Open a restaurant.

What to do

• Confirm the use and occupancy are allowed at the exact address.
• Confirm hood, grease interceptor, gas, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, ADA, parking, and restroom requirements.
• Ask Health Plan Check whether new plans or a change-of-ownership review will be required.
• Check ABC license type, census-tract concentration, conditions, and transfer feasibility if alcohol is planned.
• Make the lease contingent on approvals, permits, and a workable construction budget.

Start here

What to do

• Choose the ownership and tax structure with a qualified CPA or attorney.
• File the LLC or corporation with California’s Secretary of State.
• File a Fictitious Business Name if the public restaurant name differs from the legal entity name.
• Apply directly with the IRS for a free EIN after forming the entity.
• Open dedicated banking and bookkeeping before paying project expenses.

Start here

What to do

• Register the restaurant location for a California seller’s permit.
• If buying an existing restaurant, request a tax clearance before closing.
• Apply for the local business license or business tax certificate.
• Confirm whether a city-level registration is required in addition to county filings.

Start here

What to do

• Prepare equipment schedules, menu, floor plan, plumbing, finish, and mechanical details for Health Plan Check.
• Submit tenant-improvement plans to planning/building and confirm inspection sequence.
• Use properly licensed contractors for electrical, plumbing, HVAC, refrigeration, hood, and fire-suppression work.
• Track corrections and keep the approved plan set on site.
• Schedule finals in the order required by your city, county, and fire authority.

Start here

What to do

• Choose the license privileges that match the concept and meal service.
• Review new-license versus transfer options with the local ABC district office.
• Submit the application and respond to posting, local review, or protest requirements.
• Read every condition before accepting the license.
• Register alcohol servers and managers for required RBS training and certification.

Start here

What to do

• Review general liability, property, equipment breakdown, business interruption, and cyber coverage.
• Add liquor liability when alcohol exposure calls for it; confirm lease-required limits and additional insureds.
• Carry workers’ compensation before the first employee begins work.
• Confirm hired/non-owned or commercial auto coverage for restaurant driving.
• Store certificates, policy numbers, claim contacts, and renewal dates in one place.

Start here

What to do

• Register with EDD when required and set up payroll tax accounts.
• Create timekeeping, meal/rest break, sick leave, tip, and reimbursement procedures.
• Complete Food Manager and Food Handler requirements for the local jurisdiction.
• Prepare an Injury and Illness Prevention Program and required workplace postings.
• Document hiring, onboarding, scheduling, and training consistently.

Start here

What to do

• Complete final building, health, fire, and other required inspections.
• Confirm the food facility permit, business license, seller’s permit, and ABC license are active and displayed as required.
• Open food, alcohol, utility, waste, grease, pest, linen, and equipment-service accounts.
• Test POS, internet, cameras, refrigeration temperatures, hood, fire suppression, and emergency contacts.
• Run a soft-opening checklist and publish accurate hours, menu, and contact information.

Start here