The Complete Checklist for Opening a New Restaurant Kitchen in 2025
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Opening a restaurant is exciting—but setting up your kitchen can get overwhelming fast. From health department compliance to choosing the right equipment, missing just one step can delay your opening or cost thousands. This guide walks you through every major component you need to get your commercial kitchen off the ground the right way.
1. Understand Local Health & Safety Codes
Before buying anything, check your local and state health department requirements. Some common regulations include:
- NSF-certified sinks and food prep tables
- Proper handwashing stations
- Specific refrigeration guidelines
Your setup has to pass inspection before you can open, so get ahead of it now.
2. Plan Your Kitchen Layout
Start with a scaled drawing of your space. Think through:
- Prep zones
- Cooking line
- Dish area
- Dry/cold storage access
Good workflow equals faster service and safer operations.
3. Equipment Checklist
Here’s what almost every commercial kitchen needs (and what we can help you source):
Cooking Equipment
- Commercial ranges / ovens
- Flat-top griddles or charbroilers
- Deep fryers
- Steamers or combi ovens
Refrigeration
- Reach-in refrigerators / freezers
- Undercounter units
- Prep tables with refrigerated tops
- Walk-in coolers (if space allows)
Food Prep & Butchery
- Meat slicers
- Scales
- Mixers and processors
- Butcher blocks and NSF prep tables
Warewashing & Sinks
- Three-compartment sink
- Dishwashing machine
- Mop sink / hand sink
Other Must-Haves
- Commercial microwave
- Shelving for dry goods
- Utility carts and trash stations
4. Consider Your Menu
The dishes you plan to serve should drive your equipment decisions. For example:
- Will you be slicing meats in-house? Get a commercial slicer.
- Serving fries or wings? You’ll need reliable fryers with accurate temps.
Let your food determine your tools—not the other way around.
5. Don’t Forget: Smallwares & Safety
- Fire suppression system (often required by code)
- Utensils, pans, storage containers
- First aid kits, gloves, signage
6. Talk to a Supplier Who Knows What You Need
At Tidewater Scale & Butcher Supplies, we’ve helped countless restaurant owners open successfully. We don’t just sell you a slicer—we ask the right questions and help you build a package that works for your kitchen and your budget.
📞 Ready to build your kitchen?
Call us at 757-622-3195 or contact us and we’ll walk you through it.