6 Tips for Moving Your Restaurant to a New Location

Moving a restaurant business can turn into a logistical nightmare for even the smallest eatery. However, if you break the move down into a few smaller projects, you will have no trouble. Here are a few tips to get you started.

1. Know All the Legal Requirements for the Move

Even if you think you know what is legally required, check and double-check to make sure. You do not want your restaurant tied up in red tape because you forgot to submit a form or contact a local agency. Even if you are moving between cities or counties, you will have to know local ordinances and procedures.

2. Contact Your Service Providers About the Move

Service providers are the companies and people who help meet your restaurant’s needs. Services can include phone service, internet, ingredient delivery, and the utilities that are necessary to your business. The new location may not have the same service providers you have grown used to.

Far ahead of your move, you need to know which providers operate in your new area. You can start by contacting your current providers and asking them if they serve the new area. You should also let your current providers know you are moving.

3. Tell the World About Your Move Sooner Rather Than Later

Do not make your move a secret or a mystery. Start advertising your new address. Post signs of the new address at the address you are leaving. Post signs at the new address showing when your restaurant will open. Change all your information and marketing materials to reflect the new address.

4. Make Decisions About Inventory Before the Move

You need to know which pieces of your inventory are moving with you, which pieces are going into the garbage, and which pieces are going elsewhere. Start and keep an inventory of everything. Then, put all your items into categories so you know exactly where everything will go or be at any given time.

Knowing the whereabouts and future location of your restaurant’s assets will play a key role in the moving process. You never want to pay to move the equipment and items that have no value to your restaurant. Salvage what you can, but do not hold on to anything you do not need for the success of your business at the new location.

5. Map the Move Out, Then Put It All Together

You should know exactly where all of your equipment and items will go to the new location. Even if the new location is larger, you should take some measurements. You want the new space ready for you to set up so that you can open your restaurant as soon as possible.

In addition, you likely want everything to sync together as tightly as possible. For example, if you ordered new kitchen equipment, try to time its delivery in correlation to your move date. The same goes for everything else involved in moving your restaurant. Plan your move so the transition is as seamless as possible.

6. Move With the Help of a Commercial Moving Service

No matter how much of the move you plan to handle yourself, you should work with a professional commercial moving service. Moving your restaurant to a new location comes with many potential issues. Do not let the actual moving process be what slows you down.

At Hudson River Moving & Storage, LLC, we have the expertise to help you with any part of your restaurant move. Do not leave anything up to chance — contact us for a quote today. We look forward to helping you.