Alright folks, Kerry Pharr here from TKO Concrete Nashville, and let me tell you, I’ve seen a lot of restaurant builds and remodels in this town. From laying the foundation to watching the final touches go in, it’s a wild ride. And if you want to keep your sanity, you better have a solid checklist.

Now, you might think, “Kerry, I’ve got a contractor, they’ll handle it.” Sure, a good contractor is worth their weight in gold, but you, the owner, need to be involved. You need to know what’s happening and when. That’s where a checklist comes in.

So, what’s in this magic checklist? Let’s break it down, concrete style:

1. The Foundation (Planning & Permits):

• Concept & Business Plan: Before you even think about hammering a nail, you gotta know what kind of restaurant you’re building. Fast casual? Fine dining? What’s your target market? This drives everything.


• Location, Location, Location: Is the space zoned for a restaurant? What’s the foot traffic like? Parking? Don’t skip this step.


• Architectural & Engineering Plans: Get these done by professionals. This is your blueprint.


• Permits, Permits, Permits: Health department, building permits, fire marshal – the list goes on. Get these sorted early to avoid delays.


• Budget: Be realistic. Building a restaurant ain’t cheap. Factor in unexpected costs – trust me, there will be some.

2. The Structure (Construction & Utilities):

• Demolition (if remodeling): Get it done efficiently and safely.


• Concrete Work (obviously!): Floors, foundations, patios – this is where TKO Concrete comes in. Make sure your concrete is level, strong, and properly finished.


• Framing & Walls: Ensure proper insulation and soundproofing.


• Plumbing & Electrical: Get licensed professionals. This is critical for safety and functionality.


• HVAC: Keep your customers comfortable. Proper ventilation is key.


• Roofing: A leaky roof is a recipe for disaster.

3. The Interior (Finishes & Equipment):

• Flooring: Choose something durable and easy to clean.


• Walls & Ceiling: Paint, tile, whatever fits your concept.


• Kitchen Equipment: Ovens, grills, refrigerators – get high-quality equipment that meets your needs.


• Bar Equipment (if applicable): Ice machines, taps, glassware.


• Furniture & Fixtures: Tables, chairs, lighting – create the right ambiance.


• Point of Sale (POS) System: Streamline your operations.

4. The Finishing Touches (Details & Inspections):

• Decor & Signage: Make your restaurant stand out.


• Health Department Inspection: This is a big one. Ensure everything is up to code.


• Fire Marshal Inspection: Safety first!


• Final Walk-Through: Check everything thoroughly.


• Staff Training: Get your team ready to rock.


• Grand Opening: Time to celebrate!

Why is this checklist important?

• Organization: It keeps you on track.


• Cost Control: Helps you avoid budget overruns.


• Time Management: Keeps you from getting bogged down.


• Quality Control: Ensures everything is done right.


• Peace of Mind: You’ll sleep better at night.

Look, building or remodeling a restaurant is a marathon, not a sprint. But with a solid checklist and a team of reliable professionals, like yours truly at TKO Concrete, you can make your dream a reality.

So, get that checklist started, folks. And if you need some solid concrete work done, you know who to call. We’ll lay the foundation for your success, one pour at a time. Now, go build something great!