Step by Step to open a Restaurant in London

[veeravanan]

Hello,

I am a Canadian that operates two franchise QSR in Toronto. I am looking to open my own restaurant concept in the UK, specifically in London.

I am looking for advice on the steps to make this a reality from scratch. I will not be serving alcohol or dealing with meat/eggs. My understanding is as follows, please advise if i've missed anything in terms of legalities or technicalities that must be followed to open a restaurant up to code!

1. Acquire an accountant, setup bank account, incorporate a LTD
2. Find a commercial venue -> find an interior designer + contractor
3. Register for restaurant licence + local council licence + late night catering licence + food hygiene certificate
4. Establish HR/payroll services

Aside from the above, just reading up on income tax implications, health and safety, food safety, and employment labour laws.

Many thanks in advance!

 

[Mark T Jones]

1. Do extensive research

2. Draw up a business plan with detailed/ researched projections

Restaurants is a sector I deal in a lot - and the failure rate is high - and accelerating

Apart from rising costs and staffing problems, a key issue is that operators follow what they believe to be good, rather than what the customer wants to pay for

 

[veeravanan]

1. Do extensive research

2. Draw up a business plan with detailed/ researched projections

Restaurants is a sector I deal in a lot - and the failure rate is high - and accelerating

Apart from rising costs and staffing problems, a key issue is that operators follow what they believe to be good, rather than what the customer wants to pay for

Thanks for the feedback! I'll definitely do loads of research into the local demographics / profiles before securing a lease. In what capacity do you work with restaurants?

 

[Mark T Jones]

Thanks for the feedback! I'll definitely do loads of research into the local demographics / profiles before securing a lease. In what capacity do you work with restaurants?

I fund fit outs

After research, its 85% about the premises

It takes 5 minutes to set up a company - not a priority

The premises may proved the answer to licences/permits (or not)

In addition to lease terms you need to take account of neighbourhood- particularly the residential aspect which can have a huge impact on planning

 

[Gyumri]

and you will need something called "dough" to begin

 

[Paul Kelly ICHYB]

On the basis that you have the theme sorted and are writing a business plan:

1 - research general demand
2 - research demand per location
3 - work out a budget - KNOW YOUR COSTS - they will be different to what you are used to
4 - visit shortlisted locations and sit outside potential premises for several days to witness footfall
5 - understand staffing - supply of qualified staff and employment requirements
6 - work out your supply chain

Only then do you go down setting up companies, bank accounts etc.