
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