The fresh dough, the oregano-laced sauce, the gooey cheese, and the mouth-watering toppings… all these add up to a delicious pizza, and that’s something few people can resist. Add in the fact that pizza shops appeal to all ages and types of people and can provide an incredible ambiance, and it means that considering opening a pizza shop could make a great business investment. In taking this idea from a dream to a reality, however, there are a lot of parts that will come into play. From building or renovating the restaurant itself to figuring out the logistics of what types of pizza and food the restaurant will serve, there are dozens of factors to think about. Here are some basic steps to look at when thinking about this type of business.
Choosing a Location
Choosing the location for your pizza shop is a key step. Consider if it is a high-traffic area, what competing restaurants are in the location, and whether it’s easily accessible. Think about what type of area it is as well. An area that caters to multiple clientele, such as families and business people, could be a good option. The stats surrounding pizza shops are impressive, so there are many possible locations where this type of business could thrive.
Create Your Business Plan and Secure Funding
Writing a solid business plan will outline exactly what you want to accomplish when starting your pizza shop, including the restaurant concept, location, and much more. Your business plan can cover things such as staffing needs, management and restaurant processes, advertising and marketing, and cost projections. Once you have this in mind, you can secure necessary funding through loans, lines of credit, crowdfunding, individual investors, or a combination of funding.
Building or Renovating the Pizza Restaurant
For those that really want to be in control of all the aspects of the business, handling the building of the shop or renovating an existing building to function as your pizza shop could make sense. In order to so, a contractor’s license will typically be required. It’s important to look at what the requirements are for each state.
People may be required to have a certain number of years of experience in a commercial field before applying for a contractor license. A contractor roofing license in SC, for example, requires two years of experience installing roofs. In Michigan, people must have In Tennesee, people generally have a minimum of four years of experience in a field in order to apply for a contractor license; since the application goes before a board for approval, however, there may be other circumstances they will consider. If you have experience in the field, a TN contractor’s license practice test could help you get licensure quickly.
There are also different contractor licensing categories with different requirements, so it’s important to look at the levels and requirements for your state. In most cases, handling the building or major renovations for a pizza shop would require a contractor’s license. If you’ll have a built-in pizza oven, wood-fired pizza oven, or other specialized cooking equipment for the pizzas, it’s something to consider as you’re building or renovating.
Plan Your Pizza Shop Menu and Cooking Processes
Many pizza shops have signature items, ingredients, or cooking methods that help them stand out. Consider what type of hook your pizza shop will offer that will help it stand out. Will it be a gourmet establishment that creates upscale pizzas using exotic ingredients? Or maybe it will be an eclectic shop with wild pizza combinations and crazy toppings. Would an all-you-can-eat pizza buffet fit the location and potential customers? Your options are only as limited as your imagination. You’ll also want to refine your cooking processes, including food storage and prep. Even details like the best wood for cooking your pizza can come into play. Don’t overlook ice production for both beverage service and safe food prep. In a space-constrained kitchen, undercounter ice makers fit beneath counters while delivering the capacity you need; assess daily covers and drink mix to size the bin and choose cube style. You can buy undercounter ice machines online to compare footprints, production rates, and NSF-certified options suitable for pizza shops. Once you decide on your cooking processes, that will also influence the decisions for the different types of kitchen equipment you’ll need.
Consider Restaurant Layout and Plan the Interior
Think about the best ways to set up the pizza shop’s layout. Consider convenience, like s drive-though or pick up counter for to-go orders, as well as space for eat-in customers. Create an ambiance that fits with your restaurant concept and is inviting to customers. Whether it’s high-end or playful, you’ll choose the colors, furniture, and small details to fit your idea.
Secure Any Permits Needed for Your Pizza Shop & Hire Staff
Once you have all the physical details and prep work done, it’s time to get closer to running your shop. Different locations have varying requirements for restaurant operations, so check your local area and obtain the necessary permits to run the shop. Then consider your staffing and management needs and work on the hiring process. You may need to adjust this as you go depending on how busy you become.
Advertise Your Restaurant and Open the Doors
You can advertise your restaurant in a variety of ways, from word of mouth and social media to physical signs and billboards. The options you choose will depend on your budget, location, and other factors. You may decide to have a large grand opening or plan a quieter soft opening as you start the business. Consider connecting with other local businesses or restaurants to gain support and build business relationships with them as you plan your opening.
