Opening a restaurant in Bangladesh is a great idea. People across the country love to enjoy good food and eat out. No matter where you choose to start your restaurant, this guide will help you plan and prepare the right way. Follow these simple steps to make your restaurant successful and popular.
Think you're opening a restaurant in Dhaka. Whether it’s a cozy café in Dhanmondi or a lively eatery in Gulshan, keep these key points in mind before you begin your journey.
Choose the Right Location
Location can make or break your restaurant. Areas like Banani, Dhanmondi, Uttara, and Mohammadpur are popular for their commercial activity and foot traffic. Your location should match your target audience. If you’re targeting students, proximity to universities works. For premium dining, aim for commercial or upper-class residential zones.
Set a Realistic Budget
Opening a restaurant requires thoughtful financial planning. Your initial budget should include:
Rent or lease budget.
Interior design and renovation
Kitchen equipment
Staff hiring and training
Marketing and branding
Licensing and compliance costs
Also, plan for monthly costs such as salaries, raw materials, utilities, maintenance, and digital platforms.
Get Your Licenses in Order
You’ll need to secure several legal documents before opening your doors:
Trade License from the City Corporation
Food Safety License from BFSA (Bangladesh Food Safety Authority)
Fire safety clearance and health certification
VAT Registration (if applicable)
Operating without proper licenses can lead to fines or shutdowns.
Plan Your Menu Strategically
Your menu is your brand. It must be well-balanced, cost-effective, and appealing to your customer base. Decide whether you’ll focus on Bangladeshi, Chinese, Indian, fusion, or fast food. Consider pricing based on your ingredient costs and desired profit margins.
Use local ingredients where possible to reduce costs and support sustainability.
Embrace Technology
Digital solutions can simplify your business. Invest in modern POS software to handle billing, order tracking, inventory managing, and reporting. If you want to offer delivery, set up an online ordering system, create a website, and digital menu using a platform like Engaze.
Also consider partnering with third parties like Foodpanda and PathaoFood. This can help attract more online orders.
Hire and Train the Right Team
A great restaurant needs great people. From chefs to servers, and from cleaning staff to delivery handlers, everyone helps ensure customer satisfaction. Don’t forget to appoint a responsible manager who can handle daily operations.
Training is crucial. Teach your staff about hygiene, customer service, and order processing.
Market Your Restaurant
Even great food needs visibility. Start with a social media presence on Facebook and Instagram. Run geo-targeted ads. Partner with food bloggers. Offer grand opening discounts and loyalty programs.
Stay consistent in your messages. Create a brand personality that connects with your customers.
Focus on Customer Experience
Hygiene, ambiance, taste, and service — they all matter. A clean table, warm behavior from staff, and quality food build long-term loyalty. Don’t ignore customer feedback. Take reviews seriously and resolve complaints without delay.
A happy customer is your best marketing channel.
Conclusion
Starting a restaurant can be rewarding. A solid plan and smart strategies are key to success. Choosing the right space, building a brand, and using technology are all key steps. Each one lays a strong foundation for lasting success.
Thinking of going digital with your restaurant? Explore platforms such as Engaze.ai. They provide instant digital menus, POS, and delivery tools. These are all designed for Bangladeshi restaurants.
