The Restaurant Technology Checklist: Everything You Need Before Opening Day

Opening a restaurant is already complex enough without technology surprises. Yet many restaurant owners treat IT as an afterthought—and pay for it with opening delays, lost revenue, and endless frustration.

This checklist covers everything technology-related you need before opening day. Use it whether you're opening your first location or your fifth.

Network Infrastructure

Everything else depends on this foundation.

✅ 1. Business-Grade Internet Service

Residential internet won't cut it. Get business service with:

• Uptime SLA (guaranteed availability)
• Static IP address
• Priority repair response
• Adequate bandwidth (100+ Mbps download minimum)

✅ 2. Backup Internet Connection

Cellular failover (4G/5G) ensures operations continue when primary internet fails. The $50-100/month is cheap insurance.

✅ 3. Automatic Failover Configuration

Backup internet is useless if it doesn't switch automatically. Configure failover to occur in under 30 seconds.

✅ 4. Business-Grade Router

Not the $60 box from Best Buy. Business equipment provides:

• Better performance under load
• Proper security features
• VLAN support for network segmentation
• Remote management capability

✅ 5. Network Segmentation

Separate networks for:

• Operations: POS, kitchen displays, back-office
• Guest WiFi: Isolated from everything else
• Security cameras: Separate VLAN
• IoT devices: Smart thermostats, music systems, etc.

✅ 6. Adequate WiFi Coverage

Dead zones frustrate staff and guests. Survey coverage and add access points as needed.

✅ 7. Wired Connections for Critical Systems

WiFi is convenient but unreliable. Wire your:

• POS terminals
• Kitchen display systems
• Back-office computers
• Payment terminals

✅ 8. Proper Cabling Infrastructure

Structured cabling now saves headaches later. Label everything.

Point of Sale System

The transaction engine of your restaurant.

✅ 9. POS System Selected and Ordered

Research options, check references, understand total cost. Popular options include Toast, Square, Clover, Revel, and many others.

✅ 10. Adequate Terminals for Peak Volume

Don't underestimate. Long checkout lines lose customers.

✅ 11. Kitchen Display System (KDS)

Replace paper tickets with digital displays:

• Faster, more legible orders
• Timing and pacing features
• Reduces paper waste
• Better order tracking

✅ 12. Receipt Printers

Network printers (not USB) at each station. Keep spares and extra paper.

✅ 13. Cash Drawers

Integrated with POS. One per terminal if handling cash.

✅ 14. Barcode Scanners (if applicable)

For retail items, inventory management, or loyalty programs.

✅ 15. Customer-Facing Displays

Show customers their order and total. Builds trust and reduces disputes.

✅ 16. Offline Mode Tested and Working

Ensure POS continues operating during internet outages. Test this before opening.

✅ 17. Menu Programmed Completely

All items, modifiers, prices, categories. Test every combination.

✅ 18. Staff Trained on POS

Hands-on practice before opening. Include voids, refunds, and split checks.

Payment Processing

Getting paid is kind of important.

✅ 19. Merchant Account Established

Payment processing approved and active before opening.

✅ 20. Payment Terminals Installed

Integrated with POS. Test all payment types:

• Chip cards
• Contactless/tap
• Mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay)
• Gift cards

✅ 21. PCI Compliance Verified

Payment Card Industry compliance isn't optional. Ensure:

• Point-to-point encryption enabled
• No card data stored locally
• Security scans scheduled

✅ 22. Tip Adjustment Process Configured

For table service: ensure tip adjustment workflow is set up and staff trained.

✅ 23. Daily Settlement Process Documented

Who closes out? When? What reports to run?

Back Office Systems

✅ 24. Back Office Computer

For scheduling, inventory, accounting access, vendor orders.

✅ 25. Accounting Software Integration

POS data flowing to QuickBooks, Xero, or your accountant's preferred system.

✅ 26. Inventory Management System

Integrated with POS for accurate tracking. Set up par levels and alerts.

✅ 27. Employee Scheduling Software

Modern scheduling tools (7shifts, HotSchedules, etc.) reduce headaches.

✅ 28. Time Clock System

Integrated with payroll. Consider biometric to prevent buddy punching.

✅ 29. Payroll Processing

Provider selected, employees entered, direct deposit configured.

✅ 30. Document Storage

Secure location for employee files, vendor contracts, permits, licenses.

Security Systems

✅ 31. Security Cameras Installed

Cover:

• All entrances/exits
• Cash handling areas
• Dining room
• Kitchen
• Back of house
• Parking lot (if applicable)

✅ 32. Camera Recording System

On-site NVR or cloud recording. 30+ days retention recommended.

✅ 33. Remote Viewing Configured

Mobile access to cameras for owners/managers.

✅ 34. Alarm System (if applicable)

Monitored alarm for after-hours security.

✅ 35. Safe for Cash

Secure storage for cash, keys, and sensitive documents.

Guest-Facing Technology

✅ 36. Guest WiFi Set Up

Separate from operations network. Consider:

• Simple login (email capture optional)
• Reasonable speed
• Content filtering
• Terms of service acknowledgment

✅ 37. Digital Menu Boards (if applicable)

Displays programmed with menu. Dayparting configured for breakfast/lunch/dinner.

✅ 38. QR Code Ordering (if applicable)

Mobile ordering for dine-in guests. Test thoroughly.

✅ 39. Online Ordering System

Website ordering and/or third-party delivery integration configured.

✅ 40. Reservation System (if applicable)

Resy, OpenTable, or similar integrated with seating.

✅ 41. Waitlist Management (if applicable)

Text notification system for walk-in guests.

✅ 42. Background Music System

Commercial license (BMI/ASCAP), appropriate speakers, zoned if needed.

Communication Systems

✅ 43. Business Phone Line

Reservations, vendor calls, emergencies. Consider VoIP for flexibility.

✅ 44. Voicemail Configured

Professional greeting with hours, address, website.

✅ 45. Email for Business

Professional domain email (you@yourrestaurant.com).

✅ 46. Team Communication Tool

Group messaging for staff (Slack, Microsoft Teams, or similar).

Testing and Documentation

✅ 47. Full System Test

Before opening, test everything together:

• Place orders through entire workflow
• Process payments of all types
• Print/display tickets
• Complete end-of-day procedures
• Simulate internet outage

✅ 48. Documentation Complete

• Network diagram
• Vendor contact list
• Login credentials (secured)
• Troubleshooting procedures
• Support escalation contacts

✅ 49. Staff Training Complete

Every role trained on technology they'll use:

• Servers on POS
• Kitchen on KDS
• Managers on reporting
• Opening/closing procedures

✅ 50. Support Contacts Verified

• POS vendor support number
• Payment processor support
• IT support contact
• Internet provider support
• Escalation procedures documented

Timing Recommendations

8 Weeks Before Opening

• Order POS system and payment equipment
• Schedule internet installation
• Order network equipment
• Engage IT support partner

4 Weeks Before Opening

• Network infrastructure installed
• POS equipment arrives and basic setup begins
• Security camera installation scheduled

2 Weeks Before Opening

• POS menu programming complete
• Payment processing tested
• All systems integrated and testing
• Staff training begins

1 Week Before Opening

• Final system testing
• All staff trained
• Documentation complete
• Soft opening to test under real conditions

Don't Do This Alone

This checklist has 50 items—and it's not exhaustive. Restaurant technology has become complex enough that trying to figure it out yourself often costs more in time and mistakes than hiring experts.

Layth Solutions has been setting up restaurant technology in NYC for 30 years. We know what works, what fails, and how to get you operational on schedule.

Schedule a free consultation to discuss your new restaurant project and ensure technology is ready for opening day.