Complete Startup Guide

How to Open a Restaurant in India

Step-by-step guide covering everything from concept to launch. Licenses, costs, timelines, and expert tips from 10,000+ restaurant owners.

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3-6

Months to Launch

₹15-50L

Typical Investment

8+

Licenses Required

6

Key Steps

6 Steps to Open Your Restaurant

01

Business Planning & Concept

2-4 weeks
  • Define your restaurant concept (cuisine, style, target audience)
  • Research your local market and competition
  • Create a detailed business plan
  • Calculate startup costs and arrange funding
  • Choose a business structure (Proprietorship, LLP, Pvt Ltd)
Pro Tip: Use our free Business Plan Template to structure your planning.
02

Legal & Licensing

4-8 weeks
  • Register your business (GST, PAN, Shop Act)
  • Apply for FSSAI Food License
  • Get Fire Safety NOC
  • Apply for Liquor License (if applicable)
  • Get Health/Trade License from Municipal Corporation
  • Signage License
Pro Tip: Start FSSAI application early - it can take 30-60 days.
03

Location & Setup

4-12 weeks
  • Scout and finalize location
  • Negotiate lease terms
  • Design layout and interior
  • Kitchen equipment procurement
  • Furniture, fixtures, and decor
  • Utilities setup (electricity, water, gas)
Pro Tip: Location is critical. Prioritize foot traffic and visibility over rent savings.
04

Menu & Suppliers

2-4 weeks
  • Finalize menu items and pricing
  • Cost each dish and calculate margins
  • Source reliable suppliers for ingredients
  • Set up inventory management system
  • Create recipes and portion standards
  • Design and print menus
Pro Tip: Target 65-70% gross margin on food items.
05

Team & Training

2-4 weeks
  • Hire key positions (chef, manager, servers)
  • Create job descriptions and salary structure
  • Set up payroll and attendance system
  • Train staff on menu, service, and hygiene
  • Conduct mock service runs
  • Set up POS and train on billing
Pro Tip: Train extensively on your POS system before opening day.
06

Marketing & Launch

2-4 weeks
  • Create social media presence
  • Set up Google Business Profile
  • Plan soft launch with friends/family
  • List on Zomato, Swiggy, Dineout
  • Plan opening promotion/event
  • Collect customer feedback and iterate
Pro Tip: Soft launch for 1-2 weeks to work out kinks before grand opening.

Required Licenses & Permits

LicenseCostTimeRequired
FSSAI License₹2,000 - ₹5,00030-60 daysYes
GST RegistrationFree7-15 daysYes
Shop & Establishment₹500 - ₹2,00015-30 daysYes
Fire Safety NOC₹5,000 - ₹15,00015-30 daysYes
Health/Trade License₹1,000 - ₹5,00015-30 daysYes
Liquor License₹5,00,000+60-90 daysOptional
Music License (PPL/IPRS)₹10,000 - ₹50,000/year7-15 daysOptional
Signage License₹500 - ₹5,0007-15 daysYes

Startup Cost Breakdown

CategorySmall (20 covers)Medium (40 covers)Large (80+ covers)
Interior & Setup₹5-10L₹15-30L₹40-80L
Kitchen Equipment₹3-5L₹8-15L₹20-40L
Furniture & Fixtures₹2-4L₹6-12L₹15-30L
Licenses & Permits₹50K-1L₹1-2L₹2-5L
Initial Inventory₹1-2L₹3-5L₹8-15L
Marketing & Launch₹50K-1L₹2-4L₹5-10L
Working Capital (3 months)₹3-5L₹8-15L₹20-40L
Total Estimate₹15-25L₹45-85L₹1.1-2.2Cr

*Costs vary significantly by city and concept. Metro cities typically cost 30-50% more.

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