Plan to Succeed

The most important step in opening a successful restaurant is developing a clear plan. It pays to consider the many aspects of restaurant operation and business ownership before committing to the project.

Build a Strong Plan

Incomplete planning is a leading cause of new business failure. A thorough business plan will help make your business concept a reality.

• New Business - Read the Start section of the Washington Small Business Guide
• Existing Business - Read the Grow section of the Washington Small Business Guide

DO YOUR RESEARCH All businesses, use our Business Decision Engine to help build your plan. Learn about customers, competition, future opportunities, key location factors, and much more.

GREEN YOUR BUSINESS All businesses, go to Envirostars, a green business program to learn how your business can reduce costs, gain a competitive edge, and contribute to a clean and healthy community. The program offers free tools and assistance to help Seattle area businesses conserve resources and prevent pollution including: free recycling posters and stickers, free aerators, spill kits and recycling and composting bins for inside your business.

What Kind of Restaurant Are You Planning?

To get a quick idea of what to expect when opening a restaurant in Seattle, look at the example below that most closely fits the style and size of restaurant you have in mind.

Note: These examples are for fixed location restaurant establishments. Check out the requirements and guides below for non-fixed locations:

• Farmers market food vendors
• Caterers
• Mobile food establishments