Opening a restaurant is one of the most difficult business ventures in which to succeed. The permitting and licensing process is much more complex than other business types, which means owners and project managers need to be especially attentive throughout the process. If you want a smooth opening, you need a trusted contractor and experienced staff by your side.
As commercial maintenance and renovation experts, there are several things we’ve seen that contribute to a smooth restaurant opening for our local clients:
Find a good general contractor.
If you’re doing renovations on the building, you should take the time to find a reputable general contractor before starting. This makes the permitting process much easier, and will save you the headaches of going back and forth with the city on what is and is not required for your commercial space. A reputable general contractor will also be able to help you find excellent subcontractors for HVAC, plumbing, roofing, and electrical repairs that are needed before opening.
Get your building in perfect order before securing permits.
The licensing and permitting process is often the most frustrating for restaurant and bar owners. Even a small local establishment must go through an extensive process to meet local, state, and national requirements. We recommend getting as much of your renovation work done as possible with the right permits before beginning the licensing process for your business.
Invest in quality equipment.
Opening a restaurant is expensive, and it may be tempting to cut corners when it comes to choosing restaurant equipment. However, we believe it’s always better to buy the equipment you want rather than buying a cheaper option and wishing you hadn’t a few weeks into opening. While you don’t need to overinvest in a small kitchen, it’s important to choose quality appliances from the get-go.
MaintenX is here to help with all of your renovation and repair needs for a new building. We specialize in the foodservice industry and can help you with a smooth transition as you open your new restaurant. To learn more about our renovation and repair services, give your local MaintenX a call today!
