What's the first thing I do when starting a new Restaurant?

Question

I am trying to open a take out restaurant. Do I get a license first then look for location, or vice versa? I want to know what I do first. I have no idea where to get started. I have informations on permits, and possible locations. Should I sign a lease then get a permit? Should I get permits and license then sign a lease? Is there anyone who opened their own restaurant that can help me? I am in Chicago.....

Answer 1

If you are sure of the fact that you will stay in this food industry for life or long period of time, and know what product or cu sine or type of food you are going to sell,then u need not look back.In fact both can be done at the same time.I suggest u do your home work first.for example,food costing for each dish,chef,rental,staffing (what $ is involved etc.Once the details of your operation is done,look for location and apply for permit and proceed from there.

Answer 2

The first thing you need to do is re-evaluate what you are doing and not lie to yourself.
1: Am I REALLY wanting to take this risk?
[95% of all restaurants fail within the first 9 months. How do you know that yours will be different?]
2: How large of a restaurant do you want? 800 sq ft? 1600 sq ft? 3000 sq ft. That makes a HUGE difference.
3: Are you going to BUY your property or LEASE your property? [If you look around at foreclosed property, you might find it much cheaper to BUY than lease.]
4: What makes YOUR restaurant so special from others?
5: What other things can you do cheaper? [I was going to open a restaurant, but after I thought about the above questions, I decided to write a cookbook instead. My start-up costs will be less than $1,000.00, 90% of the profits will be mine to keep, websites can do most of my 'legwork', and I am free to enjoy life.]
Just a few things for you to think about.

Answer 3

I used to be a sales assistant for Cottingham Paper Co. They sell restaurant containers,paper,plastic,and foam disposables.They have sales assitants that will give you all the info.614-294-6444,ask for Bill Gibb.Also restaurant equippers...they sell all the grills and such.614-464-0505 David Gaiser

Answer 4

It sounds like you better start with the basics. Study your market first. Who is your target market? What does the target market want? What is the target market willing to pay? Don't jump into it, but study these basic matters first. More than 90% of small businesses fail because they fail to do this.

Answer 5

You better do your market research first and determine what will go over in your location.