Use this checklist to make sure nothing critical is missed before opening day.
Legal and registration
Business registered with HMRC; food business registered with your local council at least 28 days before opening; any required licences (premises, alcohol) in place.
Premises and equipment
Kitchen equipment installed and tested; extraction and safety systems signed off; front-of-house or collection area ready.
Staffing
Team hired and trained; food hygiene certifications in place; roles and shifts scheduled for opening week.
Menu and pricing
Menu finalised with accurate costings; allergen information documented and accessible to staff and customers.
Technology and ordering
EPOS system installed and staff trained on it; branded ordering website and app live and tested; payment methods working correctly.
Marketing and launch
Google Business Profile complete and verified; social media accounts set up; a launch offer or event planned to drive first-week traffic.
Insurance and compliance
Public liability and employer’s liability insurance (if applicable) confirmed active before trading.
Final checks
A soft-launch or trial service day to test kitchen flow, staff readiness and order handling before a full public opening.
CholoEAT can have your ordering website, app and EPOS system ready before opening day, so technology is one less thing to worry about. Book a free demo.
