Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed
Subscribe: RSS
Show Notes:
I WANT TO OPEN A RESTAURANT IN TWO MONTHS
Today we’re going to discuss a recent project of mine and how you can OPEN A RESTAURANT IN TWO MONTHS.
Last time I checked we were all human. At least the people listening to this show are human. So we make mistakes and we make great things. It’s all about risk and reward. Following that dream and making it happen.
Today is one of those stories. Have you ever sat back and day-dreamed of opening a restaurant or retail store. Something that you could run and build of your own.
To tell you the truth, I often think of trying to open a shop of some kind, but I never take it to the next level. When do you stop thinking about the project and just get going with it. So I have a client. He came to me from a contractor referral. He asked me to measure an existing restaurant so we could submit for a repair permit and could move a new restaurant into the space.
A super nice guy. So we meet on site to go over his modifications, which are simple enough. One thing is the kitchen has been completely removed. No equipment exist in the kitchen and unfortunately the hood is gone. So apparently we are replacing one for one on the equipment, but we don’t really know what was there to begin with.
He does not want to get engineers involved because they charge for services and he wants to keep it to a minimum. We are trying to get a repair permit. Which realistically all we are doing is repainting and changing some wall tile.
The restaurant is to be open in less than two months. Ok one problem with this. It might be impossible, might. You know its like one of those tv shows where they go into a restaurant and completely flip it over some weekend then have a pressed for time grand opening and what do you know success.
Unfortunately we are at the mercy of the building reviewer and fire marshal. Don’t get me wrong, they do a good job of keeping everything in check and making sure the rules and codes are followed, but they have no desire in helping to get your project reviewed and permitted quickly. At least that is the impression I get. If any of you are reviewers out there and this is incorrect you let me know. Before I go off on all of that, this project has to first get drawn. Which I have done now. The owner has approved the seating layout. Seats 80. The kitchen designer has the cad file and is beginning to layout the kitchen equipment.
Once he gets that done I will need to incorporate it back into my set. I need to add a bunch of information to the plan that I don’t have yet that is required from the fire marshal, key plan, fire extinguisher locations, exit lighting, emergency lighting. which most of it will stay where it is I just have to note it and check it against current codes. Ok so all that before it goes to water department to see if there is an additional fee for new taps etc. They have 5-10 days to review. Then health department. They have several days to review and comment. Then the fire marshal. He only reviews in person, and guess what. He is booked for a month. So I need to make that appointment asap. If all these departments approve, it can be submitted to the building department. Then they have their review time. But at this point I have not received the signed proposal yet.
I have the retainer but no proposal.
Well anyway, we are looking at pretty much 45 days at the least just to get the permit. That gives him 15 days for construction. Two weeks. Ok so that is maybe doable but we do have quite a bit of work with the kitchen. We need to install the hood and suppression. Rework the mechanical in the kitchen and have it all inspected. Equipment needs to be installed and assembled.
Health department needs to inspect the completed kitchen before they can allow you to open. This is really pushing it. Wish me and the owner luck. I know the contractor is going to have his hands full. Why does all this need to be done in 2 months. Because the owner is trying to make a holiday deadline and has already signed the lease. This deadline is a great big celebration that will drive a lot of customers to his location. Oh and I forgot to mention all the accessories and training that needs to be involved on his end. So do you think this is possible and realistic. I would like to hear your comments to the episode.
Shout out for this weeks show goes to:
Dahlhauser Construction. Matt over there has been sending a lot of work my way and I truly appreciate that. If you have a project that you need a qualified experienced contractor for, give Matt a call at Dahlhauser Construction Group. I believe he travels all over the US so talk to him about your project.
Take action:
So I wanted to end with one final take away for you. I know I might have sounded kinda down on this project with all the tight deadlines and possible challenges. I don’t mean to come across that way and I am actually very excited for the owner. When you are trying to do something great, everyone around you will constantly be pulling you back down. So I am encouraging him and trying to do anything in my power to help get this restaurant open and successful. If you have a goal, go for it and get it done. Just start and run full steam ahead. Just make sure you look before you cross the street.
I wanted to end this episode with a quote from Rasheed Ogunlaru:
“While you’ll feel compelled to charge forward it’s often a gentle step back that will reveal to you where you and what you truly seek.”
