How to Start a Restaurant

Before you start 

• Create a business plan that outlines your products and/or services, potential cost and revenue projection. There are templates from the Small Business Administration or SCORE for reference. 

• Restaurants in the Multnomah County are required to be inspected and licensed by the Health Department. Learn about the plan review requirements and what documents may be needed. 

• Explore our funding page to learn about what funding options are available.

• Check your name against the US Patent and Trademark website and Oregon Active Trademark. Search or hire an attorney to research current trademarks before settling on a business name.   

Find a location 

• Before committing to a brick-and-mortar location, read the permitting guide here to learn about tips and what to look out for. 

• Work with a tenant representation broker and a lawyer before you sign a lease. 

Set up your business 

• Register your business with the City of Portland. You may also be required to register with the State of Oregon and federally. Before registering, choose a legal structure and a name that fits your business. Learn more here. 

• Obtain insurance: Purchasing business insurance helps protect your business and minimize risk. Check out the Oregon Small Employer Guide to Insurance and Worksite Safety for more information. 

• Digital presence: Set up digital presence for your business helps generate buzz and sets the digital marketing foundation. Learn more about the basics here. 

• If you are going to hire employees, follow the steps outlined in the Oregon Employer’s Guide. 

Prepare your space 

• Building permits: review our permitting page to learn about may be required, the cost, and the process. 

• Multnomah County Health Department: Complete the plan review and inspection 

• Garbage, recycling, and compost requirement: Learn more here about garbage, recycling, and compost requirements for businesses operating in a commercial space. Note that there are additional composting requirements depending on how much food waste you produce. Work with your landlord/property manager to set up these services. If you are setting up a new service, you can negotiate service level, frequency and cost. Rates are not set by the City of Portland.

• Fats, Oil and Grease control for food businesses: Food service establishments, such as restaurants, in Portland are required to have kitchen fixtures connected to grease interceptors. Learn more here at the Bureau of Environmental Services. 

• Outdoor Dining Permit: If you plan to have outdoor dining on public right-of-way, apply for an Outdoor Dining Permit from Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT). Learn more here. 

• Sign and awning permit: learn more about when a sign permit is needed and how to apply here. Additionally, learn about the sign registration for portable signs and temporary signs. 

• Tree permit: check with City of Portland Urban Forestry to determine if your construction may require a tree permit and how to apply. 

• Get Assistance:  

• Schedule a free 15-minute appointment with Portland Permitting & Development for permit, code, and zoning questions 

• Explore our funding page to learn about what funding options are available.

• Incentives from Energy Trust of Oregon  

• Businesses that make structural adaptations or other accommodations for employees or customers with disabilities may be eligible for tax credits and deductions. Learn more at the IRS webpage here. 

Food & alcohol licenses 

• Obtain the Food Handlers Card from the Multnomah County. 

• If you are going to serve alcohol, apply for the Annual Liquor License: learn about the steps to obtain the annual liquor license with the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC).  

• Employees who serve alcohol are required to obtain the Alcohol Service Permits. 

Employment 

• Learn about federal and state laws to ensure compliance. Check with the Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) or hire an attorney to review your employment practices. BOLI provides information on hiring your first employees.  

Open your business 

• Reaching out to your network prior to the actual launch/opening to host a pre-launch party is a great way to generate excitement around the project. 

• Check the Manage Your Business page to learn about the license renewal and tax filing requirements.  

• Join Travel Portland partnership here for free and get free access to Locl, a software that helps manage your Google My Business profile.

• Stay connected with Portland Office of Small Business via our newsletter.