Starting a restaurant: your first-month checklist

The usual order of things. Pick your state below for its exact rules, deadlines and official links.

1. 1

   Get your food service and health permits

   Your county or city health department usually issues food service permits. Call them before you sign a lease; most review kitchen plans first.

2. 2

   Get food safety certified

   Most places require a certified food manager on staff and food handler cards for the crew.

3. 3

   Get your EIN

   Free from the IRS, online in about 10 minutes. Banks, clients and payroll all ask for it. You never need to pay a service for it. How to get it free

4. 4

   Open a business bank account

   Keeps the company's money separate from yours, which is what protects your LLC. See options

5. 5

   Register for sales tax if you sell taxable goods or services

   Most states require a seller's permit before your first taxable sale.

6. 6

   Get general and liquor liability insurance

   Liquor liability matters if you'll serve alcohol; landlords usually require both. See options

7. 7

   Choose a POS system

   Handles orders, card payments and tips, and feeds your bookkeeping. See options

8. 8

   Payroll and workers' comp before your first hire

   Most states require workers' comp once you have employees, and payroll software handles the tax filings. See options