures determine procedures, post maps discuss in safety meetings with staff bulletin board for employee schedule, mandadory postings children's amenities menu, crayons, coloring book, high chairs, booster seats, balloons cleaning & maintenance schedules set up schedules & procedures emergency numbers map, directions to hospital make arrangements with local clinic Restaurant Checklist Page of 25
Sorted by entertainment obtain permits if required create list of potential entertainers floor maintenance ongoing floor maintenance procedures purchase cleaning / polishing supplies valet parking valet stand key control system approved vendor list create master list include primary & backup vendors birthday specials determine policy, special desserts, b day song, other seating chart create seating chart diagram with waitstaff sections initial food, beverage & supplies orders determine quantities for training, mock shifts, pre opening activities payroll processing outsource to ADP, Paychex, other music satellite radio chemicals select approved vendor grease trap select approved vendor knife & blade sharpening perform in house or use outside service monthly accounting determine cycle use industry standard chart of accounts outside accounting service or in house bookkeeper pest control select approved vendor Restaurant Checklist Page of 25
Sorted by trash disposal select approved vendor window washing do in house or outsource select approved vendor building repairs select approved vendors laundry & linen select approved vendor Operations Operations Operations Operations Operations Operations Operations Operations order & delivery schedule prepare weekly schedule with each vendor's order & deliver dates padlocks for cooler doors create control system for access & keys limit access to storage rooms to deliveries & requisition into production deposit bags obtain from bank hostess stand supplies reservation book, call clock, pencils, notebooks, kid's stuff light levels determine for each meal period label light switches change order prepare initial change order; change & small bills check inventory levels on all food, beverage, paper & supplies prepare orders for opening week opening inventory take full physical inventory on all food & beverage items night before opening necessary to calculate accurate food & beverage costs after opening Operations Operations Operations Restaurant Checklist Page 9of 25
Sorted by Operations Operations Operations Operations Operations Operations Operations Operations Personnel 4 Personnel 4 Personnel 4 Personnel 4 Personnel 3 employee benefits determine insurance coverage vacation, meals, comps, tuition reimbursement, other employee job descriptions create for all staff & management positions management team start interviewing/selection process organizational chart create organizational chart for restaurant employee handbook create to document and communicate all employee & employment practices Personnel 3 Personnel 3 Personnel 3 employee training manuals create for all positions management training materials personnel hiring, training & management operations administrative master training schedule create schedule for staffing training leading up to opening day Restaurant Checklist Page 20of 25
Sorted by Personnel 3 sidework procedures & schedules create server/front of house sidework checklists Personnel 3 staff pay scales determine starting pay scales for each position determine employee review/raise policies Personnel 3 staffing needs determine number of new hires needed by position plan for turnover, hire 20% more than you think you need Personnel 2 Personnel 2 Personnel 2 employee recruiting newspaper ads recruiting word of mouth bonus for referrals plan for turnover pre opening interview site temporary office equip with phone, furniture, hiring/selection forms food safety training purchase food safety training materials/videos contactstate or National RestauantAssociation Personnel 2 Personnel 2 assemble new employee materials application forms uniforms W 4, I 9 forms employee handbook, job descriptions orientation & training checklists employee files set up for employment application, status changes, other personnel records Personnel Personnel Personnel OSHA review OSHA standards with managers alcoholic beverage server certification determine state/local requirements assign employee(s) for certification course HACCAP training / certification assign employee(s) for certification course Personnel safety checklist & audit create safety checklist & perform safety audit Personnel Personnel wine training program arrange for wine supplier to provide begin staff training Restaurant Checklist Page 2of 25
Sorted by Personnel safety & first aid training conduct training program for all employees Personnel conduct a mock service Personnel finalize opening week employee schedules overstaff plan for turnover Personnel Personnel Personnel Personnel Personnel uniforms Supplies 3 finalize design; kitchen, service, bar, host staffs, managers Supplies 2 Supplies 2 Supplies 2 dishroom items bus carts, bus tubs, glass racks, tray racks chemicals, detergents smallware & kitchen utensils source, specs, bid order dining room high chairs booster seats serving trays, tray stands Supplies 2 bar blender ice machine glass washer shakers, strainers, spoons, bottle openers, corkscrew jiggers scoops bar mats pitchers Restaurant Checklist Page 22of 25
Sorted by Supplies 2 tabletop items tableware, flatware, glassware, sugar caddies, table tents, vases salt & pepper shakers Supplies 2 first aid kit emergency burn kit Supplies 2 tip trays, check presentation folders Supplies initial chemicals order degreasers, drain treatment disinfectants, sanitizers floor care solutions handcare cleaners for dishroom/restroom/dining room Supplies linen table cloths, napkins, bar & kitchen towels Supplies initial paper good order napkins, take out, delivery, coasters, doggie bags straws, cups, lids filters, butcher pager patty paper, food wrap film, aluminum foil clear trash can liners Supplies janitorial supplies carpet, tile, floor cleaner, spot remover gum solvent, liquid hand soap, paper towels, toilet paper windex, paper towels "Wet Floor" signs Supplies Supplies Supplies Supplies Supplies Restaurant Checklist Page 23of 25
Sorted by Supplies Supplies Supplies Supplies Supplies Supplies Supplies Technology 4 Technology 3 Technology 3 Technology 3 Technology 2 Technology 2 Technology POS system list requirements start evaluation/demonstration process POS system make POS decision set up menu items & prices decide on comps & discount categories set up essential reports POS phone line dedicated line for charge approvals website register domain name contact web design firm computer software office, scheduling, food management phone on hold message select service provider message/music internet service provider Restaurant Checklist Page 24of 25
Sorted by Technology POS set up installation & /register Technology Technology Technology Technology Technology Restaurant Checklist Page 25of 25