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Step 1
Research the industry and do some planning. Figure out a budget and secure any financing you need. Decide on a business name and register it with your state, if applicable.
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Step 2
Sign a lease or have a store built. The ideal size is about 2000 square feet for a full sit-down restaurant. Plan a layout for your store, considering that you need to have space for baking, doing other kitchen chores, a line where you help customers and a dining room. Hire a general contractor to install the walls for you, unless you're an excellent carpenter as well as a bagel maker.
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Step 3
Design your marketing materials. The first thing you need is exterior signage as this will be advertising for you even while you're in the building process. Other items to consider are magazine ads, press releases, coupons and promotional materials.
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Step 4
Buy your equipment. You need mixers, ovens, a bagel machine (divides dough and forms bagels), a walk-in refrigerator, baking sheets/pans, a triple sink with grease trap system, dining room decor and fixtures, display cases, a cash register, a credit card machine, a fountain drink dispenser and assorted small wares.
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Step 5
Hire the staff. Determine your business hours and try your best to estimate your customer load. At first, it will be slow, so staff accordingly. You can hire more employees, as you get busier. Set up a system with a payroll company or an accountant to take care of payroll for you.
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Step 6
Set up your restaurant. Perfect your recipes and start putting out coupons and ads. Tell everyone you know that you're starting a bagel shop and let them know when you'll be opening. Get your menu board put up and print some catering menus to distribute.
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Step 7
Apply for any licenses or permits you might need. This varies from area to area so check with your state's health department to find out the requirements you need to comply with.
