Planning

Plan to Succeed

The most important step in opening a successful restaurant is developing a clear plan. It pays to consider the many aspects of restaurant operation and business ownership before committing to the project.

Build a Strong Plan

Incomplete planning is a leading cause of new business failure. A thorough business plan will help make your business concept a reality.

  • New Business - Read the Start section of the Washington Small Business Guide
  • Existing Business - Read the Grow section of the Washington Small Business Guide

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DO YOUR RESEARCH

All businesses, use our Business Decision Engine to help build your plan.
Learn about customers, competition, future opportunities, key location factors, and much more.

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GREEN YOUR BUSINESS

All businesses, go to Envirostars, a green business program to learn how your business can reduce costs, gain a competitive edge, and contribute to a clean and healthy community. The program offers free tools and assistance to help Seattle area businesses conserve resources and prevent pollution including: free recycling posters and stickers, free aerators, spill kits and recycling and composting bins for inside your business.

What Kind of Restaurant Are You Planning?

To get a quick idea of what to expect when opening a restaurant in Seattle, look at the example below that most closely fits the style and size of restaurant you have in mind.

Note: These examples are for fixed location restaurant establishments. Check out the requirements and guides below for non-fixed locations:

Economic Development

Markham McIntyre, Director
Address: 700 5th Ave, Suite 5752, Seattle, WA, 98104
Mailing Address: PO Box 94708, Seattle, WA, 98124-4708
Phone: (206) 684-8090
Phone Alt: (206) 684-0379
Fax: (206) 684-0379
oed@seattle.gov

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The mission of the Office of Economic Development (OED) is to help create healthy businesses, thriving neighborhoods, and community organizations to contribute to a robust economy that will benefit all Seattle residents and future generations.