How to Open a Restaurant in Wyoming

Thinking about opening a restaurant in Wyoming? This detailed guide provides a straightforward, step-by-step plan to help you get started in the expansive Midwest region.

One of the key factors in launching a restaurant in Wyoming is adhering to local laws and regulations. Whether you're aiming to open a café, bar, or any other dining experience, securing the proper permits and licenses is a must.

From liquor permits to health inspections and occupancy certificates, each requirement has its own rules. Understanding the legal obligations at the city, county, and national levels will ensure your eatery runs in full compliance and without any legal hurdles. 

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 Wyoming 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.

How to start a restaurant in Wyoming

1. Create a unique restaurant concept

What kind of atmosphere do you picture for your restaurant in Wyoming? Start by organizing your thoughts. Here are some key questions to consider as you plan to create one of the top dining spots in town:

• Which type of food will I offer—Thai, Mexican, Italian, or American? There are many options to explore.

• Who are my local competitors, and how can I differentiate my restaurant from theirs?

• Will my restaurant offer full-service dining with ample seating, or will it primarily cater to takeout with minimal seating?

• Who is my target customer or ideal customer profile (ICP)?

• Am I opening a single location, or do I envision expanding into multiple locations later?

• How many employees will I need, and what type of vibe will they create—laid-back and friendly, or more formal and refined?

• How will I design the restaurant’s layout and interior?

Develop your mission and core values to create your restaurant’s brand

Building a strong brand identity is important for running a successful restaurant. Begin by establishing your mission and core values.

These foundational elements will shape everything—from the type of employees you hire to your marketing strategies. With a clear mission, you can develop a standout name and logo that capture what makes your Wyoming restaurant unique. This clarity will also help guide decisions, ensuring your brand resonates with local customers and leaves a lasting impression.

2. Develop a thorough business plan

A restaurant business plan serves as the blueprint that will bring your Wyoming restaurant vision to life.

The first step in building your plan is selecting your legal business structure. You might opt for a limited liability company (LLC), sole proprietorship, partnership, S corporation, or C corporation. To learn more about each structure and its advantages, refer to our guide on restaurant business entities.

Restaurant ownership models can take various forms. Some restaurants are solely owned and operated by one individual, while others have investors involved. In a co-op model, employees share ownership. A hybrid model is also common, where partners or owners manage the business while employees receive profit shares after hitting certain financial milestones.

Next, determine the kind of leadership style you want to adopt and how profits will be distributed. Consulting both a lawyer and accountant is a smart move to ensure all legal and financial matters are handled correctly.

Your business plan should outline this information along with the following sections:

• Executive summary (including the restaurant’s name)

• Company overview (business model)

• Industry analysis (target market, location, competition)

• Marketing strategy

• Business model (Quick service? Fine dining? Fast food? Sit-down restaurant?)

• Operations plan (staffing, customer service policies, payroll, POS system, suppliers, etc.)

• Financial breakdown (investment plan, financial forecasts, cash flow estimates, food cost projections)

3. Secure restaurant funding

Starting a restaurant can require anywhere from $95,000 to $2 million, a sum many future restaurateurs may not have on hand. If you're seeking financing for your Wyoming restaurant, there are several options to explore:

• Traditional bank loans

• Alternative lending sources

• Small Business Administration (SBA) loans

• Merchant cash advances

• Lines of credit

• Crowdfunding

• Support from friends or family

Each option comes with different application processes, loan amounts, collateral needs, repayment terms, and funding speeds.

Traditional bank loans offer fixed interest rates and longer terms, making them a solid choice for those seeking conventional financing. SBA loans are attractive for their lower rates and extended repayment periods but typically have a more detailed application process. Merchant cash advances are an option for those with lower credit, though they often come with higher fees. Crowdfunding provides the opportunity to raise money from a larger audience, typically in exchange for future products or services.

For a closer look at these options, take a look at our guide on restaurant financing and loans.

4. Select the ideal restaurant location

Choosing the right location for your Wyoming restaurant is crucial. You’ll need to assess local demographics, market trends, competition, and key factors like the size, visibility, and history of the property.

Deciding whether to buy, lease, or build is a major choice that will affect your startup costs. Each option has its pros and cons. If you plan to build or renovate, prepare for regulatory hurdles and make sure you secure the necessary permits.

As you evaluate potential locations, also consider:

• Ideal customer persona (ICP)

• Local real estate trends

• Community dynamics

• Space requirements

• History of previous tenants

• Zoning laws and previous property use

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 offering brunch and ice cream nearby Grand Teton or Laramie. A larger venue is necessary for a bar & grill serving BBQ comfort food in Cheyenne.

5. Apply for important Wyoming restaurant licenses and permits

Like any other state, Wyoming has specific requirements for the licenses and permits necessary to open a restaurant. Some licenses are managed at the state level, while others fall under the jurisdiction of local city or county authorities. Understanding both regulations is crucial to ensure compliance and avoid any delays in your restaurant's opening.

In Wyoming, some of the licenses you’ll need to open a restaurant include:

1. Employer Identification Number (EIN) is essential as it connects your business to the IRS. You can locate the restaurant license application and all necessary instructions and requirements on the IRS website.

2. Business License, issued by the state of Wyoming. You can register for and manage your new business license through the Wyoming Secretary of State website. Be sure to include your business mailing address, which can be a P.O. box.

3. Certificate of Occupancy: This is issued by your city or county when required and confirms that your kitchen and dining room space complies with commercial codes and local regulations.

4. Food Seller’s Permit: This permit is essential for any business planning to sell tangible goods subject to sales tax, allowing you to collect sales tax from customers.

5. 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 360 Training Wyoming Food Handler Card & Training website.

6. 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 Wyoming Liquor Division website, and typically costs between $500 and $2,000.

7. Food Facility Health Permits in Wyoming are overseen by city and county authorities. It’s important to consult your local public health department to understand the application process. All restaurants must obtain their health permits prior to opening and adhere to safe food sanitation standards, which encompass handling, storage, and preparation practices throughout their operations.

Learn more about the types of permits, license fees, and license costs in Wyoming at Wyo.Gov.

6. Important insurance coverage for restaurants in Wyoming

Here are several types of insurance that Wyoming restaurateurs should consider:

• Workers’ Compensation Insurance: This required coverage helps employees who become ill or injured on the job by covering medical expenses and lost wages.

• General Liability Insurance: While not mandatory, this insurance protects against lawsuits related to customer injuries or property damage and is highly recommended.

• Commercial Property Insurance: This coverage assists in repairing your physical location and any equipment in the event of damage. Although not required, it is strongly advised.

• Business Income Insurance: This insurance can help you recover lost income due to incidents such as fires, theft, or natural disasters.

• Cyber Liability Insurance: This protects against data breaches, particularly if you handle customer credit card information.

7. Creating your menu and drink items

Create your menu by collaborating with a chef-owner, a general manager, or developing it independently. Be ready to adjust your menu items and drink selections in partnership with your kitchen and bar staff once they are hired and trained.

Ensure your menu features great food and drink options that distinguish your restaurant in a competitive market like historic town square in Cheyenne. Thoughtfully price your items to promote long-term profitability.

Explore menu design and menu engineering strategies to maximize the popularity of your menu, helping make you one of the best restaurants in town.

8. Hiring and onboarding restaurant staff

When hiring staff for your restaurant in Wyoming, ensure you comply with local city and county regulations regarding state labor laws.

Your employees play a vital role in your restaurant's success. From the front-of-house team that cultivates a welcoming atmosphere to the cooks who craft delicious meals and the support staff that ensures smooth operations, filling these essential positions is crucial.

Finding the right individuals for your restaurant team is important. Network with industry professionals, utilize social media platforms, connect with local culinary schools, and post job openings on relevant industry boards.

To attract and retain skilled restaurant staff, concentrate on creating a positive work environment. Offering competitive pay and valuable benefits, such as health insurance, can help your restaurant stand out in the competitive landscape.

Here are some resources from Toast to help you in recruiting, hiring, and retaining skilled restaurant employees:

• How to Recruit Your Next Star Employee

• How to Onboard a New Restaurant Employee

• How to Train New Restaurant Employees

• How to Reduce Restaurant Employee Turnover

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, consider investing in various restaurant technologies to ensure your operations are set up for success from the beginning. New restaurants in Wyoming should seriously consider investing in:

• A cloud-based POS system with handheld devices

• Kitchen display screens

• An online ordering system

• Reporting and analytics software

• Inventory management software

• Accounting software

• Scheduling and team communication tools

• Payroll solutions

• Loyalty or rewards programs

• Contactless payment options

Implementing the right technology can enhance your operations and provide valuable insights into your business. With these tools, you can make data-driven decisions that improve efficiency, increase revenue, and drive long-term success.

10. Create a restaurant marketing strategy

Like anywhere else, a restaurant in Wyoming requires a strong marketing strategy to capture attention. While word of mouth can be effective once your restaurant is established, successfully reaching your target customers and converting them into regulars often relies on marketing channels such as social media and email campaigns.

Utilize local Wyoming summer festivals and celebrations to promote your restaurant. These events offer opportunities to source local ingredients and network. Some notable festivals include:

• Cheyenne Frontier Days

• Wyoming Brewers Festival

• Jackson Hole Rendezvous

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 soft launch and grand opening events

Once everything is set for your restaurant, hold 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 approach will help you identify and resolve any issues before the official launch of your Wyoming restaurant.

Next, turn your attention 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 boost attendance for this special occasion.

You’re good to go!

Opening a restaurant is a long and challenging journey, but it can also be incredibly 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.