1. Define Your Menu: Decide on the food and beverages you plan to serve at your restaurant, as well as any daily specials or meal packages.
2. Secure Financing: Determine how much capital you need to open up shop and apply for necessary loans or grants.
3. Create a Business Plan: Draft a comprehensive document detailing your restaurant concept, operations and financial forecast.
4. Look for a Location: Take into consideration the cost of rent and utilities, accessibility, parking or delivery needs and visibility of the space when choosing your location.
5. Obtain Licenses & Permits: Familiarize yourself with the applicable state, county and city laws pertaining to restaurant operations.
6. Develop Your Working Space: Construct or install any necessary structures needed for your kitchen, storage and seating area/counter.
7. Equip Your Kitchen: Invest in quality kitchen equipment such as refrigerators, freezers, ovens and other appliances that meet health and safety requirements.
8. Purchase Supplies & Ingredients: Stock up on restaurant essentials such as packaging materials, utensils and food items.
9. Create a Marketing Strategy: Develop an effective plan for promoting your business online and locally to boost visibility and attract customers.
10. Hire Staff: Recruit qualified team members needed to run the day-to-day operations of your restaurant.
11. Test Your Menu: Have a few friends and family members sample your food items and provide feedback before officially launching your business.
12. Open for Business: After all the necessary preparations have been made, you can open your carryout restaurant doors to customers!