What Do I need to Start a Restaurant?

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Branding 101RestaurantsProducts
Collection of custom branded restaurant packaging including food boxes, paper cups, and takeout containers
Gator Paper alligator mascot thinking about restaurant branding ideas
Feeling overwhelmed? You’re not alone. Starting a restaurant comes with a lot to juggle.

OPENING YOUR FIRST RESTAURANT?

Thinking of opening up your own restaurant? Here’s where to start.

Opening a restaurant is exciting, but it can be very overwhelming. The long list of ‘to-dos’ and materials to purchase can feel daunting and confusing, and make you unsure where to start. We’re here to simplify that process by showing you what you really need to get started when opening your first restaurant!

When opening any business, whether that’s a restaurant, food truck, ice cream shop, or more, we recommend starting with branding. Your branding sets the foundation for how your restaurant will be recognized, and begins with your first social media post and “coming soon” sign.

Your brand starts with a feeling. When creating your brand, start with how you want your customer to feel. Do you want them to walk in and feel excited, energized, and inspired? Or calm, cozy, and at home? The experience you want to create should shape everything from the menu that you are curating, to visuals, decor, and dine in and takeout products.

Tips for Creating Your Restaurant's Brand

Here are some tips when creating a logo and elements for your restaurant:

FOUR BRANDING ESSENTIALS

Gator Paper branding essentials infographic showing color palette, clear logo, consistent placement, and matte or gloss finish examples

What’s Next?

When you’ve got your branding and menu down, it’s time to consider what branded products you’ll need for your restaurant. Each branded product is another touchpoint with your audience and builds brand recognition. Take note of each food and beverage item on the menu, then consider where to incorporate branded products, such as custom cups, paper, bags, and more.

Get creative with how your brand shows up! From custom coasters or branded stickers when they visit, to creatively shaped takeout boxes or reusable cups they can take home, think beyond the basics and explore how your brand can be incorporated into the ideal customer experience, and get them excited for a return visit.

Cozy bakery scene featuring a pink custom takeout box, branded drink, and printed bakery paper
Custom branded restaurant paper bag with a scannable menu QR code
Custom printed restaurant cups featuring Daily Grind Cafe branding

CUSTOMER SPOTLIGHT

Bold Branding. Sweet Results.

Bake n Babes knows how to make an impression. With bright pink branding, playful details, and memorable desserts, this Florida bakery creates an experience customers won't forget. We're proud to supply their custom greaseproof paper, cookie bags, PET cups, and cookie boxes.

Made for the meltiest, gooeyest moments. 🍦🍫 From rich brownies to melting ice cream, our custom greaseproof paper helps keep Bake n Babes' signature treats looking as good as they taste.

Featured customer: @bakenbabes • Video courtesy of Bake n Babes.

Explore Custom Greaseproof Paper

Let’s get started

At Gator Paper, our team of experts can help create branding that stands out, then deliver custom-branded products for your restaurant to get you on your way to opening day!

Let's Talk Packaging Have an idea? We'd love to hear about it.