Calgary has a growing independent restaurant scene and a customer base that expects to find you online before they walk through your door. If you are
Calgary has a growing independent restaurant scene and a customer base that expects to find you online before they walk through your door. If you are opening a new restaurant, your digital presence needs to be ready before your first service.
This checklist covers the online setup specifically: Google, menu, social media, and local platforms. Use it alongside your operational planning to make sure customers can find you from day one.
Go to business.google.com and create your listing. You can mark your restaurant as "opening soon" before the doors are open.
Fill in everything: restaurant name, address, phone number, business category (be specific), hours, and a description that mentions your cuisine, your neighbourhood, and what sets you apart.
Google now uses video verification for most new restaurant listings. You will record a short walkthrough of your space showing signage and interior. Plan for verification to take a few days.
Calgary has a dedicated process for opening a restaurant or brewery. The steps include:
Calgary also offers a "Business Experience Representative" who can walk you through the licensing process. Take advantage of this if it is your first restaurant.
Even a single page with your restaurant name, concept, location, and an email signup is enough at this stage. You will build it out closer to opening.
If you do not want to set up a full website yet, your Google Business Profile and an Instagram page can serve as your initial web presence.
Your menu should be ready in digital form before your printed menus are finalized. You will need it for:
Enter your items, prices, and descriptions into a hosted menu tool. Pick a design that fits your concept. This gives you a shareable link and a QR code.
EasyMenus is free for one menu with a QR code and 150 themes. Build it in 15 minutes and update from your phone as your menu evolves before opening.
Build your opening day menu freeInstagram is the most important platform for Calgary restaurants. Create your account and start posting behind-the-scenes content: kitchen build-out, menu development, your team, the neighbourhood.
Tag your location so you appear in local searches. Use Calgary-specific hashtags: #YYCEats, #YYCFood, #CalgaryRestaurants, #CalgaryFoodie.
Create a Facebook page and join Calgary food community groups. Neighbourhoods like Kensington, Inglewood, 17th Ave, and Bridgeland have active online communities that pay attention to new restaurant openings.
Keep your name, address, and phone number identical across every platform.
Register with DoorDash, UberEats, and SkipTheDishes if you plan to offer delivery. Allow 2 to 4 weeks for activation and menu setup on these platforms.
Calgary has an active food media scene. Consider reaching out to:
Send a short email with your restaurant name, concept, location, opening date, and 2 to 3 good photos. A link to your digital menu makes it easy for writers to see what you will serve.
Enter your menu items directly or link your hosted menu URL. For a step-by-step guide: How to Add Your Restaurant Menu to Google Business Profile
Order table cards with your QR code from a local print shop. Budget 5 to 7 business days. Include a clear instruction: "Scan for our menu."
Invite friends, family, and neighbours. Test everything:
Fix anything that breaks before your public opening.
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