Are you planning on buying a restaurant or café? The expert team at Food Agent Australia have you covered!
Purchasing a hospitality business with a fixed premise is an exciting step but can also be fraught with risk if you don’t do your due diligence thoroughly. And there are plenty of things to consider beyond deciding what you’re going to plate up.
Not sure where to start? Below we cover the three (3) essential things you need to know before purchasing a restaurant or café.
Checklist for Buying a Restaurant or Café
- Structural: Assess the physical premises and equipment
Not only does this include structural building but any equipment that will be part of the sale – particularly in the kitchen.
In addition to the above, you also want to look at if the equipment is in mechanical working order (this is something we don’t check for).
- Operational – Is there a Food Safety Program in place or will you need to create one?
A Food Safety Program is a document that identifies and controls food safety hazards in the handling of food in a food business.
The food safety program was introduced to certain sectors of the food industry and forms part of the national food reform process, which aims to reduce the incidence of food borne illness and reduce the regulatory burden on the food industry.
There are different types of Food Safety Programs and Food Agent Australia can advise whether your one (depending on the nature of the business) needs an accredited one.
- Ongoing requirements – Be aware of your reporting and inspection commitments.
In addition to the above, there are often ongoing requirements such as regular reporting, annual inspections with your local council authority along with plant, equipment and structural maintenance.
Restaurant Compliance Audit
Whether you are purchasing, selling, leasing, refurbishing, preparing for annual inspections or applying for your very first food business licence, a Food Agent Australia compliance audit is a must.
This 100% independent assessment gives you a comprehensive understanding of what may need to be addressed before you submit your licence application to Council ranging from food handling procedures, business premises and policies and identify any potential issues that may result in your food licence and permits not getting approved.
If you want to get your food business off to its best possible start, give us a call today. Food Agent Australia is your trusted, independent expert that every food business operator needs!
