How to Get Your New Restaurant Ready for Business

Congratulations on your decision to open a restaurant! Restaurants are the heart and soul of any community. They provide a place for couples and families to treat themselves to a special night out, for work colleagues to get away from the office during their lunch breaks, and for people of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy being together. Before opening your doors, you will need to make sure that you have everything you need to attract and serve customers, including the following.

A Fully Equipped Kitchen

In order for your chefs to prepare all of the delicious items on your menu, you will need to purchase and install commercial equipment for your kitchen. Some of the basic items that you will definitely need from day one are a refrigerator, freezer, range, oven, and grill. If you are short on space or you would like to have more than one refrigerator in your kitchen, you may wish to research commercial undercounter refrigerators. They are small, compact and require only minimal maintenance.

High-Quality Staff

Your front of house and back of house staff teams are one of the most important parts of your restaurant. Their skills and attitude have a huge impact on each customer's dining experience. Diners who receive excellent service and hot, delicious food are likely to become regular customers. If, on the other hand, visitors to your restaurant encounter rude waiters and have to wait a long time for their food, they will most likely not return, and they may even damage the reputation of your business by leaving a negative review on Yelp.

A Strong Web and Social Media Presence

Now more than ever, people who are looking for a place to eat turn to Google. Before you open for business, you should set up a website that lists your address, hours of operation, phone number and menu. It doesn't hurt to create Facebook and Instagram profiles, either. In the weeks and months leading up to the opening night, it helps to do interviews with members of the press. A strong article in the local paper will help you to become well-known in your community.

Operating a restaurant is not easy, but it is immensely rewarding. Once you have planned a unique and delicious menu, set up your kitchen, hired staff and set up your website and social media profiles, you will be just about ready to open your doors. Good luck with your new business, and don't forget to enjoy the journey!