Starting a restaurant requires good planning, especially when it comes to finances and operations. Here are some helpful tips to get you started:

Economy and idea

Start by creating an overview of your costs and revenues. Think realistically: What are the costs of your ingredients, and how many guests do you need each day to break even? Use concrete numbers and create different budget scenarios to better understand your finances.

Put your concept into a simple marketing plan. This helps you define your idea and gives you a plan to follow. On the website altinn.no you will find good resources and tools for what to think about and how to get started with your own business.

A carefully thought-out concept that is inspiring to work with is a good foundation for sensible operations.

Tip:

Register your business as soon as you have decided to start, and don't wait until everything is perfect. Once your business is registered, it allows for deductions on expenses right from the start.

Choose the right company form

Are you wondering whether to run your business alone or with someone? Choose the right company form from the start. Here are the most common options:

Sole proprietorship (ENK): Suitable if you are going to operate alone and want simple administration. Remember that you are personally liable for debts and obligations.
Limited liability company (AS): Requires at least 30,000 kroner in equity, but this amount can be used for operations. You have limited liability, and it is easier to employ yourself in the company. If you are going to work in the business, AS often provides better social rights and more flexibility.

At altinn.no you will find startup guides for both company types.

Important:

Make sure you have insurance, good banking agreements and reliable digital solutions.
Familiarize yourself with rules for personnel liability and labor law, especially if you are going to hire people.

With a good plan, the right partners and a few smart tricks in operations, it becomes a little easier to succeed with your restaurant.

Find the right suppliers

Many people underestimate how important it is to choose the right suppliers before starting up. Collect as many purchases as possible from one supplier to save time and get better conditions. As a catering establishment, you qualify as a large household customer, or a large kitchen customer, and then there are many discounts and benefits you can take advantage of.

Feel free to use an experienced full-range wholesaler. This way you get everything you need in one place, and have one place to turn to if you need anything extra. This gives you both control, predictability and simpler logistics.

For example, check out Servicegrossistene and find the wholesaler closest to you.

Join a purchasing chain

Do you want better prices without spending a lot of time and energy negotiating? Join a purchasing chain! Here, many players cooperate to get better prices on raw materials and materials. This gives you discounts that you otherwise wouldn't get on your own.

Many purchasing chains also offer good conditions on operating accessories and support functions, such as insurance, display equipment, store data and pest control.

Systemkjøp IS one such type of purchasing chain, and we look forward to helping you get started!

Finally: A little checklist:

Create a marketing plan and budget
Choose the right company form
Apply for a catering license
Apply for a liquor license (if you are going to serve alcohol)
Register with the Danish Food Safety Authority
Plan your purchases well
Set up a profitable menu

Servicegrossistene has also collected good tips and advice in an e-book about the establishment phase , which you can read here.

– Good luck with the start-up!

How to create a solid and viable catering establishment