Before committing to the space
Start with questions that could change the project. A layout problem or unclear repair obligation is easier to address before equipment is ordered and construction is underway. Keep a written record of the assumptions you are relying on.
- Match the proposed menu to the kitchen and storage plan.
- Ask local offices what reviews apply to the address and project.
- Review the lease, improvements, and equipment ownership with advisers.
- Send the full insurance clause to your broker.
- Separate confirmed funding from pending financing.
Before work and equipment installation
Confirm with the relevant reviewers which approvals must precede work. Coordinate the plans used by the food reviewer, designer, and contractors so a late menu or equipment change does not leave everyone working from different versions.
- Record required approvals, submission dates, and next actions.
- Confirm the scope and exclusions in contractor estimates.
- Confirm equipment dimensions, delivery access, installation, and utilities.
- Clarify insurance for possession, improvements, and stored equipment.
- Recalculate the opening budget when scope changes.
Before final inspections
Ask each responsible office what must be complete for its inspection. Keep the checklist supplied by that office alongside this planning checklist. Record any correction, who owns it, and how the office will confirm that it has been resolved.
- Confirm required equipment is installed and ready for review.
- Prepare the menu, plans, and other documents the reviewer requested.
- Arrange access for the responsible manager and contractors.
- Track food, building, fire, and alcohol items separately.
- Keep evidence of completed corrections and approvals together.
Before staff training and receiving stock
Prepare the people and the operating systems together. Give the manager a single place to find supplier contacts, emergency contacts, servicing instructions, and the opening schedule. Build training time into payroll and the cash plan.
- Confirm hiring, payroll, and required training with the relevant advisers.
- Agree receiving windows and storage arrangements with suppliers.
- Prepare opening, cleaning, and closing responsibilities.
- Test payment processing, receipts, refunds, and order routing.
- Confirm the effective dates of arranged coverage before the relevant activities begin.
Before the first public service
Run a mock service using a realistic mix of orders. Follow a delivery, a dine-in order, a payment issue, and a closing task from start to finish. Ask the team to flag missing tools and unclear decisions, then assign fixes before repeating the exercise.
Hold a final opening meeting. Separate required approvals and safety issues from optional improvements. Do not treat a checked box on this worksheet as a substitute for the agency's approval or the insurer's confirmation of coverage.
- Confirm required approvals with each responsible office.
- Resolve outstanding safety issues and inspection conditions.
- Check issued insurance documents and landlord evidence requirements.
- Confirm suppliers, staff assignments, and customer-facing hours.
- Assign a manager to review issues after the first service.
Your startup action list
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Use this guide for planning. Confirm requirements and current fees with the agencies serving your address. Coverage depends on the policy and insurer; this guide does not confirm that a particular operation is eligible.