Steps To Opening a Restaurant in South Carolina

For some, the thought of owning and running their own restaurant is a dream come true but
oftentimes entrepreneurs are unaware of the hard work, long hours and dedication involved.
South Carolina would-be restaurateurs must do significant amounts of research and soul
searching to ensure that this dream can become a reality. To follow are steps to opening a
restaurant for those interested in beginning their restaurant adventure.
Basic First Steps To Opening a Restaurant
• Theme: Choosing a theme or concept for your restaurant is the first step; chances are if
you are interested in opening your own restaurant you have a theme in mind already. It is
important at this time to consider decor, design and menu items from appetizers to
desserts.
• Consult The NRA: No, it's not what you think; the National Restaurant Association
(NRA) is the leading business association for the restaurant industry. Specific
information related to your state can be found here, as well as a wealth of pertinent
information for both aspiring restaurateurs and industry leaders alike.
• Location: Just like residential real estate, finding the perfect commercial spot for your
restaurant is key. Consider area demographics, traffic flow, and parking; you'll want to
find the best available location within your budget and extensive research is important.
• Purchase Used or Lease Equipment: The next thing to consider is the kitchen and
dining layout. To reduce costs, consider discount stores like Berlins Restaurant Supply in
Charleston, South Carolina.
• Money and a Business Plan: You'll need a detailed business plan at this stage in the
game, secure funding and possibly consider starting a limited partnership or private
corporation.
• Secure Your Space: Sign the final paperwork on your leased or purchased location.
When planning your restaurant layout, consider dining and kitchen areas as well as space
for bathrooms, prep work, cleaning and a business office and/or break room for your
staff.
• Design Work: One of the most important steps to opening a restaurant are the aesthetics
of the establishment; you'll want your future guests to feel comfortable in the space, so it
is imperative that your dining room layout is one that is efficient, welcoming and
comfortable.
With Basics Secured, Move on To The Details
• Work and Re-work The Menu: You'll want to come up with a final menu plan and test
and retest recipes until your kitchen staff are able to reproduce high quality meals on a
consistent basis; work on menu pricing while considering food cost.
• Money and a Business Plan: You'll need a detailed business plan at this stage in the
game, secure funding and possibly consider starting a limited partnership or private
corporation.
• Alcohol: Depending on the type of restaurant you're interested in opening, you've
probably already decided whether or not you will be serving alcohol or wine. Take the
necessary steps to purchasing a liquor license and be sure to file all paperwork in a timely
manner. The South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation assists
business owners in obtaining proper licensing.
• Get Insured: Restaurants are dangerous places for your guests and staff, be sure to
acquire proper insurance coverage; the NRA is a great place to start to research the type
of coverage you should obtain and where you can find insurers near you to provide that
coverage.
• Jump Right In!: Now is the time to begin selecting and training your staff, allow for
plenty of time to train wait staff prior to opening night. You'll want friendly and
experienced staff that you feel would be an asset to promoting your restaurants image.
• Finances: Implement an accounting and bookkeeping system. You'll want to purchase
registers and Point of Sale (POS) software at this point.
• Management: At this point in the final steps to opening a restaurant, you'll have a better
gauge of who your most trusted employees are. Have these employees be the ones in
charge of inventory and audit of food, maintaining and controlling food cost and keeping
an eye on the bank safe. You may in fact be the one to do this, but be sure to have a
trustworthy manager to help you out when you can not be everywhere at every moment.
• Inspections: Passing your opening inspections with the health department in your
community is one of the final steps before celebrating opening night. Many communities
will also require that your staff or at least managers are ServSafe Certified; this means
that employees are trained on food safety and/or alcohol programs and local regulations.
Though daunting, taking on the role of new restaurateur can be exciting and rewarding;
following these basic steps to opening a restaurant in South Carolina will get you started on the
right path toward a successful future as a restaurant owner.