Avoid Disabled Access Lawsuits Predatory attorneys rely on small businesses’ neglect of disabled access requirements in customer areas leading to costly lawsuits. Websites, indoor/outdoor dining areas, point of transactions stations, restrooms,entrances, and parking are all areas to seek compliance.
Do Your Own Professional Due Diligence Never rely solely on brokers, landlords, escrow agents, or outgoing tenants for permitting information. They are not permitting professionals and may provide incomplete or misleading guidance—intentionally or not.
Be Decisive and Commit Early Questions around hours of operation, kitchen equipment, investors, and concepts should be resolved before plans are drawn. Changing your mind mid-project is one of the biggest causes of costly delays.
Check the Infrastructure First Many older LA buildings lack adequate gas, electrical, or water capacity. Confirm whether your landlord is responsible for upgrades. Discovering you need a larger water heater or upgraded electrical panel halfway through can cost tens of thousands of dollars and add months of delay.
Hire Contractors With Restaurant Experience Restaurants are not like other commercial projects. Only hire contractors who have built restaurants before—they’ll understand the specialized requirements and nuances of food service construction. Going with the cheaper less experienced contractor can lead to tragic consequences.
Expect Delays and Plan for Them Construction always takes longer than expected. Build contingency time into your lease, financing, and opening plans so delays don’t derail your project.
Every Property Is Different Permit histories and zoning designations vary widely. What worked for another operator—even across the street—may not apply to your location. Always verify for your specific property.
Health Department Standards Are Strict All equipment must be commercial-grade and NSF-certified. Residential fridges, Pinterest-perfect finishes, or tankless water heaters rarely meet health codes. Confirm compliance before purchasing anything.
Start With a Clear Concept and Workflow Before you design or build, define your concept and operational flow. A solid foundation will save time, money, and redesign headaches later.
Know What Your Professionals Are (and Aren’t) Doing Designers, consultants, and contractors may omit key steps to appear less expensive. Always clarify exactly what services are included and what responsibilities you’ll need to cover separately.
