Restaurant Business Plan Checklist

Karen Cayer
Jul 31
2 min read

A Free Resource from Cayer Group to Help You Launch with Confidence

Opening a restaurant is exciting—but without a solid plan, it’s risky. Use this checklist to sharpen your vision, uncover blind spots, and build a foundation for long-term success. These 7 key sections include actionable questions to help guide your thinking.

✅ 1. Vision & Concept

Clarify your unique identity.

What is your restaurant’s mission and story?
What type of cuisine, atmosphere, and experience are you offering?
What sets you apart from existing competitors?
Who are you serving—and what problem are you solving for them?

✅ 2. Market Research

Understand your customers and competition.

Who is your ideal customer? What are their dining habits, preferences, and spending patterns?
Who are your local competitors, and how are they positioned?
What market trends (e.g., plant-based dining, sustainability, delivery tech) should you factor in?
What unmet needs can your concept fulfill?

✅ 3. Financial Planning

Know your numbers before you commit.

What are your estimated startup costs (lease, equipment, licenses, buildout)?
Have you created a working monthly budget with projected revenue and expenses?
What is your break-even point?
Have you identified potential funding sources or investor options?

✅ 4. Menu Development & Pricing

Build a menu that drives revenue and reflects your concept.

Is your menu cohesive, operationally efficient, and aligned with your target market?
Have you conducted a food cost and profitability analysis?
Are there dietary options and high-margin items to balance the mix?
Does your pricing strategy reflect both customer value and your desired profit margin?

✅ 5. Operations Plan

Plan your systems before you open your doors.

Who will be on your management and service team? What’s your hiring and training plan?
Do you have inventory tracking and ordering systems in place?
What are your SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) for food safety, customer service, and closing shifts?
How will you manage vendor relationships and deliveries?

✅ 6. Marketing & Branding

Get seen. Be remembered. Build loyalty.

What’s your brand identity (name, logo, tone, colors, style)?
What’s your launch marketing plan (social media, PR, community engagement)?
How will you build and manage your online presence (website, review sites, local SEO)?
Do you have a strategy for capturing and retaining customer loyalty?

✅ 7. Risk Management & Flexibility

Be prepared for the unexpected.

What are the biggest risks to your concept (staffing, supply chain, economic downturn)?
Do you have contingency plans in place?
How will you track KPIs and adjust your plan as needed?
Do you have insurance, legal, and compliance tasks covered?