Things You'll Need:
- Business plan
- Storefront or building
- Cash register
- Pizza supply supplier
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Step 1
Draft a business plan. If you are unsure of how to write a successful business plan, contact your local universities to inquire about class offerings. The plan will give you a guideline to follow, and most lending institutions will need to review your business plan prior to lending money. In 2009, you can expect to spend anywhere from $50,000 to $100,000 to get started.
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Step 2
Tour some local buildings or store fronts that are for rent or for sale. You may be able to find some existing pizza shops that are for sale. This could be beneficial as you can also purchase equipment from them. You will need room for a pizza oven, large coolers, shelving for storage, table and chairs if you want to offer a dining room service and a small office for your paperwork.
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Step 3
Contact your local city or town hall to find out what permits are required to operate a restaurant.
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Step 4
Complete the purchase or rental by filling out all appropriate paperwork and turning in all required funds to the landlord or lender. Be sure to inquire about any CAM charges, or common area maintenance fees. This is common in strip malls or buildings where units are shared. These fees can include snow removal, trash hauling, landscaping, etc.
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Step 5
Name your establishment. Make it something special, but remember if it's difficult to pronounce it may be hard for people to remember. File your name with the secretary of state to ensure no one else can use it for a pizza business. Expect a fee of $25 to $125 depending on your state.
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Step 6
Contact local utility companies to have the utilities put into your name. This is also the time to investigate what you will need to do the accept credit card payments.
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Step 7
Set up your pizza shop. If you are starting from scratch in a new building, you will have to determine where to place everything. If you are moving into an existing pizza shop, you may want to rearrange some things, but the basics will be there for you to work with.
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Step 8
Contact local pizza supply suppliers for prices on foods and supplies. Start planning your first order and place it as soon as you are ready. Once all your supplies arrive, you can get ready for a grand opening.
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Step 9
Set up your counter area. This is what most customers will see, so keep it neat, clean and cheerful. This is also where your cash register will go, and any flyers or coupons you want to hand out.
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Step 10
Decide how much help you'll need and hire employees. Cooks, a delivery driver, and wait staff may all be needed prior to opening. Consult a tax adviser on payroll procedures.
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Step 11
Host a grand opening. A couple weeks prior, begin a heavy advertising campaign. Distribute flyers and contact local newspapers. Put out balloons, and offer a big sale. Don't think of this event as a money maker, but as a way to gain new and loyal repeat customers.
