Building a Restaurant in Orlando: What You Need to Know

When it comes to commercial construction, the journey from an initial idea to a tangible, functional building, involves a complex intricate process. Poli Construction, with our commitment to individualized attention and high-quality service, has mastered this procedure. Our comprehensive design approach ensures that every project maintains the highest standards, from the preliminary stages of conceptualization, through the final construction phase of form and function. In this blog, we will walk you through our proven process that transforms mere concepts into beautiful commercial reality.

Table of Contents

1. Local Regulations and Licensing You Need to Know

2. Choosing the Perfect Restaurant Site

3. Designing Your Restaurant for Success

4. Transforming Visions to Reality With Poli Construction


Local Regulations and Licensing You Need to Know

Building and operating a restaurant in Orlando comes with its own set of rules and regulations. Ensuring compliance with these requirements is vital for the inception of your business. Here’s a detailed look at some of the necessary permits and licenses you’ll need:

  • Business License: To open a business in Orlando, it’s required to obtain a business license from the City of Orlando’s Official Website. This average cost for most businesses is $125 annually; however, this varies depending on the type of business and number of employees.
  • Certificate of Occupancy: This certificate verifies your building complies with all local building, health, and safety codes. The fee depends on the size and complexity of your construction project. 
  • Food Service License: This is required for all food-related businesses. It proves your compliance with food safety laws and protocols. This license is obtained through attending a food safety training course and exam. In Florida, costs for this certification start at $7 per employee but can vary. 
  • Seller’s Permit: This permit allows you to collect taxes from customers, which is required by the Florida Department of Revenue. You can apply online, via mail, or in person, and there is no fee to obtain. 
  • Liquor License Permit: If you’re planning to serve alcohol at your restaurant, you’ll need a liquor license. The cost of this license varies depending on the type of alcohol you wish to serve and the population of the county where your business is located. Apply through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation
  • Employee Health Permit: This permit ensures all employees handling food meet health standards and maintain proper hygiene. Costs vary on the size of your staff but usually start around $55 per employee.

Choosing the Perfect Restaurant Site

The first significant step in restaurant building is selecting the ideal location. This decision should balance a couple of factors. It’s important to assess the local competition in your respective area, determining whether there is a niche to fill or if the market is oversaturated. 

The visibility of your establishment is crucial, as high-traffic areas often attract more customers. Another factor to keep in mind is the accessibility of your restaurant. Does it have adequate parking? What’s its proximity to public transportation? 

Finally, understanding your target demographic and the overall economic health of the region will help you ascertain whether your restaurant can realistically thrive in your selected location.

Designing Your Restaurant for Success

After securing a satisfactory site, the next step is the design and functionality of your restaurant. The ambiance of your restaurant can significantly impact its success. Your design should align with the established brand identity of your restaurant, with every element telling your story and catering to your target audience. 
The heart of your restaurant, the kitchen, needs to be designed for efficient workflow. Meanwhile, the dining area should balance comfort with style to enhance the dining experience and ensure employees can work as smoothly as possible.

Transforming Visions to Reality With Poli Construction

Ready to turn your vision into reality? Poli Construction is here to support your ventures. Whether you need a restaurant remodeling, a build-out, or start a completely new construction project, our team of experts are here to assist you every step of the way. Please contact us today to learn more about crafting the perfect dining experience for your future customers in the Central Florida region.

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