The Ultimate Guide to Opening a Restaurant in NYC

Opening a restaurant in NYC is a challenge. But, as Frank Sinatra crooned, if you can make it there, you can make it anywhere.

Every year thousands of new restaurants open their doors with high hopes of becoming renowned and successful. Though the chances of survival might seem slim – with only about 30% of new restaurants in this city surviving their first three years of business – opening a restaurant in NYC can be one of the most rewarding experiences of a restaurateur’s career. 

So, what’s the secret to opening a successful restaurant in this competitive market? How much does it cost to open a restaurant in NYC? How do you find the perfect restaurant space? This guide answers all of those questions and more to help you create a restaurant that makes a mark on the Big Apple’s food scene. Here’s a look at what you’ll get when you download the Ultimate Guide to Opening a Restaurant in NYC:

How to Open a Restaurant in NYC

How to research the local market

Before you embark on your journey of opening a restaurant, you’ll need to get to know the local restaurant scene. We’ll teach you how to research the New York City restaurant landscape and use that data to build your dream business.

Tips for creating your vision

After familiarizing yourself with what’s already out there, you’ll be ready to come up with a vision for a restaurant of your own. By answering who, what, where, when, why, and how, you’ll be able to turn your vision into action. 

Business plan basics

One of the most critical parts of learning how to open a restaurant in NYC is putting together a business plan. This guide will give you instructions on how to write and refine your restaurant’s business plan.

Restaurant start-up costs

In this section, you’ll learn about major restaurant start-up costs so that you can prepare a realistic budget.

How to register your business in New York

Here we’re giving you tips on how to register your business with the state of New York. You’ll learn about different legal structures for businesses, where to find the forms you’ll need to fill out, and how much it costs to open your restaurant in NYC.

Finding a restaurant space

Because of NYC’s sky-high rent and tiny spaces, finding a venue that fits your needs and budget may be one of the most challenging and expensive parts of this process. With our practical tips and local resources, you’ll be able to shop for commercial spaces with more confidence and less stress.

Restaurant permits

You’ll learn which certificates and permits you’ll need to open your business, which inspections your restaurant will need to pass, and what you’ll need to do to stay in business.

Advice for creating a menu

By posing questions to get your creative juices flowing, The Ultimate Guide to Opening a Restaurant in NYC helps you transform your vision into the perfect menu. 

Hiring restaurant staff in NYC

Hiring the right people is critical to your restaurant’s success. After all, your team is on the front lines with your guests and in the kitchen. By learning about the traits of your ideal employee, you’ll be able to build a winning team from the start. 

Bonus: You’ll get access to TouchBistro’s Ultimate Guide to Restaurant Staffing.

NYC restaurant resources and associations

No guide for how to open a restaurant in NYC is complete without a listing of local resources and restaurant associations you can lean on for support throughout your journey.
Download the Ultimate Guide to Opening a Restaurant in NYC to get your business off on the right foot.