
How to Open a Restaurant in Nebraska
Looking to go into the restaurant business in Nebraska?

Katherine BoyarskyAuthor


Opening a Restaurant Checklist
So many things go into opening a restaurant. Use this free PDF checklist to set your new restaurant up for success.
Get free downloadConsidering starting a restaurant in Nebraska? Our detailed guide offers a clear, step-by-step approach to help you launch one successfully in this large midwest state.
A crucial aspect of opening a restaurant in Nebraska is following local regulations. No matter if you’re planning to open a café, bar, or any other type of eatery, obtaining the necessary permits and licenses is essential.
From liquor licenses to health department approvals and occupancy permits, each comes with its own set of guidelines. Being aware of the specific legal requirements in your city, county, and in the USA will ensure your restaurant complies with all legal regulations and operates smoothly.
Key takeaways
Define your unique concept: A solid concept is vital for your restaurant. Start by defining it, as it will shape every aspect of your operations.
Create a business plan: This includes an executive summary, company overview, industry analysis, marketing plan, business and service model, operating plan, and financial analysis.
Get funding: Options consist of traditional bank loans, alternative lending, small business loans, merchant cash advances, lines of credit, crowdfunding, and financial assistance from friends or family.
Choose the best location: Concentrate on your ideal customer profile (ICP), real estate market, community, size of the space, previous tenants, and zoning.
Apply for licenses and permits: These include an employer identification number (EIN), business license, certificate of occupancy, food seller’s permit, food handler’s permit, liquor license permits, and a food facility health permit.
Insurance for Nebraska restaurants: This includes workers' compensation, general liability, commercial property insurance, business income insurance, and cyber liability insurance.
Design your menu items: Includes food and drink options that set your restaurant apart in a competitive market. Set prices that support long-term profitability.
Hiring and onboarding employees: Network with industry professionals, use social media, connect with culinary schools, and post job openings on industry boards.
Invest in important technology: Implementing the right technology can streamline your operations and provide valuable insights into your business.
Create a marketing plan: Word of mouth can be powerful once your restaurant is established, but reaching target customers and turning them into regulars depends on marketing channels like social media and email campaigns.
Plan your soft launch and grand opening: Conduct a soft opening to evaluate your operations, then shift your focus to planning and promoting your grand opening.
Opening a Restaurant Checklist
So many things go into opening a restaurant. Use this free PDF checklist to set your new restaurant up for success.
1. Create a unique concept for your restaurant
What type of ambiance do you envision for your restaurant in Nebraska? Begin by compiling your ideas. Here are several important questions to ask yourself before planning to open one of the best restaurants in town:
What food style will I focus on? French, Mexican, Chinese, or American cuisine? There are several options to consider
Who are my local competitors, and how will I stand out from them?
Will I operate a full-service restaurant with ample seating, or focus primarily on takeout with limited seating?
Who is my target audience or ideal customer persona (ICP)?
Should I run a single location, or do I plan to expand into multiple locations in the future?
How many employees will I need, and what kind of atmosphere will they foster—casual and friendly, or more formal and sophisticated?
What will the restaurant's layout and design be?
Create your mission and core values to define your restaurant’s brand
Creating a strong brand identity is important for a successful restaurant. Start by defining your mission and core values.
These basics will affect everything from hiring employees to how you market your restaurant. With a clear vision, you can come up with a memorable name and logo that show what makes your brand special.
2. Create a detailed business plan
A restaurant business plan is the roadmap that will turn your Nebraska restaurant dream into a reality.
The first step in creating your plan is choosing your legal business structure. Consider options like a limited liability company (LLC), sole proprietorship, partnership, S corporation, or C corporation. For a closer look at these structures and their pros and cons, check out our guide on restaurant business entities.
Restaurant ownership models can vary widely. Some restaurants are owned by a single person with a team, while others involve investors with a financial interest. Co-op models let all employees share in ownership. Many places choose a hybrid model, where partners and owners run the business, and employees receive a share of the profits once certain financial targets are met.
Next, figure out what kind of leader you want to be and how you plan to distribute profits in your restaurant. It’s a good idea to consult a lawyer and accountant to make sure all legal and financial aspects are covered.
Your business plan should include this information along with sections that cover important areas such as:
Executive summary (including your restaurant's name)
Company overview (business model)
Industry analysis (target market, location study, competitor analysis)
Marketing strategy
Business and service model (Quick service? Fine dining? Fast food? Sit-down restaurant?)
Operations plan (staffing, customer service policies, payroll, POS system, suppliers for food, laundry services, etc.)
Financial breakdown (investment strategy, financial forecasts, cash flow estimates, and food cost projections)
3. Secure funding for your restaurant
Starting a restaurant can cost anywhere from $95,000 to $2 million, a sum that many aspiring restaurateurs may not have on hand. If you're looking to finance your restaurant in Nebraska, there are several options to consider:
Traditional bank loans
Alternative lending sources
Small Business Administration (SBA) loans
Merchant cash advances
Lines of credit
Crowdfunding
Financial support from friends or family
Each option differs in terms of application requirements, loan amounts, collateral, repayment terms, and the speed at which funds are available.
Traditional bank loans offer longer terms and fixed interest rates, making them ideal for those seeking stable, conventional financing. SBA loans are popular for their lower interest rates and longer repayment periods but come with a more involved application process. Merchant cash advances cater to those with lower credit scores but often include higher fees. Crowdfunding allows businesses to raise money from a broad audience, usually offering future products or services in return.
For a deeper dive into these options, check out our guide on restaurant financing and loans.
Restaurant Business Plan Template
No matter where you’re at in your restaurant ownership journey, a business plan will be your north star. Organize your vision and ensure that nothing is overlooked with this free template.
4. Select the perfect spot for your restaurant
Selecting the right location for your Nebraska restaurant is essential. You'll need to evaluate local demographics, market trends, competition, and important factors like the restaurant’s size, visibility, and history.
Choosing whether to buy, lease, or build your space is a significant decision that will impact your initial costs. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages. If you decide to build or renovate, be ready to face regulatory challenges and obtain the necessary permits and approvals.
When assessing potential locations, consider these additional factors:
Ideal customer persona (ICP)
Local real estate market
Community dynamics
Size of the space
History of previous tenants
Zoning regulations and prior use of the property
Ensure that the size and layout of your restaurant align well with your unique concept. For example, a small space might be perfect for a family-owned coffee shop in Grand Island or Kearney offering brunch. A larger venue is necessary for a bar & grill serving craft beer and comfort food to college football fans in Omaha or Lincoln.
5. Apply for necessary licenses and permits for your Nebraska restaurant
Like any state, Nebraska has specific requirements for the licenses and permits needed to open a restaurant. Some licenses are regulated at the state level, while others are overseen by local city or county authorities. It's important to understand both sets of regulations to ensure compliance and avoid any delays in your opening.
In Nebraska, some of the licenses you’ll need to open a restaurant include:
Employer Identification Number (EIN), which links your business to the IRS. You can find the restaurant license application on the IRS website, along with all instructions and requirements.
Business License, issued by the state of Nebraska. You can register for and manage your new business license through the Nebraska One-Stop Business website.
Certificate of Occupancy, which is issued by your city or county when required, confirming that your space meets commercial code and local regulations.
Food Seller’s Permit, is necessary for any business intending to sell tangible goods subject to sales tax. This permit enables you to collect sales tax.
A Food Handler’s Permit, also referred to as a Food Service License or Food Handler Card, is not required for every employee statewide; however, every establishment must have at least one trained Food Safety manager. This permit demonstrates that employees or managers have completed a course on proper food handling protocols to prevent foodborne illness. You can obtain this training through the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Food Handler Training website.
Liquor License Permits are required for any type of business to sell and serve alcohol to its patrons. Since alcohol has a high markup and a long shelf life, it’s often beneficial from a profit standpoint to sell alcohol. A liquor license can be acquired through the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission website, and typically costs between $400 and $1,000.
Food Facility Health Permits in Nebraska are regulated by city and county authorities. You’ll need to check with your local public health department to understand the application process. All restaurants must secure their health permits before opening and comply with safe food sanitation standards, including handling, storage, and preparation practices during their operations.
Learn more about the types of permits, license fees, and license costs in Nebraska at Nebraska.Gov.
6. Key insurance coverage for restaurants in Nebraska
Here are several types of insurance that Nebraska restaurateurs should consider:
Workers’ Compensation Insurance: This mandatory coverage assists employees who get sick or injured on the job by covering medical expenses and lost wages throughout the year.
General Liability Insurance: Although not mandatory, this insurance shields you from lawsuits related to customer injuries or property damage and is highly recommended.
Commercial Property Insurance: This coverage helps repair your physical location and any equipment if they are damaged. While not required, it’s strongly advised.
Business Income Insurance: This can help you recover lost income due to incidents like fires, theft, or natural disasters.
Cyber Liability Insurance: This protects against data breaches, especially if you manage customer credit card information.
7. Crafting your menu and drink items
Create your menu, whether you’re collaborating with a chef-owner, a general manager, or developing it on your own. Be prepared to adjust your menu items and drink selections in partnership with your kitchen and bar staff once they’re hired and trained.
Make sure your menu includes great food and drink options that set your restaurant apart in a competitive market like Omaha or Lincoln. Price your items thoughtfully to ensure long-term profitability.
Look into menu design and menu engineering to enhance the effectiveness of your menu to make it one of your city or town’s favorite places.
Restaurant Opening Calculator
This calculator lays out some of the fundamental financial costs of opening a restaurant, so you can start planning and bring your dream restaurant to life.
8. Hiring and onboarding restaurant staff
When hiring staff for your restaurant in Nebraska, ensure you comply with local city and county regulations regarding state labor laws.
Your employees are crucial to your restaurant's success. From the front-of-house team that creates a welcoming atmosphere to the cooks who prepare delicious meals and the support staff that keeps operations running smoothly, filling these key positions is essential.
Finding the right individuals for your restaurant team is vital. Network with industry professionals, use social media platforms, connect with local culinary schools, and post job openings on relevant industry boards.
To attract and retain talented restaurant staff, focus on fostering a positive work environment. Offering competitive pay and valuable benefits, such as health insurance, can help your restaurant stand out from the competition.
Here are some resources from Toast to assist you in recruiting, hiring, and retaining skilled restaurant employees:
For more insights, check out our video course on hiring and retaining restaurant employees.
9. Invest in key equipment and technology
As your opening day approaches, think about investing in various restaurant technologies to ensure your operations are set up for success from the beginning.
New restaurants in Nebraska should seriously consider investing in:
A cloud-based POS system with handheld devices
Accounting software
Payroll solutions
Loyalty or rewards programs
Contactless payment options
Implementing the right technology can streamline your operations and offer valuable insights into your business. With these tools, you can make data-driven decisions to boost efficiency, increase revenue, and achieve long-term success.
10. Create a restaurant marketing strategy
Like anywhere else, a restaurant in Nebraska needs a solid marketing strategy to attract attention. While word of mouth can be powerful once your restaurant is established, effectively reaching your target customers and turning them into regulars often depends on marketing channels like social media and email campaigns.
Take advantage of local Nebraska summer festivals and celebrations to promote your restaurant. You can also source local ingredients and network at these events. Some notable ones include:
Learn more about creating a restaurant marketing plan with Toast’s marketing plan template, social media guide for restaurants, and our guide to restaurant email marketing.
11. Plan your soft launch and grand opening events
Once everything is ready for your restaurant, conduct a soft opening to test your operations. Invite family and friends, and encourage your staff to do the same for an initial run-through. This will help you spot and resolve any issues before the official launch of your Nebraska restaurant.
Next, shift your focus to planning and promoting your grand opening. Use social media to spread the word, distribute flyers throughout your city or town, and leverage your existing network to increase attendance on this main special occasion.
You start off with a soft opening with only your close circle because this is when you’ll make the most mistakes. The objective of this event is to test all your systems, ensure everything is running smoothly, and get feedback so you can improve... By following this sequence of events, you’ll be able to refine your process and ensure your grand opening will be a complete success.
Kevin Tam
Inventory Controller at Sculpture Hospitality
You’re good to go!
Opening a restaurant is a long and challenging journey, but it can also be highly rewarding. To help you stay organized and ensure you complete all the essential tasks in your first year, refer to our time-bound restaurant opening checklist below.
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DISCLAIMER: This information is provided for general informational purposes only, and publication does not constitute an endorsement. Toast does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of any information, text, graphics, links, or other items contained within this content. Toast does not guarantee you will achieve any specific results if you follow any advice herein. It may be advisable for you to consult with a professional such as a lawyer, accountant, or business advisor for advice specific to your situation.
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