Restaurant Guides
Actionable articles on costs, hiring, compliance, and growth — written for operators, not MBAs.
Financial Management
(4 guides)Food Cost Formula: How to Calculate Food Cost Percentage
Master the food cost formula with step-by-step examples and benchmarks.
How Much Does It Cost to Open a Restaurant?
Detailed breakdown of startup costs from lease to working capital.
Restaurant Equipment Financing
Compare financing options, rates, and lease vs. buy decisions.
Average Restaurant Profit Margin
Net margin benchmarks by concept, a $100 P&L waterfall, and a margin calculator.
Operations & Staffing
(5 guides)Commercial Kitchen Layout
Layout types, workflow principles, equipment placement, and code requirements.
Bartender Salary Guide
Bartender pay by state, experience level, and establishment type.
Sous Chef Salary Guide
Sous chef compensation by state, experience, and restaurant type.
Executive Chef Salary Guide
What executive chefs earn by state, venue, and experience, and what owners should budget.
Restaurant Manager Salary Guide
Manager pay by tier, state, concept, and store revenue, plus bonus structures that work.
Compliance & Safety
(7 guides)Restaurant Insurance: Types, Cost & What You Need
Coverage types, average costs, and how to choose the right policy.
How to Get a Liquor License
State-by-state requirements, costs, timeline, and license types.
Food Truck Permits: State-by-State Guide
Permit requirements, costs, and application process by state.
Restaurant Fire Suppression System
System types, code requirements, inspection schedules, and costs.
Dram Shop Liability
What it is, state laws, and how to protect your restaurant.
How to Pass a Health Inspection
What inspectors check stop by stop, the costliest violations, and a 7-day prep plan.
Restaurant Permits & Licenses Needed
All 17 restaurant permits with issuer, cost, timeline, apply order, and a Chicago cost roll-up.
Marketing & Growth
(7 guides)Brunch Menu Ideas
Seasonal themes, pricing strategies, and food cost analysis per item.
How to Start a Restaurant
Complete guide from concept to opening day.
How to Start a Catering Business
Step-by-step guide to launching a catering operation.
Restaurant Email Marketing
Build your list, craft campaigns, and drive repeat visits.
How to Increase Restaurant Sales
Proven tactics for boosting revenue and average check size.
Restaurant Menu Engineering
Stars, puzzles, plowhorses, dogs — optimize your menu for profit.
Food Truck Menu Ideas
12 costed truck concepts with sample menus, plate costs, and equipment footprints.