Vancouver has one of the most competitive restaurant markets in Canada. Customers are food-savvy, digitally active, and have dozens of options within
Vancouver has one of the most competitive restaurant markets in Canada. Customers are food-savvy, digitally active, and have dozens of options within walking distance. Your online presence needs to be sharp before you open your doors.
This checklist covers the digital side: Google, menu, social media, and local platforms. It is designed for independent restaurant owners, not chains with marketing departments.
Go to business.google.com. Create your listing. Mark it as "opening soon."
Fill in everything: restaurant name (exactly as on your signage), address, phone, specific business category ("Korean Restaurant" not just "Restaurant"), planned hours, and a description that mentions your cuisine, neighbourhood, and what makes you different.
Vancouver verification typically uses Google's video walkthrough process. Record a short video of your space showing signage and interior. Verification takes a few days.
Vancouver's licensing process for restaurants involves several agencies:
The liquor licensing timeline is often the longest lead item. If you plan to serve alcohol, submit your LCRB application as early as possible.
A single-page website with your restaurant name, concept, address, opening timeline, and an email signup or Instagram link is enough for now.
If you are not ready for a full website, your Google Business Profile and Instagram page can serve as your initial digital storefront.
Have your menu ready digitally before finalizing your printed menus. You will use it for Google, social media, soft opening invitations, and food blogger outreach.
Enter your items, prices, and descriptions into a hosted menu tool. This gives you a link and QR code that you can share immediately and update as your menu evolves before opening.
Vancouver-specific note: Vancouver's diverse population and strong tourism sector make multilingual menus especially valuable. If your restaurant is in a tourist-heavy area (Gastown, Downtown, Granville Island) or serves a multilingual community (Richmond, Burnaby, East Van), consider building your menu in two or three languages from the start.EasyMenus supports 21 languages with a language switcher on the published menu. Free plan includes one menu, a QR code, and 150 themes.
Build your opening day menu freeInstagram is essential for Vancouver restaurants. The city has one of the most active food Instagram communities in Canada.
Create your account and post regularly:
Tag your location. Use local hashtags: #VancouverEats, #VanFoodie, #YVRFood, #VancouverRestaurants, and neighbourhood-specific tags like #GastownEats, #MtPleasantFood, #MainStreetVan.
Create a Facebook page. Join neighbourhood community groups for your area. Vancouver neighbourhoods like Mount Pleasant, Commercial Drive, Kitsilano, and Main Street have active online communities.
Keep your name, address, and phone number identical on every platform.
DoorDash, UberEats, and SkipTheDishes are all active in Metro Vancouver. Allow 2 to 4 weeks for registration and menu activation.
Vancouver has a strong food media ecosystem:
Send a short, specific email: restaurant name, concept, cuisine, location, opening date, 2 to 3 quality photos, and a link to your menu. Keep it brief. Vancouver food writers cover dozens of openings per year.
Enter menu items directly or link your hosted menu URL. See: How to Add Your Restaurant Menu to Google Business Profile
Order QR code table cards from a local print shop or print them yourself on cardstock. Allow 5 to 7 business days for professional printing.
Invite 30 to 50 people: friends, family, neighbours, and a few local food bloggers if you have made connections. Test everything:
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