Starting, Owning and Marketing A Restaurant Blog|Starting and Owning a Restaurant - Construction, Planning, Marketing, Opening and Managing a New Restaurant

The waiting for approval to begin construction allows time for more planning and trying to cut down on other delays that can occur during the building process. In the last few days we have:

• Begun working on the prototype menu design and a couple of new menu items.
• Pressure cleaned outside areas and walk-in refrigerator/freezer that is outside the rear door.
• Got in the quote on a high volume ice machine.
• Listened to a proposal for the installation and contract for a dish washing machine, chemical system and cleaning system.

Restaurants have a number of options when it comes to dish washing. The machines cost anywhere from $4000 to $10,000 depending on the volume and style. However, there are programs that reduce the upfront costs and provide service. Both US Foodservice and Sysco can offer leases for $50 to $70 per month. You get the machine, installation and full service at no charge with the lease. You must buy their chemicals. The program is an excellent option for most restaurants - although you are committing to do business with that particular food wholesaler.

Ice machines also present options for restaurants. For large volume operations, my recommendation is to have two medium size machines rather than relying on just one large ice source. Smaller ice needs can be handled by one machine that can produce 50 pounds per day for a small undercounter unit or 500 pounds per day in a large capacity ice maker.

Ice machines can be leased or purchased with costs running from $500 to $5000. I have chosen to lease my ice machines for two reasons. First, immediate service is a necessity. When an ice machine goes down, you need someone there within an hour or two - not a day or two. Second, the companies who lease the machines generally will supply you ice while repairs are made.

For our new restaurant, we will be leasing at $185 per month for a medium volume machine. We could buy the same machine for about $3000, but service in this area is questionable at best.