Restaurant Startups 101: How to Open a New Restaurant

There are over one million restaurants in the U.S., which shows it’s a lucrative venture for foodies.

Opening a restaurant lets you capitalize on your passion, hone your culinary skills, and become your own boss. Perhaps you’ve always dreamed of opening the doors to your eatery, but you’re not sure where to start.

Sounds familiar? Don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place. Here is everything to know about restaurant startups.

Table of Contents

Consider Your Intentions

Aside from checking out these common mistakes with startups, you should also consider your intentions. Don’t go into the hospitality industry because you want to make millions, instead, you must go where your passion lies. Remember, running a startup requires a huge amount of time and money, so it’s important you’re completely ready before starting your venture.

Choose a Niche

If you’re not sure how to start a restaurant, then decide what your dream restaurant would be. Figure out the aesthetic, vibe, and type of food you will serve. Or, perhaps you’ve spent your entire life practicing a particular cuisine and you’re ready to share your dishes with the world.

Either way, understanding your niche will help you tailor your marketing efforts towards your target audience and stand out from the rest.

Create a Business Plan

The second step on how to open a restaurant is to create an ironclad business plan. In it, detail who your competitors are, how customers will find your establishment, and your financial goals.

For instance, ask yourself “how much does it cost to run a restaurant?” and the ways you’ll turn a profit. Spend time crafting a detailed business plan so you can refer to it throughout your journey.

Register Your Restaurant

Not sure how to name a restaurant? Then, start brainstorming ideas and figure out how to reflect your eatery’s values in several words. You could also use your relative’s name, or even your own, if you’re struggling for inspiration.

Once decided, register your establishment so you can legally open your doors. Know that requirements will differ between states, which means you should be vigilant in your research.

Market Your Restaurant

You’ve learned how to open a cafe, now pour as much time and money into your marketing efforts as possible. This includes using the power of social media and pay-per-click ads to further your reach.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, then hire a digital marketing agency as they have the experience and tools to boost brand awareness. Then, once you’ve started your campaign, regularly track your results to see what is and isn’t working.