Looks like people would like a checklist in writing. This list actually came from a previous post but I feel it would be easier to search with this subject line. So here’s an idea… I’ll start the list (and I’m sure I’ll miss 2 or 3 dozen things so don’t be too hard on me). If you feel there’s something I left out, simply copy my post and paste it with your addition into the response. Let’s try to get this list in a chronological order and make sure numbering is correct. -J_r0kk
Pre-Construction
1 Week To Go
Pre-Construction
- Hire an accountant
- Form your business entity (c-corp, s-corp, LLC, etc.)
- Draw up business plan
- Obtain a loan from bank (if needed)
- Go to architect, get plans drawn up (if build-out is needed)
- Bring 3 copies of plans to the city for approval.
- Contact Health Dept. and submit a copy to them for their approval.
- Obtain a building permit.
- Set an opening date with your contractor (should be around 4-6 weeks)
- Order signage
- Put in equipment order
- Order “Opening Soon”, “Now Hiring” banners
- Order POS system
- Obtain an insurance agent to insure your business
- Apply for cereal malt license (or liquor license)
- Set up accounts with all your suppliers (food, beverage, uniforms)
- Hang “Opening Soon”, “Now Hiring” banners
- Post applications on front door
- Make sure your cell phone is charged (you’ll be making a couple calls)
- Start entering your menu into your newly obtained POS system
- Get all utilities turned on. (Except gas. That’s after final inspection).
- Install phone system
- Run Cat-5 cabling for computers
- Run phone lines for phones and install
- Hang ALL signage (pole sign, building sign, window graphics)
- Order car top signs (HTH, inc.)
- Get menus printed
- Stay in contact with contractor to make sure he’s on schedule
- Send out press release
- Get an advertising game plan in order
- Set up special events for Grand Opening
- Order streamers
- Order “Now Open!” banner
- Order spotlights
- Set up pizza eating contest with local High School football team
- Start hiring and training crew
- Finish POS install project and install computers
- Set up final Health Dept. inspection.
- Buy Shelving
- Buy de`cor
- Buy storage containers and dough trays
- Order business cards
- Buy misc. smallwares and cleaning supplies (and trash cans)
- Install all equipment (including hood system) and tables
- Paint
- Buy “Open” sign
1 Week To Go
- Drop advertising to hit day before opening
- Print “Test Run” cards and doorhang them (only 100 cards)
- Get final inspection, turn on gas
- Final construction clean-up
- Train employees in the store
- Pass out uniforms
- Make sure all employee paperwork is complete (I-9’s, W-4’s)
- Install fountain machine
- Order food (dry goods first, perishable at end of week)
- Set up inventory inside store
- Prep food
- Run your “Test Run” night a couple days before opening
- Press release announcing store opening
- Set up restaurant, including any marketing materials and business cards.
- Final prep
- Make sure dough is in walkin 2 days before opening
- Hang Streamers
- Pizza eating contest (have newspaper there)
- Ensure ads hit TODAY!
- Bring flyers to local hotels, schools, convenience stores announcing opening.
- Hang “Now Open” banner
- Get spotlights hooked up
- Balloons, Balloons, Balloons
- All special events that were set up should be activated
- Stop stressing, breathe.
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