The Pain Of An Opening...

[crazychef99]

I've been asked to put together a general list of tasks that need to be done in the process of opening a restaurant. I've been through openings before and it always seems no matter how ready you are, something always falls through the cracks.... I'd like to start a post here, and I'm asking fo everyone to mention something(or more thn 1) and let's compile a general to do list for a restaurant opening............

[mark1]

LOL-you mean like making sure you have enough cutlery and dinnerware!
Good luck with the opening, it's never easy and noe matter how much you think you've planned for every contingency, feces happens.

[Max_Xavier]

business plan
building designed and constructed
business licence
floor plans
utilities water, gas, sewer, Phone, internet, electric etc.
lease or ownership of the property
liquer license
hoods and vents certified
shelving
airconditioning working properly with make-up air
refrigeration and freezers working properly
inspection of cooking equipment to make sure it works
sinks and drains working properly and up to code
garbage and used oil pickup contracted
food providers contracted
coffee makers and water running to them
inspection of electric circuits and outlets
menu
food cost figured
set up your office files, computer, phones etc
I am getting a head ache.
lighting placed correctly and working
security system
all locks and doors working properly and you actually have keys for them
pots, pans, spoons, strainers, collanders, measuring devises, sheet pans, potato masher etc
I have a headache now
storage containers
vendor lists and prices
beverage service contracted ie.coca-cola, pepsi, dairy
first aid kit
fire extiguishers and fire extiguisher system in the hood (ansul)certified and up to date
grease trap working and service contracted
My head is throbbing with pain
3 compartment sinks installed corectly with an air gap
Dish machines
Haccp plan in place
Chemical data book
basic sanitation logs in place
chemical cleaning system installed and service contracted (ecolab)
Serving equipment working (Steam tables)
servicewear
linens contracted
uniforms decided on and purchased
Employee hand book
Lawyer contracted
accountant contracted
meet with the local tax board and Social security office
Insurance contracted
advertisement
scales certified if using at registers
I am not writing any more until the pain stops

[DavidVenti]

Staffing plan and payroll budget.

[foodpump]

Oooh! Max Xavier, I'm shocked, how could you!
You forgot:
fridge temp recording logs,
first aid kit
d/w has a backflow prevention device
ice machine has a backflow prevention device
staff hired
back-up staff interviewed
sign in/out sheets or time clock and cards
schedule plans forms, vacation request forms,
Asperin, pillow and sleeping bag in office, hidden from health inspector in the filing cabinet
Goodbyes to family--see you next month

ah jeez, now I've got a headache too...

[justwingit]

vacation request forms

Who are you kidding...

Tom

[RLT]

Hehe...

[BistroOwner1]

Independent Op should set up business Identity for Tax Purposes, also obtain Local Sales Tax Licence and EIN Number.
Health Inspection with local Health Department. Cant Open the doors without it!
Liquor Inventory and purchased if applicable.
Schedule a day or two for staff training prior to opening. Employees to fill out proper paperwork.
Initial Advertising done with local media.
Press Releases sent to local media.
Set up your POS system with menu and tables.
Purchase mops, brooms, trash cans, cleaning supplies etc.
Have a toilet plunger on location as well as bistles and a vacuum cleaner.
Getting nitty now . . . but
Clock for kitchen and dining room.

[BistroOwner1]

Ohh, got me thinking now ----

Set up bank account
Credit card processor shopped and chosen.
IT support in place for CC Processor and POS System,
Alcohol training for staff.

[justwingit]

A Box of matches.

Tom

[Silverfox]

For some insight, take a look at Opening a restaurant although it is a plug for services, and here is a restaurant opening checklist you can download (whoops, you DO have to be a member, sorry).

I found the above two links by a Google search .

[foodpump]

justwingit, those vacation forms are great!

(just after signing out, and halfway out the door) "Oh, uh..Chef? I'll need Sat. off, O.K.? Bye, gotta go"

"Tod? Did you fill out a vacation form? No? Guess I'll see you here on Sat."...

[FishinChef]

For some strange reason B&B plates were always coming up short when I was opening restaurants. Everything else from the master list was good but always short on B&Bs.

[chefgbs]

What the heck is WRONG with all of you?

Not ONE of you mentioned copious amounts of alcohol.

Geez!

What is the industry coming to?

Geez!

[justwingit]

Liquor Inventory and purchased if applicable.

I think somebody has been having a wee dram too many?

Tom