How to Start a Barbecue Restaurant

Does the mere mention of your cooking make your friends and family's mouth water? If you make a mean pulled pork sandwich that can hold its own, isn't about time you started your own barbecue restaurant?

Choose a Name

Start by naming your barbecue restaurant. Then hire a graphic artist or artist to design your logo and signage. Then contact your county clerk and register your business. Get your food handler's permit from your local health department. You'll also need a sales tax permit, federal tax ID and liability insurance.

Select a Location

Have you ever seen two barbecue restaurants back to back? A poor location could doom your restaurant. Find a location with little competition, and high visibility. Look for old restaurant locations to minimize zoning issues and building alterations. Once you've narrowed you search, spend some time studying potential locations, taking note of foot and traffic. If considering locales with existing kitchen equipment, be sure that it works. Once you've selected your location, meet with a licensed contractor about restructuring your restaurant and making room for your cooker. Then contact the Health department to ensure your barbecue joint is up to code. Place a banner along your restaurant counting down the days until your barbecue restaurant's grand opening.

Find a Co-packer

Find a co-packer to package your sauce. Start by reviewing the Department of Food Science's rules on choosing a co-packer HERE.

Purchase Equipment

Upgrade your cooker to one that can hold plenty of meat, and slow cook at a pace that you can handle and that keeps fresh cooked food on the menu. Purchase an oven, sinks, refrigeration and prep tables, as well as plates, tablecloths, utensils, tables, chairs, benches, paper towel holders, paper towels, cutlery, condiments, utensils, pots and pans.

Create Your Menu

Customers aren't expecting a ton of variety; they're there for the meat. Stick with what you know works, and then toss in some sides. Select choice beers that are popular in your area. Then contact beer suppliers and meet with reputable, local beef and chicken farmers.

Hire a Crew

Hire cooks (if necessary) and a friendly, wait staff. Have them sample the menu.

Open Your Doors

Advertise your grand opening. Purchase radio ad space on a popular radio station. Post fliers at community centers, lodges, western clothing stores, gun clubs, and grocery stores. Consider having a band play on opening night. Offer contests and giveaways.

Evaluate the first week's traffic. Increase supplies if necessary. Drop menu items that aren't selling. You can't afford to waste time and money on items that don't sell well.