How to Start a Restaurant

This type of business serves prepared food and drinks and caters to consumers who don’t want to cook or who want the experience of dining out. Some restaurants specialize in one type of cuisine, like Italian or Mexican, while other restaurants serve general “American” fare, like diners. The market depends entirely on the type of restaurant, restaurant concept, and the average price per menu item.

Learn how to start your own Restaurant and whether it is the right fit for you.

Ready to form your LLC? Check out the Top LLC Formation Services.

Start a restaurant by following these 10 steps:

  1. Plan your Restaurant
  2. Form your Restaurant into a Legal Entity
  3. Register your Restaurant for Taxes
  4. Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
  5. Set up Accounting for your Restaurant
  6. Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Restaurant
  7. Get Restaurant Insurance
  8. Define your Restaurant Brand
  9. Create your Restaurant Website
  10. Set up your Business Phone System

We have put together this simple guide to starting your restaurant. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.

Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas.

STEP 1: Plan your business

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:

Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.

What will you name your business?

Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Restaurant Name Generator

If you operate a sole proprietorship, you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.

When registering a business name, we recommend researching your business name by checking:

  • Your state's business records
  • Federal and state trademark records
  • Social media platforms
  • Web domain availability.

It's very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.

Want some help naming your restaurant?

Business Name Generator

What are the costs involved in opening a restaurant?

The costs to start a restaurant vary, but generally include:

  • Building security deposit: $10,000 to $12,000
  • First month’s rent: $10,000 to $15,000
  • First month utilities: $2,500
  • Customized build out for kitchen: up to $350,000
  • Tables and furniture: $40,000 to $50,000
  • Tableware, utensils, dishes, kitchen, and bar equipment: $50,000 to $80,000
  • Initial overhead, including food and prep materials: $8,000 to $15,000
  • POS: $1,500 to $20,000
  • Insurance: up to $6,000
  • Sign: $10,000 to $20,000
  • Menu printouts: $1,500
  • Business cards: $70 to $300
  • Fliers: $5,000 to $10,000
  • Grand opening event: $15,000
  • PR for grand opening: up to $5,000

Total cost can run $600,000 or more depending on the type of restaurant you want to run. These costs can be much more expensive, or much cheaper depending on a number of factors including, location, necessary equipment, and vendors through which essentials are purchased.

What are the ongoing expenses for a restaurant?

A restaurant has numerous ongoing expenses, but the major ones include:

  • Rent for the building: $10,000 to $12,000 per month, depending on location
  • Utilities, which can include phone, internet, T.V., electricity, water, gas: up to $2,500 per month (sometimes more, depending on location)
  • Food and supplies: $10,000 to $15,000 per month, or more depending on the menu
  • Labor cost: variable, based on staff needs

Who is the target market?

Customers are typically individuals and families who are dining out for the day or evening. Some restaurants also cater to larger functions, like business or government organization events, birthdays, and other large-scale catering events.

How does a restaurant make money?

A restaurant makes money by charging customers money to prepare food and drinks for them. Prices are typically fixed on a menu. Customers may also tip waiters and staff for good or exceptional service. For waitstaff, tipping is customary. These tips are sometimes split amongst the workers in the restaurant, or can contribute to the waitstaff’s pay.

How much can you charge customers?

Menu prices vary considerably based on the type of restaurant and the fare being served. For example, a high-end restaurant serving seafood may charge between $20 and $50 per plate. A small diner may only charge between $4 and $10 per plate.

Customers pay for menu items a la carte or as a meal or plate. Some restaurants also offer bundled specials which include an appetizer, the entree and a dessert for one fixed price. Meals are paid for after customers finish eating and a tip (or an option for a tip) is usually included on the bill.

How much profit can a restaurant make?

The restaurant business has a high degree of failure, but businesses that make it can also be very successful. Even a modest operation can turn over $1 million or more in revenue in a year. Franchise operations may bring in several million per year based on location and the type of restaurant.

How can you make your business more profitable?

A profitable restaurant is one that usually targets a specific demographic or narrows it cuisine to serve a specific type of market. For example, an authentic Mexican restaurant may be able to charge more for its Mexican fare than a generic restaurant that happens to serve Mexican food. Location also matters. Restaurants in wealthy or well-off communities tend to attract individuals with a higher income.

Restaurants in cities, for example, may be able to charge more than restaurants located in very rural areas in economically depressed areas of the country. Some restaurants expand their profits by starting sideline businesses, like catering or food trucks for special events.

Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC's free Small Business Startup Guide - a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!

STEP 2: Form a legal entity

The most common business structure types are the sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), and corporation.

Establishing a legal business entity such as an LLC or corporation protects you from being held personally liable if your restaurant is sued.

Form Your LLC

Read our Guide to Form Your Own LLC

Have a Professional Service Form your LLC for You

Two such reliable services:

You can form an LLC yourself and pay only the minimal state LLC costs or hire one of the Best LLC Services for a small, additional fee.

Recommended: You will need to elect a registered agent for your LLC. LLC formation packages usually include a free year of registered agent services. You can choose to hire a registered agent or act as your own.

STEP 3: Register for taxes

You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.

In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It's really easy and free!

You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website. If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?

There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.

STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card

Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil.

Open a business bank account

Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:

  • Separates your personal assets from your company's assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
  • Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.

Get a business credit card

Getting a business credit card helps you:

  • Separate personal and business expenses by putting your business' expenses all in one place.
  • Build your company's credit history, which can be useful to raise money later on.

Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.

STEP 5: Set up business accounting

Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.

Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.

STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses

Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.

State & Local Business Licensing Requirements

Certain state permits and licenses may be needed to operate a restaurant. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits.

Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses.

Music Licensing

In order to play music in a business setting, as many restaurants do, permission must be acquired from the composer or license holder. Typically, it is possible to obtain a “blanket” license allowing a businesses to play music owned by a large catalog of artists and recording studios. Such licenses can be obtained from Performance Rights Organizations, such as ASCAP or BMI.

Labor safety requirements

It is important to comply with all Occupational Safety and Health Administration requirements.

Restaurants need to post safety signage, make the work environment as safe as possible, and report any work-related injuries.

Certificate of Occupancy

A restaurant is generally run out of a large storefront. Businesses operating out of a physical location typically require a Certificate of Occupancy (CO). A CO confirms that all building codes, zoning laws and government regulations have been met.

  • If you plan to lease a location:
    • It is generally the landlord’s responsibility to obtain a CO.
    • Before leasing, confirm that your landlord has or can obtain a valid CO that is applicable to a restaurant.
    • After a major renovation, a new CO often needs to be issued. If your place of business will be renovated before opening, it is recommended to include language in your lease agreement stating that lease payments will not commence until a valid CO is issued.
  • If you plan to purchase or build a location:
    • You will be responsible for obtaining a valid CO from a local government authority.
    • Review all building codes and zoning requirements for your business’ location to ensure your restaurant will be in compliance and able to obtain a CO.

STEP 7: Get business insurance

Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.

There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance. This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.

Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance. If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers' Compensation Coverage.

FInd out what types of insurance your Restaurant needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Restaurant.

STEP 8: Define your brand

Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.

If you aren't feeling confident about designing your small business logo, then check out our Design Guides for Beginners, we'll give you helpful tips and advice for creating the best unique logo for your business.

Recommended: Get a logo using Truic's free logo Generator no email or sign up required, or use a Premium Logo Maker.

If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator. Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.

How to promote & market a restaurant

Restaurants are marketed primarily through word of mouth. However, some restaurants do find running flyers in the local paper helps create a buzz. Consider offering coupons for first-time guests and during the opening week or month of your restaurant.

How to keep customers coming back

This is a customer service business. Pay extra special attention to service. This is what brings guests back. Likewise, poor service can drive guests away forever and damage your reputation in the community.

Beyond that, you must have some business skill, which can be obtained by taking business courses, or working under a restaurant owner.

STEP 9: Create your business website

After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business.

While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.

Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:

  • All legitimate businesses have websites - full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
  • Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
  • Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.

Recommended: Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders.

Other popular website builders are: WordPress, WIX, Weebly, Squarespace, and Shopify.

STEP 10: Set up your business phone system

Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.

There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2023 to find the best phone service for your small business.

Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com

Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it's fair pricing.

Is this Business Right For You?

A restaurant is a fast-paced business and very stressful to run. As such, it's best suited to people with excellent organization skills and entrepreneurs who have a passion for food. Restaurateurs often live a modest and hectic lifestyle. Because of this, it’s not a business for those who are easily stressed out or desire a “hands-off” business.

Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?

Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!

Entrepreneurship Quiz

What happens during a typical day at a restaurant?

The day starts by opening the restaurant and printing up the specials for the day. Restaurant owners also need to check their stock and order any necessary ingredients. Daily cleanliness inspections of the kitchen are a must. After meeting with the chef and prep cooks about the plan for the day, it’s time to inspect the dining room and set up for the first service of the day.

If you serve breakfast, this will usually mean having the dining room open and ready by 6 or 7 am. If you serve a lunch-dinner service, then you can open up at 11 am.

After prepping for each service, the bulk of your day is spent reacting to events as they happen. Customer orders and complaints, peak service, and prep for the second service are all stressful and busy events.

Once service starts, it’s usually non-stop until close.

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful restaurant?

Most successful restaurateurs have experience managing a restaurant or cooking in one. Before opening your own restaurant, consider working for a successful operation, either in a franchise or a family-owned business.

A family-owned business tends to have a different culture than a large corporate or franchised operation so it may help to work in both to experience the difference. In general, family-owned operations tend to view the staff as family. They also tend to view the revenue earned in the business as “family money” and manage their finances accordingly.

A franchise is usually governed by a corporate entity responsible for regulating the operation of the franchise and maintaining a minimum level of quality. Franchise operations also operate on a business model that sets minimum standards for how the business cooks its food, serves it, and controls the menu.

What is the growth potential for a restaurant?

Small restaurants can be run as a diner or a small sandwich shop or even a food truck service. Larger restaurants usually operate in a centralized location, with a large kitchen and dining room area.

Scaling is typically a matter of opening up new locations based on demand, staffing, and financial ability.

For example, a small family-owned restaurant may never outgrow its first location. A franchise, like McDonald’s, Applebee's, or Red Robin, will have many chains across the country and, sometimes, across the world.

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Take the Next Step

Find a business mentor

One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.

Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.

Learn from other business owners

Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.

Resources to Help Women in Business

There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:

  • Funding
  • Events
  • Guides
  • Support

If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.

What are some insider tips for jump starting a restaurant?

Starting a restaurant is difficult, requires extensive upfront capital, and has a high rate of failure. Because of this, it’s best to start as cheaply as possible. Successful restaurants focus on a niche or an underserved market. Consider starting a small food truck to get a taste for what running a restaurant might be like. The cost for this will likely be much lower than running a full-scale operation.

How and when to build a team

At minimum, you will need to start the restaurant with a master or head chef, a prep cook, kitchen manager, and wait staff. You’ll also need a front-of-house manager. Most restaurant owners take on this role in the early years of the restaurant.

Read our restaurant hiring guide to learn about the different roles a restaurant typically fills, how much to budget for employee salaries, and how to build your team exactly how you want it.

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