Start-up Guides


How to Open a Bar: Tips & Tools for Success Icon
How to Open a Bar: Tips & Tools for Success

Opening a bar can be an exciting but difficult business venture. Join KaTom as we walk you through the process of how to open a bar.

Start a Coffee Program Anywhere Icon
Start a Coffee Program Anywhere

Even nontraditional coffee spots like convenience stores can offer gourmet coffee with the right brewers. Find the best coffee maker for any business here.

What Do You Need for an Ice Cream Shop Icon
What Do You Need for an Ice Cream Shop

Thinking of starting an ice cream parlor? Read our guide to creating a concept, making the best profit, and finding the right equipment.

So You Want to Open a Chocolate Shop Icon
So You Want to Open a Chocolate Shop

Ready to start offering your custom chocolate creations to the world? Follow our guide for tips on how to start your shop and a list of equipment you need.

How to Start Your Own Pizza Shop Icon
How to Start Your Own Pizza Shop

Join KaTom as we examine the many steps and opportunities involved in opening a pizzeria. We'll explore equipment, style, model, and more.

How to Start a Home Cake-decorating Business Icon
How to Start a Home Cake-decorating Business

Dreaming of getting into the cake decorating business with a little operation at home, but not sure where to start? Here's a handy guide to help.

So You Want to Open a Smoothie Bar Icon
So You Want to Open a Smoothie Bar

Learn the ins and outs of how to start a smoothie business. Franchise, independent, brick-and-mortar, or smoothie truck, KaTom covers them all here.

How to Open a Barbecue Restaurant Icon
How to Open a Barbecue Restaurant

Starting a barbecue restaurant is a lot of work, but this guide can help make it a little easier. Learn about everything from menu development to marketing.

How to Open a Butcher Shop: Must-Know Tips Icon
How to Open a Butcher Shop: Must-Know Tips

Thinking of starting a butcher shop? Learn how to set up, run, and find the best equipment to build a successful meat business.

Starting a Cereal Bar Business Icon
Starting a Cereal Bar Business

Running a cereal bar business can be a lucrative option for entrepreneurs. Read KaTom's tips for opening a profitable cereal bar restaurant.

So You Want to Start a Funnel Cake Stand Icon
So You Want to Start a Funnel Cake Stand

Our guide will teach you everything you need to know about funnel cake supplies and start-up costs.

How to Add an Outdoor Patio to Your Restaurant Icon
How to Add an Outdoor Patio to Your Restaurant

An attractive outdoor dining space can bring in new customers and maximize profits. Read about opening an outdoor dining space here.

So You Want To Start Serving Continental Breakfast Icon
So You Want To Start Serving Continental Breakfast

A continental breakfast is something customers have come to expect when they stay in a hotel. Learn how to set up your morning meal here.

So You Want to Impress Your Guests With Room Service Icon
So You Want to Impress Your Guests With Room Service

Get tips and a list of equipment you need for starting a room service program at your lodging establishment using this guide from KaTom Restaurant Supply.

How to Start a Bed & Breakfast Icon
How to Start a Bed & Breakfast

The popularity of bed-and-breakfast inns has only grown in recent years, as travelers turn toward boutique lodging options instead of chain hotel locations.

How to Start and Equip Your Own Bakery Icon
How to Start and Equip Your Own Bakery

Learn about the equipment needed, and discover the best bakery planning practices in KaTom's guide to starting a bakery.

How to Equip a Convenience Store Icon
How to Equip a Convenience Store

Learn how to choose the right equipment and supplies to equip your convenience store, from hot dog rollers to slushie machines.

How to Start a Frozen Cocktail Menu Icon
How to Start a Frozen Cocktail Menu

Customer favorites like frozen daiquiris and margaritas offer significant profit potential, since they require less alcohol than cocktails and are popular.

So You Want to Start a Food Truck Icon
So You Want to Start a Food Truck

From writing a business plan to getting on the road, learn how to start a food truck with this guide.

So You Want an Outdoor Bar Area Icon
So You Want an Outdoor Bar Area

Guests love dining and drinking al fresco in nice weather. Learn how to boost your bottom line by adding an outdoor bar to your business.

How to Start a Catering Business Icon
How to Start a Catering Business

From whether or not to franchise down to equipment choices, this article will help guide your decisions when thinking about starting a catering business.

How to Start a Hot Dog Stand Icon
How to Start a Hot Dog Stand

With a little planning and investment, you can start your own all-American hot dog business. Follow this guide for help getting started.

So You Want to Open a Sushi Restaurant Icon
So You Want to Open a Sushi Restaurant

Opening a sushi restaurant? Check out KaTom's guide for advice about operations, equipment, food safety, and more keys to success.

So You Want to Start a Burger Joint Icon
So You Want to Start a Burger Joint

Learn the basics of how to start a burger joint, from searching for the right location to purchasing the equipment you need to create the perfect burger.