What are the first steps in setting up a restaurant?
Start with a clear business plan — including your concept, location, menu, budget, and target audience. Birmingham-based Sunrise members help new restaurant owners turn ideas into action by advising on market research, financial projections, and licensing requirements. Early planning sets the tone for long-term success.
Do I need licenses or permits to open a restaurant?
Yes — including food business registration, premises licensing (for alcohol or late trading), and health and safety compliance. Sunrise members in Birmingham help navigate local council requirements, prepare documentation, and avoid delays — making sure your new venue opens legally and on time.
How do I choose the right location?
Footfall, visibility, access, and competition all matter. Sunrise advisors support Birmingham restaurateurs in assessing neighbourhoods, reviewing lease terms, and selecting premises that align with their concept. Whether you’re aiming for a busy high street, a neighbourhood hotspot, or a unique niche space, the right location makes a big difference.
What should I consider when designing the space?
Think about layout, customer flow, lighting, acoustics, and seating capacity. Birmingham-based Sunrise members include interior designers, kitchen planners, and brand consultants who ensure your space feels cohesive and functional. Great design not only attracts guests but makes service smoother behind the scenes.
How do I fit out a commercial kitchen from scratch?
You’ll need to plan zones for prep, cooking, washing, and storage, and choose appliances suited to your menu. Sunrise installers in Birmingham handle everything from ventilation to electrics — designing kitchens that meet food safety regulations and work efficiently during peak service.
How should I build a team before launch?
Start hiring early and allow time for training. Sunrise recruitment partners in Birmingham can help find chefs, waitstaff, and managers who are aligned with your brand. A strong launch team means better service and fewer issues in those crucial early weeks.
What marketing should I do before opening?
Build excitement with teaser campaigns, soft openings, press outreach, and social media. Sunrise marketing experts help Birmingham restaurants plan pre-launch strategies that attract attention and drive early bookings — so your first week starts with full tables and positive buzz.
What are the most common mistakes new restaurant owners make?
Undervaluing the importance of location, rushing the build, skipping compliance, or overlooking marketing. Birmingham Sunrise members guide new owners through the process step by step, helping you avoid costly missteps with expert advice from people who know the industry inside out.
Why work with local Birmingham suppliers when setting up a restaurant?
Local experts respond quickly, know the council’s rules, and understand what works in the local dining scene. Sunrise members across Birmingham support you with everything from kitchen builds and branding to accounting and recruitment — giving you a reliable team to lean on before, during, and after launch.
