Start-up Guides


Kitchen Requirements Guide Icon
Kitchen Requirements Guide

Learn about commercial kitchen requirements, zoning laws, certification steps, and equipment standards needed to build or open a compliant foodservice kitchen.

Opening a Restaurant on a Budget: Equipment Buying Guide Icon
Opening a Restaurant on a Budget: Equipment Buying Guide

Learn where to save and where to invest when opening a restaurant. Discover smart equipment choices and budget options like MoTak for your kitchen.

Coffee Shop Design Ideas Icon
Coffee Shop Design Ideas

Design a coffee shop with the right layout, equipment, and style from KaTom. Explore coffee shop design ideas that support flow, comfort, and efficient service.

How to Start a Buffet Restaurant: Step-by-Step Guide Icon
How to Start a Buffet Restaurant: Step-by-Step Guide

Learn how to start a buffet restaurant with steps for planning, equipment, layout, staffing, and food safety. Build a profitable buffet business with the right setup.

Complete Food Truck Business Plan Template Icon
Complete Food Truck Business Plan Template

Discover the essential steps to writing a food truck business plan and important factors to consider before starting your mobile food business.

A Guide to Fine Dining: How to Start a High-End Restaurant Icon
A Guide to Fine Dining: How to Start a High-End Restaurant

Learn about what makes a fine dining restaurant successful and how to find proper prep equipment, advanced appliances, and elegant serving supplies at KaTom.

How to Start a Sandwich Shop: Tips & Equipment Icon
How to Start a Sandwich Shop: Tips & Equipment

Starting a sandwich takes time and effort. Learn what makes one successful and the top equipment needed to serve sandwiches in this start-up guide.

How to Equip a Small Break Room Icon
How to Equip a Small Break Room

Outfitting an office break room? Find the equipment you need and discover break room ideas for creating a relaxing and fun environment for employees.

How to Open a Breakfast Restaurant: Concept & Equipment Guide Icon
How to Open a Breakfast Restaurant: Concept & Equipment Guide

Learn how to open a breakfast restaurant, discover current concepts, and find essential breakfast restaurant equipment in this startup guide.

Opening a Bagel Shop: Startup Costs & Equipment List Icon
Opening a Bagel Shop: Startup Costs & Equipment List

KaTom's guide to opening a bagel shop outlines startup costs and the equipment needed to serve fresh baked bagels in a cafe, cart, or home bakery.

How to Start a Donut Shop Icon
How to Start a Donut Shop

Explore the essential equipment needed to start a donut shop, including fryers, mixers, and display cases, plus tips for setup and choosing the right tools.

Korean BBQ Equipment List: Everything You Need for Authentic Grilling Icon
Korean BBQ Equipment List: Everything You Need for Authentic Grilling

Equip your Korean BBQ restaurant with the essential grills, burners, tools, and ventilation. See what equipment you need and shop top brands at KaTom.

How to Open a Ramen Restaurant Icon
How to Open a Ramen Restaurant

Planning to open a ramen shop? Find out what equipment you need, how to set up your space, and get tips for serving up success from day one.

How to Open a Gluten-free Restaurant Icon
How to Open a Gluten-free Restaurant

Opening a gluten-free restaurant is simple when you follow these six steps.

How To Start a Slush Business | 2026 Business Guide Icon
How To Start a Slush Business | 2026 Business Guide

Considering starting a slushie business? From essential set-up and product selection to branding and other key factors, read our tips to get started!

So You Want to Start a Coffee Shop Icon
So You Want to Start a Coffee Shop

Opening a coffee shop can be a rewarding venture. This guide will help you get started with a solid plan and necessary products.

The Ins and Outs of Restaurant Business Plans Icon
The Ins and Outs of Restaurant Business Plans

Every undertaking starts with a plan and restaurants are no exception. Learn the six essential steps to create your restaurant business plan

How to Design a Commercial Kitchen Layout Icon
How to Design a Commercial Kitchen Layout

From planning to execution, learn the top tricks and best methods for commercial kitchen layout from KaTom's Design and Build team.

How to Maximize Your Food Truck Design Icon
How to Maximize Your Food Truck Design

Learn how to design your food truck layout using this guide. Get ideas for food truck floor plans and tips for maximizing space while ensuring food safety.

The Licenses and Permits Needed to Open a Restaurant Icon
The Licenses and Permits Needed to Open a Restaurant

Which licenses and permits are needed to open a restaurant? Learn how much they cost and where to obtain them with KaTom Restaurant Supply.

Cost to Open a Restaurant Icon
Cost to Open a Restaurant

How much does it cost to open a restaurant? On average, startup costs range from $75,000 to $250,000. Learn about each expense at KaTom Restaurant Supply.

Opening a Mexican Restaurant Icon
Opening a Mexican Restaurant

Opening a Mexican restaurant? Check out KaTom's quick guide to outfitting a Mexican restaurant to ensure you get everything you need.

How to Serve Cold Brew Coffee Icon
How to Serve Cold Brew Coffee

Explore cold brew coffee with KaTom's guide, from its history and origin to tips for making and serving it in your cafe or restaurant.

How to Start a Cheese & Charcuterie Business Icon
How to Start a Cheese & Charcuterie Business

Running a charcuterie business can be a lucrative prospect. KaTom covers tips and tricks for adding charcuterie to your restaurant menu.