The most common types of visas obtained by foreign workers are the H-1B, L-1A and L1-B, and the E-1 and E-2. Note that a visa isn’t necessary if you simply plan to own the business from abroad. If you do wish to work within the restaurant on a day-to-day basis, however, you will need a visa. Also note that many visas allow investment in a business, or opening a branch of a business from abroad, but fewer actually permit opening and working in your own restaurant. Which is to say, even if you don’t get the optimal visa, there are still paths to investing in or expanding your own restaurant. [2] X Research source
A ghost kitchen: A ghost kitchen is a kitchen without a dining space that sends out orders via delivery apps like Doordash or Ubereats. With a ghost kitchen, you save money by not having to furnish and maintain a dining room. Startup costs for this range from $10,000-$50,000. Home catering: With a home catering business, you cook out of your home (or an external kitchen), and provide food to events or to sell at markets. Cooking out of your home further reduces costs, since you don’t have to lease a kitchen space, and costs about $10,000-$50,000.
Limited liability company (LLC): Perhaps the most common small business structure, this offers legal protections and certain tax benefits, and mitigates personal responsibility. Sole proprietorship: This means that you as an individual are responsible for all debts and other legal obligations involved in running a business. There are fewer strings, but more personal risk. Partnership: This is similar to a sole proprietorship, but responsibility is split between 2 or more partners who go in on the business together. It’s a great choice if you plan to open the restaurant with the help of another person. Corporation: Perhaps the most complex, and not usually a common structure for small businesses, this registers the business as separate from the owners, meaning the business itself is responsible for taxes, property, debts, and other responsibilities, protecting owners.
Also write a business plan, which you can show potential investors or banks to prove you have a solid plan.
These regulations also vary by city and state, so it’s especially helpful to have legal representation that knows the ins and outs.
Zoning laws: Unfortunately, you can’t open a restaurant just anywhere. A building must fall within an area zoned for commercial use, so call the city’s municipal planning department for more info on any particular building. Appearance: Diners generally prefer a clean, tidy location that looks presentable inside and out. That said, many city dwellers don’t mind a little rough-around-the-edges, DIY look. Accessibility: If customers can’t find your space or have difficulty parking or navigating to it, your sales will take a hit. Find somewhere identifiable and easily-reached by car or by foot. Surrounding businesses: The other businesses around you can help with synergy. For example, if you open a restaurant next to a mechanic, the mechanic’s customers are likely to pop into your business for a bite while they wait for their car. Cost: Of course, we can’t forget how much it costs to occupy the space. You may have to sacrifice other positive aspects for the sake of saving a few bucks in rent.
When you’ve picked a name, apply for an Employer Identification Number on the IRS website—every U. S. business needs one to ensure that their name is unique and they’re infringing on an existing business. [9] X Trustworthy Source Internal Revenue Service U. S. government agency in charge of managing the Federal Tax Code Go to source
Restaurants that feature meat alternatives like Impossible meat or other plant-based substitutes often find success with health-conscious or vegan customers. Also remember to include selections for small children, who tend to be pickier than older customers.
You can also opt to locally source your ingredients from produce markets or individual suppliers of particular ingredients, but it may cost a bit more. Also visit bulk restaurant stores, which provide many things restaurants need at significantly lower costs than other standard outlets.
Contact your state’s Department of Labor to inquire about wage laws, hiring ages, and other employment regulations.
Also create promotions with businesses nearby, like offering discounts or package deals if a customer shops at both places.
