--- title: 9 Essential Steps For Opening A Restaurant (Free Checklist) description: This essential guide will walk you through 9 essential steps you should take to get your restaurant up and running, including preparing a business plan with a free restaurant opening checklist. image: https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hubfs/102200966-146271860.jpg --- [![Eat App Logo](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hubfs/Eatapp-2023/Landing-page/eat-app-logo.svg)](https://restaurant.eatapp.co) [Log in](https://admin.eatapp.co/sign_in) - Product Product Features - [![Online reservations](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hubfs/EAtapp-2022/images/2023-updated-home/menu-icons/bx_globe.svg) Online Reservations](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/restaurant-reservation-software) - [![Powered by AI](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hubfs/Powered%20by%20AI.svg) AI Powered](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/ai-restaurant-software) - [![Booking channels](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hubfs/EAtapp-2022/images/2023-updated-home/menu-icons/Vector.svg) Booking Channels](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/booking-channels) - [![WhatsApp Brand icon (1)](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hubfs/WhatsApp%20Brand%20icon%20(1).svg) WhatsApp Messaging](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/whatsapp-messaging-for-restaurants) - [![Table management](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hubfs/EAtapp-2022/images/2023-updated-home/menu-icons/Vector%20(1).svg) Table management](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/table-management) - [![loyality-icon](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hubfs/eatapp-2024/loyality-icon.svg) Loyalty Suite](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/loyalty-suite) - [![Guest database and crm](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hubfs/EAtapp-2022/images/2023-updated-home/menu-icons/Group%20289293.svg) Guest database & CRM](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/crm-restaurants) - [![shift-management-icon](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hubfs/shift-management-icon.svg) Shift management](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/shift-management) - [![reports and trends](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hubfs/EAtapp-2022/images/2023-updated-home/menu-icons/Group%20289294.svg) Reports & Trends](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/analytics) - [![pay-at-table](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hubfs/Eatapp-2025/images/pay-at-table/pay-at-table.svg) Pay At Table](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/pay-at-table) - [![Waitlist](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hubfs/EAtapp-2022/images/2023-updated-home/menu-icons/Group%20289295.svg) Waitlist](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/waitlist) - [![event-management](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hubfs/Eatapp-2025/global/icons/event-management.svg) Event Management](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/event-management-software) - [![review-management](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hubfs/Eatapp-2025/images/review-management.svg) Review Management](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/review-management) - [![venue-management](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hubfs/Eatapp-2025/venue-management.svg) Venue Management](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/venue-management) Eat App for - [![Host Stand Image](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hs-fs/hubfs/Eatapp-2025/home/Host%20Stand%20Image.webp?width=400&height=202&name=Host%20Stand%20Image.webp) ![Host stand](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hubfs/eva_person-outline.svg) Host Stand](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/host-stand) - [![Dine In Image](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hs-fs/hubfs/Eatapp-2025/home/Dine%20In%20Image.webp?width=400&height=202&name=Dine%20In%20Image.webp) ![dine in experience](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hubfs/fluent_food-24-regular-1.svg) Dine-in Experience](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/dine-in-experience) - [![Marketing Image](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hs-fs/hubfs/Eatapp-2025/home/Marketing%20Image.webp?width=400&height=202&name=Marketing%20Image.webp) ![marketing](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hubfs/nimbus_marketing.svg) Marketing](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/restaurant-marketing) - [![Integrations Image](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hs-fs/hubfs/Eatapp-2025/home/Integrations%20Image.webp?width=400&height=202&name=Integrations%20Image.webp) ![Integrations](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hubfs/icon-park-outline_connect.svg) Integrations](https://eatapp.co/integrations) [Enterprise sales ![green-arrow](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hubfs/Eatapp-2025/images/green-arrow.svg)](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/for-hospitality-groups) [Request demo ![green-arrow](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hubfs/Eatapp-2025/images/green-arrow.svg)](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/cs/c/?cta_guid=68ca4857-91b1-4db2-824c-4376712a3271&signature=AAH58kEI6d6HW7QesiG7NRf_zGKfpw00dg&utm_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fapp.hubspot.com%2F&portal_id=3390327&pageId=134702448477&placement_guid=4061114a-c5d0-48e7-a157-a53b2b49732c&click=bdaa4274-956d-45f7-84e0-ee74382ad6de&redirect_url=APefjpHhhS1kTetesBqywNwoHrwbNq-GZOVIXw67IxzkRCvnoRl3bd7B1Qxpua2engDEnPHo4PggEFIL2UlBJ6aT2TsHwO-9Bxk6n8HujPjU2UG2YkaB0CdQOYISHC_ZDgMcLJafABw-_vEAhqZpFX8Wk11SlL41AEuAfrzIWNvuhdY0KgiYtzy2QHcwOaWsm5ArVWyEoChVD2FYdWQgq990hg_BIk9HYRMCzEzbSl-ko4AH7xwIw2JWN_ZMFCyn0WRUqxq4-p6XDZ4Ie-c73i1rfUEEqtIU7g&hsutk=f119a48eaaca834954aba37a26f03d71&canon=https%3A%2F%2Frestaurant.eatapp.co%2F&ts=1758189673927&__hstc=45788219.f119a48eaaca834954aba37a26f03d71.1758094528211.1758094528211.1758094528211.1) - Customers Customers Eat App for - [![Restaurants Image](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hs-fs/hubfs/Eatapp-2025/home/Restaurants%20Image.webp?width=400&height=202&name=Restaurants%20Image.webp) ![For restaurants](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hubfs/fluent_food-24-regular-1.svg) Restaurants](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/software-for-restaurants) - [![Enterprise Image](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hs-fs/hubfs/Eatapp-2025/home/Enterprise%20Image.webp?width=400&height=202&name=Enterprise%20Image.webp) ![Enterprise](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hubfs/ri_hotel-line.svg) Enterprise](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/for-hospitality-groups) - [![Hospitality Image](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hs-fs/hubfs/Eatapp-2025/home/Hospitality%20Image.webp?width=400&height=202&name=Hospitality%20Image.webp) ![Hospitality groups](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hubfs/ri_community-line.svg) Hospitality Groups](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/for-hospitality-groups) - [![Cafes](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hubfs/Coffee-1.svg) Cafes](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/software-for-cafes) - [![Hotels Image](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hs-fs/hubfs/Eatapp-2025/home/Hotels%20Image.webp?width=400&height=202&name=Hotels%20Image.webp) ![Hotels](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hubfs/lucide_concierge-bell.svg) Hotels](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/for-hotels) - [![Bars & Brewery Image](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hs-fs/hubfs/Eatapp-2025/home/Bars%20%26%20Brewery%20Image.webp?width=400&height=202&name=Bars%20%26%20Brewery%20Image.webp) ![Bars & Breweries](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hubfs/Vector-4.svg) Bars & Breweries](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/software-for-bars) - [![Nightlife Image](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hs-fs/hubfs/Eatapp-2025/home/Nightlife%20Image.webp?width=400&height=202&name=Nightlife%20Image.webp) ![Nightlife](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hubfs/Clip%20path%20group.svg) Nightlife](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/software-for-nightclubs) Case studies [View all](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/blog/topic/case-studies) ![case-studies-icon](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hubfs/Eatapp-2025/home/case-studies-icon.svg) ### [Moving from Pen and Paper to Reservation Software](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/blog/moving-pen-paper-to-reservation-software) Our latest case study takes a look at Bombay Bungalow - a.. ![case-studies-icon](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hubfs/Eatapp-2025/home/case-studies-icon.svg) ### [Providing guests with seamless online booking options](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/blog/providing-guests-with-a-seamless-online-booking-option-and-improving-guest-loyalty) Our latest case study takes a look at not one but two exquisite... [Enterprise sales ![green-arrow](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hubfs/Eatapp-2025/images/green-arrow.svg)](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/for-hospitality-groups) [Request demo ![green-arrow](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hubfs/Eatapp-2025/images/green-arrow.svg)](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/cs/c/?cta_guid=68ca4857-91b1-4db2-824c-4376712a3271&signature=AAH58kEI6d6HW7QesiG7NRf_zGKfpw00dg&utm_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fapp.hubspot.com%2F&portal_id=3390327&pageId=134702448477&placement_guid=4061114a-c5d0-48e7-a157-a53b2b49732c&click=bdaa4274-956d-45f7-84e0-ee74382ad6de&redirect_url=APefjpHhhS1kTetesBqywNwoHrwbNq-GZOVIXw67IxzkRCvnoRl3bd7B1Qxpua2engDEnPHo4PggEFIL2UlBJ6aT2TsHwO-9Bxk6n8HujPjU2UG2YkaB0CdQOYISHC_ZDgMcLJafABw-_vEAhqZpFX8Wk11SlL41AEuAfrzIWNvuhdY0KgiYtzy2QHcwOaWsm5ArVWyEoChVD2FYdWQgq990hg_BIk9HYRMCzEzbSl-ko4AH7xwIw2JWN_ZMFCyn0WRUqxq4-p6XDZ4Ie-c73i1rfUEEqtIU7g&hsutk=f119a48eaaca834954aba37a26f03d71&canon=https%3A%2F%2Frestaurant.eatapp.co%2F&ts=1758189673927&__hstc=45788219.f119a48eaaca834954aba37a26f03d71.1758094528211.1758094528211.1758094528211.1) - [Pricing](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/pricing) Pricing - [How it works?](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/demo) How it works? - Resources Resources Learn - [![Eat App Blog](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hubfs/EAtapp-2022/images/2023-updated-home/menu-icons/Vector%20(2).svg) Blogs](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/blog) - [![How to guides](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hubfs/EAtapp-2022/images/2023-updated-home/menu-icons/Group.svg) Guides & Tools](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/resources-and-guides) - [![Help center](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hubfs/EAtapp-2022/images/2023-updated-home/menu-icons/Vector%20(3).svg) Help Center](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/knowledge) - [![case-studies](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hubfs/Eatapp-2025/images/case-studies.svg) Case Studies](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/blog/topic/case-studies) - [![Ai Prompt guide Brand icon](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hubfs/Ai%20Prompt%20guide%20Brand%20icon.svg) AI Prompt Guides](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/ai-restaurant-guides) - [![become a partner](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hubfs/Eatapp-2025/icons/become%20a%20partner.svg) Become a partner](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/become-a-partner-eat-app) Featured blogs [View all](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/blog) [![](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hs-fs/hubfs/image%20(16).png?width=200&name=image%20(16).png)](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/blog/eat-app-supy-integration-smarter-restaurant-decisions-with-ai) ### [Introducing the Eat App × Supy Integration:...](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/blog/eat-app-supy-integration-smarter-restaurant-decisions-with-ai) Restaurants collect valuable data every day from reservations and... [![](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hs-fs/hubfs/image%20(15).png?width=200&name=image%20(15).png)](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/blog/eat-app-myautobot-voice-ai-integration) ### [Introducing the Eat App × MyAutobot Voice AI...](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/blog/eat-app-myautobot-voice-ai-integration) Your restaurant phone handles much more than reservations. Guests... AI prompt guides [View all](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/resources-and-guides) ![TripAdvisor & More Bookings (1)-1](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hs-fs/hubfs/TripAdvisor%20%26%20More%20Bookings%20(1)-1.png?width=1812&height=1072&name=TripAdvisor%20%26%20More%20Bookings%20(1)-1.png) ### [Customer Acquisition Strategy eBook](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/free-customer-acquisition-guide-for-restaurants) How to get more guests online and triple your restaurant revenue. ![Google Bookings (1)-2](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hs-fs/hubfs/Google%20Bookings%20(1)-2.png?width=1812&height=1072&name=Google%20Bookings%20(1)-2.png) ### [Set Up Google Reservations](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/restaurant-google-my-business-optimization-ebook) Receive bookings from millions of potential diners searching your restaurant on Google. Featured blogs [View all](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/blog) [![](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hs-fs/hubfs/image%20(16).png?width=200&name=image%20(16).png)](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/blog/eat-app-supy-integration-smarter-restaurant-decisions-with-ai) ### [Introducing the Eat App × Supy Integration:...](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/blog/eat-app-supy-integration-smarter-restaurant-decisions-with-ai) Restaurants collect valuable data every day from reservations and... [![](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hs-fs/hubfs/image%20(15).png?width=200&name=image%20(15).png)](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/blog/eat-app-myautobot-voice-ai-integration) ### [Introducing the Eat App × MyAutobot Voice AI...](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/blog/eat-app-myautobot-voice-ai-integration) Your restaurant phone handles much more than reservations. Guests... [![service charge](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hs-fs/hubfs/Eat%20(57)%20(1)-1.webp?width=200&name=Eat%20(57)%20(1)-1.webp)](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/blog/what-is-service-charge) ### [What Is Service Charge? The 2026 Guide for...](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/blog/what-is-service-charge) Six people, one long table, a $180 tab. The check lands and the... [![](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hs-fs/hubfs/image%20(14).png?width=200&name=image%20(14).png)](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/blog/eat-app-mews-integration) ### [Introducing the Eat App × Mews Integration](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/blog/eat-app-mews-integration) Hotels are increasingly looking for technology that connects the... Featured guides & tools [View all](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/resources-and-guides) ![TripAdvisor & More Bookings (1)-1](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hs-fs/hubfs/TripAdvisor%20%26%20More%20Bookings%20(1)-1.png?width=200&name=TripAdvisor%20%26%20More%20Bookings%20(1)-1.png) ### [Customer Acquisition Strategy eBook](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/free-customer-acquisition-guide-for-restaurants) How to get more guests online and triple your restaurant revenue. ![Google Bookings (1)-2](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hs-fs/hubfs/Google%20Bookings%20(1)-2.png?width=200&name=Google%20Bookings%20(1)-2.png) ### [Set Up Google Reservations](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/restaurant-google-my-business-optimization-ebook) Receive bookings from millions of potential diners searching your restaurant on Google. ![Instagram Bookings (1)-1](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hs-fs/hubfs/Instagram%20Bookings%20(1)-1.png?width=200&name=Instagram%20Bookings%20(1)-1.png) ### Instagram Booking Widget Checklist Activate your “Book now” button and allows diners to book from your IG profile. ![Facebook Integration Rectangle (1)-1-png](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hs-fs/hubfs/Facebook%20Integration%20Rectangle%20(1)-1-png.webp?width=200&name=Facebook%20Integration%20Rectangle%20(1)-1-png.webp) ### [Turn Your Social Media Followers Into Guests](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/turn-social-media-followers-into-customers) This eBook guides you through social media integrations and how you can convert... Featured help articles [View all](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/knowledge) ![Eat App Overview](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hs-fs/hubfs/Eatapp-2025/home/Eat%20App%20Overview.webp?width=200&name=Eat%20App%20Overview.webp) ### [Eat App Overview](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/knowledge/eat-app-overview) Overview of Eat App and our products ![Get Started](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hs-fs/hubfs/Eatapp-2025/home/Get%20Started.webp?width=200&name=Get%20Started.webp) ### [Getting Started](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/knowledge/getting-started) How to set up your restaurant ![Featured Guides](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hs-fs/hubfs/Eatapp-2025/home/Featured%20Guides.webp?width=200&name=Featured%20Guides.webp) ### [Feature Guides](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/knowledge/feature-guides) Detailed run-down of all our features ![FAQs](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hs-fs/hubfs/Eatapp-2025/home/FAQs.webp?width=200&name=FAQs.webp) ### [FAQs](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/knowledge/faqs) We answer your burning questions Featured case studies [View all](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/blog/topic/case-studies) ![Image uploaded from iOS-8-1](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hs-fs/hubfs/Image%20uploaded%20from%20iOS-8-1.webp?width=200&name=Image%20uploaded%20from%20iOS-8-1.webp) ### [Case Study: Moving from Pen and Paper..](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/blog/moving-pen-paper-to-reservation-software) Our latest case study takes a look at Bombay Bungalow - a newly re-branded... ![la-perle--jpeg](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hs-fs/hubfs/la-perle--jpeg.jpeg?width=200&name=la-perle--jpeg.jpeg) ### [Case Study: Providing guests with..](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/blog/providing-guests-with-a-seamless-online-booking-option-and-improving-guest-loyalty) Our latest case study takes a look at not one but two exquisite restaurants.. ![Ula\_hero\_small-scaled](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hs-fs/hubfs/Ula_hero_small-scaled.webp?width=200&name=Ula_hero_small-scaled.webp) ### [Case Study: Putting Your Staff First](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/blog/case-study-putting-your-staff-first) Our latest case study takes a look at Dubai's most awarded F&B group, Solutions.. ![download (1)](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hs-fs/hubfs/download%20(1).webp?width=200&name=download%20(1).webp) ### [Case Study: Managing Large Restaurant Venues](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/blog/case-study-managing-a-large-restaurant-venue) Our latest case study takes a look at La Cuadra de Salvador, an exclusive..   Featured AI prompt guides [View all](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/ai-restaurant-guides) ![Eat (34) (1)-2](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hs-fs/hubfs/Eat%20(34)%20(1)-2.webp?width=200&name=Eat%20(34)%20(1)-2.webp) ### [Simplify your Restaurant Operations with AI](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/free-ai-operations-guide) Say hello to time spent driving revenue, improving operations.. ![Eat (18) (1)-2](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hs-fs/hubfs/Eat%20(18)%20(1)-2.webp?width=200&name=Eat%20(18)%20(1)-2.webp) ### [Create Responses to Guest Feedback](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/ai-guestfeedback-guide) Respond thoughtfully to reviews to show appreciation, address concerns.. ![Fine-Dining-Restaurant-Menu-Design-1](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hs-fs/hubfs/Fine-Dining-Restaurant-Menu-Design-1.png?width=200&name=Fine-Dining-Restaurant-Menu-Design-1.png) ### [Create the Ultimate Restaurant Menu with AI](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/ai-menu-guide) Design a menu that’s not only visually appealing but also tailored to your.. Become A Partner [View all](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/become-a-partner-eat-app) ![become-a-partner](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hs-fs/hubfs/Eatapp-2025/home/become-a-partner.png?width=200&name=become-a-partner.png) ### [Become a Partner](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/become-a-partner-eat-app) Boost Revenue with Eat App partner ![integration](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hs-fs/hubfs/integration.png?width=200&name=integration.png) ### [Integrations](https://eatapp.co/integrations) Boost Revenue with Eat App integrations [Enterprise sales ![green-arrow](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hubfs/Eatapp-2025/images/green-arrow.svg)](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/for-hospitality-groups) [Request demo ![green-arrow](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hubfs/Eatapp-2025/images/green-arrow.svg)](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/cs/c/?cta_guid=68ca4857-91b1-4db2-824c-4376712a3271&signature=AAH58kEI6d6HW7QesiG7NRf_zGKfpw00dg&utm_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fapp.hubspot.com%2F&portal_id=3390327&pageId=134702448477&placement_guid=4061114a-c5d0-48e7-a157-a53b2b49732c&click=bdaa4274-956d-45f7-84e0-ee74382ad6de&redirect_url=APefjpHhhS1kTetesBqywNwoHrwbNq-GZOVIXw67IxzkRCvnoRl3bd7B1Qxpua2engDEnPHo4PggEFIL2UlBJ6aT2TsHwO-9Bxk6n8HujPjU2UG2YkaB0CdQOYISHC_ZDgMcLJafABw-_vEAhqZpFX8Wk11SlL41AEuAfrzIWNvuhdY0KgiYtzy2QHcwOaWsm5ArVWyEoChVD2FYdWQgq990hg_BIk9HYRMCzEzbSl-ko4AH7xwIw2JWN_ZMFCyn0WRUqxq4-p6XDZ4Ie-c73i1rfUEEqtIU7g&hsutk=f119a48eaaca834954aba37a26f03d71&canon=https%3A%2F%2Frestaurant.eatapp.co%2F&ts=1758189673927&__hstc=45788219.f119a48eaaca834954aba37a26f03d71.1758094528211.1758094528211.1758094528211.1) [Log in](https://admin.eatapp.co/sign_in) [![Request Demo](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3390327/4061114a-c5d0-48e7-a157-a53b2b49732c.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3390327/4061114a-c5d0-48e7-a157-a53b2b49732c) [![Try for free](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3390327/58270d17-5d39-4474-8a2e-f9d7891343cc.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3390327/58270d17-5d39-4474-8a2e-f9d7891343cc) ,h3 [All blogs](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/blog)![arrow](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hs-fs/hubfs/eatapp-2024/images/social-icon/arrow.png?width=8&height=12&name=arrow.png) [Operations](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/blog/topic/operations) # 9 Essential Steps For Opening A Restaurant (Free Checklist) Published: April 4, 2018 3 min Author [![Saif Alnasur](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hs-fs/hubfs/Saif%20Alnasur.webp?width=46&height=46&name=Saif%20Alnasur.webp)](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/blog/author/saif-alnasur) [Saif Alnasur](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/blog/author/saif-alnasur) Growth Marketing Manager at Eat App Reviewed by [![Nezar Kadhem](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hs-fs/hubfs/Nezar%20Kadhem.webp?width=512&height=512&name=Nezar%20Kadhem.webp)](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/blog/author/nezar-kadhem) [Nezar Kadhem](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/blog/author/nezar-kadhem) Co-founder and CEO of Eat App [![facebook](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hubfs/eatapp-2024/images/social-icon/facebook.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://restaurant.eatapp.co/blog/9-essential-steps-for-opening-a-restaurant) [![linkedIn](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hubfs/eatapp-2024/images/social-icon/linkdin.svg)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://restaurant.eatapp.co/blog/9-essential-steps-for-opening-a-restaurant&title=9%20Essential%20Steps%20For%20Opening%20A%20Restaurant%20(Free%20Checklist)) [![whatsapp](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hubfs/eatapp-2024/images/social-icon/watsapp.svg)](https://api.whatsapp.com/send?text=9%20Essential%20Steps%20For%20Opening%20A%20Restaurant%20(Free%20Checklist):%20https://restaurant.eatapp.co/blog/9-essential-steps-for-opening-a-restaurant) [![twiter](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hubfs/eatapp-2024/images/social-icon/twitter.svg)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://restaurant.eatapp.co/blog/9-essential-steps-for-opening-a-restaurant&text=9%20Essential%20Steps%20For%20Opening%20A%20Restaurant%20(Free%20Checklist)) Author [![Saif Alnasur](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hs-fs/hubfs/Saif%20Alnasur.webp?width=46&height=46&name=Saif%20Alnasur.webp)](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/blog/author/saif-alnasur) [Saif Alnasur](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/blog/author/saif-alnasur) Growth Marketing Manager at Eat App Reviewed by [![Nezar Kadhem](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hs-fs/hubfs/Nezar%20Kadhem.webp?width=512&height=512&name=Nezar%20Kadhem.webp)](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/blog/author/nezar-kadhem) [Nezar Kadhem](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/blog/author/nezar-kadhem) Co-founder and CEO of Eat App Have you always dreamt of opening a restaurant of your own one day? With over 30,000 new restaurants opening every year just in America, you definitely aren’t alone. The problem comes when you try to make this dream a reality. You may be asking yourself **‘*How can I open a restaurant with absolutely no experience?"*** Don’t worry, this guide is all you’ll need. We will walk you through the nine essential steps needed to get your restaurant up and running, along with a free checklist just in case. ![Opening a new restaurant Eat App](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hs-fs/hubfs/102200966-146271860.jpg?width=925&name=102200966-146271860.jpg "Opening a new restaurant Eat App") ## How to start a restaurant? While the timeline to open a restaurant can vary anywhere from a few months to over a year, you can guarantee that the steps to open a restaurant are always going to be the same. Below we have highlighted the 9 essential steps you’re going to need to make your dream a reality. ### A unique concept The most important step in planning the opening of a restaurant is choosing a realistic concept. You should choose a concept that will stand the test of time, restaurants based on current trends will not stay popular for long. When your restaurant’s foundation is built on good food and great service, you can guarantee that guests will visit for years to come. ### An effective business plan Once you’ve settled on opening a restaurant it’s time to start working on your [business plan](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/blog/restaurant-business-plan). A restaurant business plan is a road map that will help you visualize everything that needs to be done from developing a concept to opening day. Business plans typically have three main parts, an executive summary, a company description, and a market analysis. Writing the business plan is without a doubt the most difficult part of opening a restaurant, but once complete it will not only help you stay on track but will also help when trying to raise funding. ### Money Now that you’ve chosen a concept that you feel will be destined for success and have a well-written business plan, it’s time to face the harsh reality of opening a restaurant – it’s expensive. If you don’t have the necessary funds on your own, all hope isn’t lost. Try finding a partner to go into business with, or pitch your idea to investors to raise capital. If all else fails, you can take out a loan to fund your passion project. ### A decent location Choosing the right location for your restaurant is essential, and despite being time-consuming, is worth every minute. If you are tempted to rent/purchase a location because the offer seems too good to be true, odds are it is. Where your restaurant is located determines how much foot traffic it gets, the kind of visitors you receive, and how much you are able to charge. A decent location on a busy road will obviously cost more, but the return on investment will be so much better than a restaurant hidden behind the corner for half the price.  ### A stunning menu When putting together your business plan, you probably have already developed a concept menu. Now it is time to put together an official one. [A decent menu](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/blog/top-5-restaurant-menu-makers) is the most crucial element of any restaurant, without one there is no way for customers to know what they can order and at what price. When designing your menu, organize the dishes in a manner that highlights your most profitable menu items. This can be accomplished by using a food cost calculator to understand the cost of each item. In essence, [menu engineering.](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/blog/food-cost/menu-engineering)  ### The right staff Your restaurant now needs a team. From the front of house to the back of house, a typical establishment could require anywhere from 5 to 50 employees. Since your restaurant staff will be the main point of contact with guests, having a star-studded team should be your top priority. ### A restaurant reservation system Using [restaurant reservation software](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/) not only makes your day-to-day operation immensely easier but also creates a better user experience for your guests. A good restaurant reservation setup will also have an intuitive table management system built in. This allows restaurants to receive bookings through a multitude of channels and also to visualize their restaurant hour by hour. ### Grand opening Once your restaurant is ready to open its doors, it’s usually a better idea to hold a soft opening. This gives your staff the chance to practice on real guests without it getting too busy. After they’ve had the chance to properly practice, [holding a grand opening is essential](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/blog/restaurant-grand-opening-ideas). With the right launch plan, your grand opening will be attended by the press, bloggers, and the public which will really help put your name out there. ### A marketing plan Your restaurant is now officially open, but you aren’t getting as many visitors as you anticipated. This is where a marketing plan comes into play. The right marketing plan will help guests know your restaurant exists. This is the time to start thinking of [special offers and discounts](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/blog/effective-limited-time-offers-restaurant) as well as expanding your online presence to entice new customers to pay your venue a visit. #### Recap: That was a lot of information to absorb all at once so we will list the most important things to remember. This list also acts as a restaurant opening checklist, to help you keep track of what you need to start your very own restaurant. 1. Come up with a unique concept. 2. Put together a business plan. 3. Raise money. (Savings, partners, investors, bank loan) 4. Choose the right location. 5. Design a menu. 6. Hire the right staff. 7. Select a restaurant reservation system. 8. Hold a grand opening event to make it public. 9. Have a marketing plan in place. Contents [Try Eat App](https://admin.eatapp.co/sign_up?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=Sidebar&utm_campaign=restaurant.eatapp.co&utm_content=9-essential-steps-for-opening-a-restaurant) ![](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hs-fs/hubfs/102200966-146271860.jpg?width=670&height=440&name=102200966-146271860.jpg) Author [![Saif Alnasur](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hs-fs/hubfs/Saif%20Alnasur.webp?width=46&height=46&name=Saif%20Alnasur.webp)](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/blog/author/saif-alnasur) [Saif Alnasur](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/blog/author/saif-alnasur) Growth Marketing Manager at Eat App Saif Alnasur used to work in his family restaurant, but now he is a food influencer and writes about the restaurant industry for Eat App. [![author-linkedIn](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hs-fs/hubfs/EAtapp-2022/images/Blog/mdi_linkedin.png?width=24&height=24&name=mdi_linkedin.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/in/saifalnasur/) Reviewed by [![Nezar Kadhem](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/hs-fs/hubfs/Nezar%20Kadhem.webp?width=512&height=512&name=Nezar%20Kadhem.webp) Nezar Kadhem Co-founder and CEO of Eat App](https://restaurant.eatapp.co/blog/author/nezar-kadhem) He is a regular speaker and panelist at industry events, contributing on topics such as digital transformation in the hospitality industry, revenue channel optimization and dine-in experience. 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