Dreaming of opening your own restaurant in the Czech Republic? It’s an exciting journey, filled with potential, but also with its share of rules and regulations. We’ve put together a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Laying the groundwork with a solid business plan
Every successful restaurant starts with a well-crafted business plan. Without it, you’re essentially driving blind, risking inefficient investments and a lack of clear direction.
Here’s what your business plan should cover:
- Your concept: What kind of restaurant will it be? A modern bistro, a cozy Czech pub, or a vibrant vegan spot? Your style and atmosphere should perfectly match your vision and attract your ideal customers.
- Target audience: Who are you hoping to serve? Young professionals, tourists, families? Tailor your menu and marketing to resonate with them.
- Market deep dive: Research your competition and stay on top of the latest food trends. How can you stand out and offer something unique?
- Financials: Crunch the numbers! Calculate your startup costs, ongoing monthly expenses, and realistic revenue projections. Don’t forget to map out your return on investment.
- Marketing strategy: How will you get the word out and build your brand? Think about your website, social media presence, and local promotional efforts.
- Your dream team: Who will be running the show? Will it be a family-run affair or a team of hired professionals? Clearly define roles and responsibilities.
Step 2: Navigating the legal & administrative maze
Operating a restaurant in the Czech Republic comes with specific legal and administrative requirements. Here’s what you’ll need to secure:
- Trade license (Hostinská činnost): You’ll register this at the trade licensing office. This is a craft trade, so you’ll need to prove your professional qualification (e.g., a vocational certificate or relevant work experience).
- Premises approval: Get confirmation from the building authority that your chosen space is approved for “catering” purposes. This ensures it’s legally suitable for a restaurant.
- Hygiene approval: Your premises must meet defined standards. The Regional Hygiene Station will approve your operational rules and inspect everything from kitchen equipment and food storage to employee facilities.
- Occupational safety & Fire protection: You’ll need specific documentation for both, usually prepared by a specialist. This includes mandatory employee training and essential equipment like fire extinguishers and clear emergency exits.
- Alcohol concession: Planning to serve alcoholic beverages? You’ll need to apply for a spirits sales concession at the trade licensing office. This requires you to be of good character and full legal capacity.
- VAT registration: This is mandatory if your turnover exceeds 2 million CZK within any 12-month period. You can also register voluntarily even if you haven’t hit that threshold, which can be beneficial if you frequently buy from VAT-registered suppliers.
Pro tip: Working with a lawyer or a firm specializing in gastronomic legislation can save you a lot of time and potential headaches.
Step 3: Finding your perfect spot
Choosing the right location is absolutely crucial for your restaurant’s success. Focus on visibility and easy access. A bustling city area with good foot traffic and public transport links is often ideal. Think about your target audience – students might prefer a different vibe than tourists. Also, scope out the local competition and consider how you can differentiate yourself. Don’t forget to factor in costs like rent, utilities, and parking options.
Step 4: Setting the scene – Furnishings & equipment
Great food is just one part of the equation; a well-thought-out design and the right technology are equally important. You’ll need a fully functional kitchen, comfortable and stylish furniture for your guests, appropriate lighting, and decor that brings your concept to life.
Beyond the aesthetics, modern restaurants rely on a robust POS (Point of Sale) system. This is much more than just a machine; it’s a powerful tool to manage your operations, track inventory, monitor sales, schedule staff, and keep everything under control.
What do we offer?
GOKASA Software – specifically designed for the hospitality industry
This software is user-friendly, fast, and gives you all the essential information at your fingertips, reducing administrative tasks and minimizing errors.
GOPOS Hardware POS Set: Your All-in-One Solution
To ensure smooth and efficient service, our GOPOS hardware POS set provides everything you need:
- All-in-One touch POS terminal
- Customer display
- Receipt printer
- Kitchen order printer
- Cash drawer
This comprehensive set can be customized to your specific needs, built with a focus on reliability, durability, and a long lifespan.
Gokasa Gastro Software: Faster service, Smarter operations
Gokasa Gastro is an intuitive application that runs on phones, tablets, and computers, seamlessly integrating with the Gokasa software supported by Windows. It empowers your staff to take orders quickly and efficiently, significantly boosting your operational flow.
Gokasa Gotake Software: Next-Gen Self-Service
Inspired by industry leaders like McDonald’s and KFC, Gokasa Gotake offers a modern self-service ordering system. Customers can place their orders quickly and conveniently, saving them time and increasing overall satisfaction and, ultimately, your restaurant’s revenue.
By combining the GOKASA software with our complete GOPOS hardware and smart software like Gokasa Gastro and Gokasa Gotake, you’ll have a powerful toolkit to maximize your earnings.
GOKARTE payment terminal: Easy & Secure transactions
In today’s world, seamless card payments are a must. Pay terminals automatically link with the GOKASA POS system, eliminating manual input errors. We’ll handle the registration and setup with major Czech banks (Česká spořitelna, Komerční banka, ČSOB, Raiffeisenbank), saving you time and ensuring smooth transactions.
CCTV System: Your eyes on the business
Protect your restaurant with a custom-designed CCTV system. From the entrance and bar to the storage areas, you’ll have constant oversight of your operations, helping to safeguard your assets and monitor daily activities from anywhere, anytime.
Why to prioritise your POS system from day one?
Investing in a quality POS system from the very beginning will save you time, money, and stress down the line. It enables efficient order management, inventory tracking, sales analysis, and helps build customer loyalty. A smart POS system is an investment in your restaurant’s efficiency and long-term success.
Step 5: Building a star team
Your staff are the heart of your restaurant and directly impact the quality of your customer service. Take your time to carefully select and develop your team:
- Chefs & assistant chefs: Look for skilled professionals with a genuine passion for cooking.
- Waitstaff: Prioritise individuals with excellent communication skills, a pleasant demeanor, and a friendly, customer-focused approach.
- Beverage specialists (e.g. bartenders): Seek out experienced individuals who can craft quality drinks with an eye for detail.
- Management team: For smooth operations, you need a capable and responsible leader to coordinate and guide your team.
Remember to invest in regular staff training to ensure consistently high service standards and happy customers.
Step 6: Cultivating reliable supplier relationships
To consistently deliver high-quality dishes, building strong, trustworthy relationships with your suppliers is paramount. Look for partners who offer:
- Top-Notch ingredients: Fresh, consistently delivered, premium quality.
- Competitive pricing: Efficient purchasing that doesn’t compromise on quality.
- Dependability & flexibility: Suppliers you can always rely on and who can adapt to your needs.
Step 7: Getting the word out: Effective marketing & promotion
To boost awareness of your new restaurant, you’ll want to leverage various marketing channels. Building an online community on social media by sharing tempting food photos and special offers is a great start. A clear, user-friendly website with an up-to-date menu, opening hours, and online reservation options is essential. Consider partnering with local media and utilising traditional promotional materials like flyers and business cards. And don’t underestimate the power of a well-planned grand opening event to attract your first wave of customers! Active and strategic promotion is key to getting your restaurant noticed.
Conclusion
Opening your own restaurant is a challenging but incredibly rewarding endeavor. With meticulous planning, adherence to all legal requirements, and the right partners—especially a reliable POS system like GOKASA—you can transform your dream into a thriving business. You’ll create a place where guests love to return, ensuring steady growth and long-term success.
Ready to start cooking up your restaurant dream in the Czech Republic?