To say building and opening a new restaurant is simply a “big deal” would be an understatement. A lot goes into it—a whole lot. There’s planning, construction, final touches, opening preparations, and plenty more to take into account. With that said, the entire process doesn’t have to be a logistical, drawn-out nightmare—especially if you set the right expectations for yourself and your team. In this blog, we’ll go over the major phases of the restaurant construction process, as well as how long you can expect each one to last.
Pre-Construction Phase
This pre-construction phase sets the stage for the entire process. There’s no physical construction taking place just yet, but cutting corners can start a domino effect that means trouble down the road. Here’s everything involved in this crucial pre-groundbreaking step:
- Site Selection and Feasibility Studies: Selecting a location goes a little deeper than just finding an available lot and purchasing it. You have to consider zoning requirements, foot traffic, parking setups, utility access, and existing infrastructure is there sufficient water, power and gas available?
- Design Development and Architectural Planning: Designers and architects are brought on from the start to create a space that isn’t just functional but also pleasing and inviting to everyone who will use the space.
- Permits and Approvals: Depending on the jurisdiction you’re planning on building in, local permits can take time. You should try to start this process as early as you can and have your lease provide permit protection.
- Finalizing Budgets and Construction Contracts: When you have your plans ironed out and permits in hand, it’s time to develop a robust budget and construction timeline. Once that’s taken care of, contracts can be signed and the exciting part can begin!
Construction Phase
This is one of our favorite parts—after all, we get to break out the construction equipment! Now that a large chunk of paperwork and meticulous planning is out of the way, construction can begin. Here’s how it will go:
- Site Prep and Foundation Work: If you’re constructing a new restaurant building, the site needs to be cleared and graded before the foundation is laid. If you’re remodeling, demolition needs to be done.
- Framing, Roofing, and Utilities Installation: The “bones” of the restaurant building must be in place before anything else. This includes essential systems such as plumbing, electrical, and HVAC.
- Interior Build-Out: Kitchen areas, restrooms, storage rooms, and the dining space are now constructed and filled out with all the necessary features—ventilation, plumbing, and fire-suppression systems.
- Inspections and Code Compliance: Inspections are vital to ensuring the restaurant construction is staying compliant. Skipping or not knowing what inspections are required in this step could cost you dearly down the line.
There are plenty of restaurant construction companies out there, but few can do the job with as much expertise as Encore Construction. For a project like this, only the best will do.
Final Touches & Equipment Installation
The primary structure is finally standing! Though the finish line is within sight, there are still a few things that need to be taken care of. Time to put those finishing touches on your restaurant construction.
- Installation of Kitchen Equipment and Appliances: Cooking ranges, refrigerators, and other appliances are delivered and installed.
- Interior Finishes: Lighting installation, flooring, painting, furniture placement, and décor should all take place during this step of the building process.
- Signage and Branding Elements: Time to make your restaurant known to the people on the street! Signage, both interior and exterior, should be installed. Menus and other design features that come together to form your brand are also created, bringing your eatery concept to life!
- Final Walkthrough: One. Final. Step. With our contractors tagging along, perform a full walkthrough of the space to ensure everything is in its right place and functioning properly
- Final Inspections and Health Department Approvals: In order to get the greenlight to begin food service operations, approval from the health department is a necessity.
Pre-Opening Preparation
You’re almost there! Your restaurant construction is complete, and there are just a few things left to do before you’re ready to start welcoming diners. Time to fine-tune the space and build your team.
- Staff Training and Soft Opening: You may have a team hired, but they still need to be trained prior to opening. Allow them plenty of time to learn the space and appliances, and set them up for success through thoughtful, effective training. A soft opening is a great way to ease everyone into the experience of serving real guests.
- Cleaning and Punch-List Completion: This is the time to make any minor repairs and fixes that need to be addressed. In addition, make sure your restaurant is clean as a whistle in time for the grand opening!
Trust the Restaurant Construction Experts
After this step is complete, the moment you’ve been waiting for has arrived. Your restaurant building project has reached its completion, and it’s time to welcome guests to experience this new atmosphere and its delicious food! By sticking to this construction process, your stress can remain minimal from beginning to end.
Want to make sure that’s the case? As one of the leading restaurant construction companies in the area, Encore Construction has facilitated over 200 restaurant construction projects—including for famed Chefs at Gordon Ramsay North America and Jose Andres Think Food Group. We know the process inside and out, and we’re happy to be a part of your culinary dream come to life. Get in touch with us and let’s build something great!