A practical guide for restaurant owners on restaurant launch checklist.
Last updated: April 2026
A printable checklist for restaurant owners setting up their digital presence before opening day. Check off each item as you complete it.
Phase 1: Foundation (6 to 8 weeks before opening)
- [ ] Google Business Profile created at business.google.com
- [ ] Business marked as "opening soon"
- [ ] Business category set (specific cuisine type, not just "Restaurant")
- [ ] Address verified and map pin checked for accuracy
- [ ] Phone number added
- [ ] Planned hours entered
- [ ] Description written (cuisine, neighbourhood, what makes you different)
- [ ] Domain name registered (yourrestaurant.com or .ca)
Phase 2: Content (4 to 6 weeks before opening)
- [ ] Digital menu built with items, prices, and descriptions
- [ ] QR code generated from menu tool
- [ ] At least 5 photos taken (exterior, interior, 3 dishes minimum)
- [ ] Photos uploaded to Google Business Profile
- [ ] Instagram account created and first 3 to 5 posts published
- [ ] Facebook page created
- [ ] Menu link added to Instagram bio
Phase 3: Expand (3 to 4 weeks before opening)
- [ ] Menu added to Google Business Profile (structured text or linked URL)
- [ ] Yelp listing claimed or created
- [ ] TripAdvisor listing claimed or created
- [ ] Bing Places listing created
- [ ] Apple Maps listing created (via Apple Business Connect)
- [ ] NAP (name, address, phone) consistent across all platforms
- [ ] Basic website or landing page live with menu link
- [ ] Local food media contacted (2 to 3 bloggers or food writers)
Phase 4: Pre-Opening (1 to 2 weeks before opening)
- [ ] QR code table cards printed
- [ ] QR code tested (scan with phone, verify menu loads correctly)
- [ ] Soft opening scheduled (friends, family, 20 to 50 people)
- [ ] Soft opening feedback collected and issues fixed
- [ ] Delivery platform registrations active (if applicable)
- [ ] All platforms checked for accuracy one final time
Phase 5: Opening Week
- [ ] Post on Instagram daily
- [ ] Post on Facebook 2 to 3 times
- [ ] Monitor and respond to every Google review within 24 hours
- [ ] Update digital menu in real time (sold-out items, price changes, new specials)
- [ ] Verify Google listing shows correct hours
- [ ] Ask 3 to 5 happy customers per day for Google reviews
The tools you need
| Task | Tool | Cost |
|------|------|------|
| Google listing | Google Business Profile | Free |
| Digital menu + QR | EasyMenus | Free |
| Photos | Your phone + Snapseed | Free |
| Social media | Instagram + Facebook | Free |
| Website | Squarespace, Wix, or WordPress | $15 to $30/month |
| Review listings | Yelp, TripAdvisor, Bing, Apple | Free |
Total cost to set up your entire digital presence: $0 to $30/month.
Build your free menu now
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