How to Open a Snack Bar

Snack bars and limited-service eating places are popular with customers looking for informal dining options. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics' 2008 figures show that limited-service food establishments made up almost half of United States food service businesses.

Although some snack bars limit their offerings to cash-and-carry beverages and snacks, others prepare specialty items and may offer limited seating. Snack bars that feature breakfast and lunch sandwiches may become an attractive alternative to fast food restaurants.

Instructions

1

Design your business structure. Meet with a Certified Public Accountant experienced with restaurant businesses. Choose an appropriate business framework: sole proprietorship, limited liability company, or a type of corporation.

Next, consult with a commercial insurance agent. Discuss liability and risk management issues associated with your snack bar. Contact your state Department of Revenue to determine if you require a sales tax number. Finally, obtain a business license at your city or county clerk's office.

2

Select a convenient location. Visit your local zoning office to learn about zoning restrictions for potential snack bar locations. Choose a site that's convenient from main roads, and has plenty of parking even during busy periods. Contact your local fire department to discuss seating capacity regulations.

3

Examine your competition. Identify fast food restaurants, cafes, and delicatessens within your local area. Visit each one, and determine their appeal to customers. Take note of the customer traffic at each location.

4

Choose your theme and decor. Give your snack bar some personality by selecting a theme that's easy to execute. Themes include vintage cars, Caribbean beaches, and old movies. Once you've chosen your theme, search for inexpensive tables and chairs for your informal surroundings.

Finally, look for theme dcor in party stores, antique shops, and flea markets.

5

Order your food service equipment. Compile a list of food service fixtures, serving ware, and supplies. Fixtures include food preparation tables, refrigerators, and cooking equipment (if applicable). Save money by ordering equipment from a restaurant equipment liquidator.

6

Select your snack bar menu. Choose a menu compatible with your theme, and that's easy to execute with available equipment and space. Provide menu alternatives for vegetarian diners, as well as customers with special diets. Work with a graphics designer to organize and illustrate your snack bar menu.

7

Hire friendly and efficient staff. Find employees with restaurant experience who enjoy working with customers. Work with your staff to develop a smooth food preparation and service process. Make your sessions fun with snack bar theme trivia contests.

8

Obtain your Health Department approval. Contact your local Health Department to schedule a pre-opening restaurant inspection. Before inspectors arrive, thoroughly clean your snack bar and kitchen. Scrub and disinfect all surfaces, taking special care with food preparation areas. If inspection discrepancies are found, fix them immediately. Finally, post safe food handling practices in several locations.

9

Open your snack bar with a sizzle. Put the finishing touches on your dcor, outfit your staff in matching attire, and open your snack bar to customers. Prepare several introductory menu specials, and offer a free slice of Grand Opening cake to all customers. Advertise the event through flyers at surrounding office parks and businesses, and with ads in the Entertainment section of local newspapers.