Restaurant and café opening equipment checklist

Use this list to plan your purchases. Not every restaurant needs everything on it: your menu decides. One tip before you start: order the items with the longest lead times first, usually refrigeration, cooking equipment and custom furniture.

Kitchen

Cooking

• Range or cooktop, oven (convection or combi), and any grill, griddle or fryer your menu needs
• Ventilation hood, installed by a licensed contractor to local fire and building codes
• Microwave, salamander or other finishing equipment

Refrigeration

• Reach-in fridges and freezers, or a walk-in for larger kitchens
• Refrigerated prep table
• Ice machine

Prep and storage

• Stainless steel work tables and wall shelves
• Storage shelving and food storage containers
• Mixer, food processor, slicer and scales
• Colour-coded cutting boards, knives and utensils

Dishwashing and hygiene

• Commercial dishwasher and dish racks
• Sinks for washing, prep and hand washing (your local health unit sets the requirements)
• Grease trap, if your municipality requires one
• Cleaning supplies, chemicals and dispensers

Café and bar

• Espresso machine and grinders
• Water filtration for the coffee machine and ice machine
• Brewers, blenders and a milk fridge
• Display case for pastries and food

Front of house

• Tables, chairs, stools, counters and patio furniture
• Point-of-sale hardware, menu boards and signage
• Lighting and décor
• Plates, bowls, glasses, cups, cutlery and trays

Take-out and packaging

• Containers, cups, lids, bags and napkins
• Labels and branded packaging, if you want your logo on it

Safety

• Fire extinguishers, including a Class K extinguisher for cooking oils and fats
• First aid kit
• Food thermometers

Before you order any equipment, check

• Certification: electrical and gas equipment should carry a certification mark accepted in Canada, such as CSA, cUL or cETL.
• Size: measure your space, and the doors and hallways the equipment must pass through.
• Power, gas and water: voltage, phase, gas type and water and drain connections must match your site.
• Warranty and service: who repairs it in Canada, and how fast can you get parts?
• Lead time: will it arrive before your opening date?
• Delivery and installation: is it included, or a separate cost?

Health and building rules vary by province and city. Talk to your local public health unit and your contractor before you buy.