Blog / Restaurant Opening Checklist

Restaurant Opening Checklist

Updated June 6, 2026 · 7 min read

Opening a restaurant is exciting—but it's also one of the most complex business ventures you can undertake. There's permits, equipment, staffing, suppliers, and dozens of details that need to come together before you can welcome your first customer.

This checklist breaks down everything you need to do before opening day, organized by category so nothing falls through the cracks.

Legal & Permits (Do First)

Opening without the right permits can shut you down before you start. Here's what you need:

Business & Licensing

  • Register your business name and structure (LLC, corporation, etc.)
  • Get an EIN from the IRS
  • Apply for a general business license
  • Obtain a Sales Tax Permit
  • Get a Food Service Establishment Permit
  • Apply for a Liquor License (if applicable)
  • Register with state and local tax agencies
  • Get signage permits (if required by your city)

Financial Setup

Before you open, set up your business finances properly:

Banking & Accounting

  • Open a business bank account
  • Set up business credit cards
  • Create a business budget
  • Set up accounting software
  • Create financial statements (income statement, balance sheet)
  • Establish a payroll system
  • Get business insurance (liability, property, workers' comp)

Our free financial statement template helps you track startup costs, ongoing expenses, and revenue projections.

Location & Build-Out

Physical Space

  • Sign lease agreement
  • Complete build-out or renovations
  • Install grease traps (required by most cities)
  • Set up HVAC and ventilation
  • Pass health inspection for kitchen
  • Pass fire inspection
  • Install security systems
  • Set up point of sale (POS) system

Kitchen & Equipment

Cooking Equipment

  • Ovens (convection, combi, or standard)
  • Stove / range
  • Walk-in refrigerator and freezer
  • Prep tables and stations
  • Dishwasher / sanitizing machine
  • Storage shelves and racks
  • Smallwares (pots, pans, utensils)
  • Fire suppression system

Menu Development

Menu Planning

  • Finalize menu items and recipes
  • Cost out each menu item
  • Set menu prices
  • Create menu design / printing
  • Test recipes with focus groups
  • Standardize prep procedures
  • Create recipe cards for kitchen staff

Suppliers & Inventory

Vendors

  • Food suppliers (produce, meat, dairy)
  • Beverage suppliers (soft drinks, alcohol)
  • Paper goods and disposables
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Linens anduniforms
  • POS supplies (receipt paper, etc.)

Staffing

Team

  • Hire executive chef
  • Hire line cooks
  • Hire servers / front of house
  • Hire dishwashers
  • Create job descriptions
  • Set up payroll
  • Create training manuals
  • Schedule opening shifts

Marketing & Soft Open

Pre-Opening

  • Create social media accounts
  • Set up Google Business Profile
  • Create website
  • Plan soft opening event
  • Invite friends, family, influencers
  • Collect feedback
  • Make menu adjustments
  • Train staff on service flow

Opening Week

Your first week in business will reveal what's working and what needs adjustment. Be prepared to adapt quickly.

  • Monitor food costs closely
  • Gather customer feedback
  • Track popular menu items
  • Adjust staffing as needed
  • Review financial statements weekly
  • Address issues immediately

Track Your Restaurant Finances

Running a restaurant means managing tight margins. Our free financial templates help you track costs, revenue, and profit.

Get Financial Templates

Bottom Line

Opening a restaurant takes preparation. Use this checklist to stay organized, and don't rush the process. The best restaurants open when they're truly ready—not when the calendar says they should be.

Need help tracking your startup costs? Our profit and loss statement template makes it easy to see where your money is going.