How to Start a Small Restaurant or Coffee Shop

culled from:wikihow.com

Steps

1

Make a survey : No matter what business you're starting, you need to have a detailed understanding of that business. What will you offer and how can you get started?

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   Talk to other small businesses in the area who are in the same business and find out what they had to go through.
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   Find out your local tax laws, state and sales tax and inspections, license(s) that you'll need to do to sell something.
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   Make a plan considering and deciding how you will proceed.
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   Restaurants always need to find out about the state and local health departments inspections and regulations.
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   You'll need to register your business first and foremost.
   • Register with the state for sales taxes.
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   If you'll need a loan, get the money by the best means you can devise.
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   Research, research, research: You can never research enough about the product(s) you'll be selling.
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   Get a mentor who will show you the ropes and talk with you.
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   If possible, work in a similar restaurant for up to 2 years before you start one of your own.
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    You should always make sure that you want to be in the business for at least ten years and that you love doing what you do.
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    Realize that as an individual proprietor you are liable (responsible) for safety and may lose all your properties and money, if people sue you for an injury due to a fall, or food poisoning, etc. and were to lose...
    • Incorporating can protect your personal property and other real estate if you are sued.