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

While each state has their own requirements, there are some common elements they look for. Generally, as soon as you have your plans fairly well completed, you should apply for any state and local licenses needed.

In this case, we have solidified the major components of the formal plans. A few things may change, but from this point it is a matter of getting the construction moving. Next week we apply for a state restaurant license and include the general drawing. The state is not looking for construction issues, but safety and sanitary concerns will be reviewed. Here are a few things they look for:

• Hand sinks. If you look at the drawing linked above, we have a hand sink at almost every work area. When the state comes in to inspect us prior to opening, we will have hand sanitizing dispensers in each location also.
• They want to make certain you have enough bathrooms for the seating.
• Some will want to know what is on the floor and ceiling. A washable surface on the kitchen walls may be required on new construction.
• In some cases they will make certain there are two exits and non-obstructed paths with ailses at least 42 inches wide.
• Many times the number of seats will determine certain required components. In this case we are showing a total of 64. Outside seating is not shown.

Most states have their requirements online. You should review those before submitting a plan.