Dispatchbeta← Ask DispatchFAQs · 2049 operator questions
The 2049 most-asked NYC hospitality questions.
Sourced from 338 audited Nightrush bibles + 24 operator playbooks. Click any question to ask Dispatch.
745 marked P0 · the must-knows before opening.
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Showing all 2049 · click any question to ask Dispatch
🎨Brand & Concept80
Open playbook →- P0How do I size up whether my concept actually fills a gap in the NYC market or is just another Italian-American spot in a saturated zip?Concept Research & Market Gap Analysis⏎
- P0How do I check that my restaurant name doesn't mean something embarrassing in another language NYC actually speaks?Naming & Linguistic Vetting⏎
- P0Do I need the .com or is .nyc / .restaurant fine in 2026?Naming & Linguistic Vetting⏎
- P0What do I do if my favorite name is already used by a restaurant in another state?Naming & Linguistic Vetting⏎
- P0How do I do a real USPTO trademark search before I spend money on the application?Trademark Search & Filing (USPTO + NY State)⏎
- P0What does it actually cost to file a trademark for a restaurant name and how long does it take?Trademark Search & Filing (USPTO + NY State)⏎
- P0What's the cheapest way to validate a concept before I sign a 10-year lease?Concept Research & Market Gap Analysis⏎
- P0How much does a real NYC hospitality brand identity cost and what should I get for the money?Brand Identity (Logo, Palette, Type, Voice)⏎
- P0What does a restaurant logo actually need to do, beyond looking good?Brand Identity (Logo, Palette, Type, Voice)⏎
- P0How specific does my customer persona actually need to be — is 'NYC professionals 28-45' enough?Positioning & Customer Persona⏎
- P0What's the right format for a positioning statement that isn't marketing fluff?Positioning & Customer Persona⏎
- P0How do I pick the right check-average band for my concept and neighborhood?Positioning & Customer Persona⏎
- P0How do I define my real competitive set — is it the 5 closest restaurants or something else?Competitive Analysis (NYC scene, what to copy / avoid)⏎
- P0What's it OK to copy from successful NYC restaurants and what crosses the line?Competitive Analysis (NYC scene, what to copy / avoid)⏎
- P0How do I measure foot traffic on a potential restaurant site without paying $5K to a research firm?Neighborhood & Site Fit⏎
- P0How do I match my check average to a neighborhood's actual ability to pay?Neighborhood & Site Fit⏎
- P0How many items should my opening menu have, and what's the right architecture?Menu Concept & Cuisine Strategy⏎
- P0How authentic should my cuisine be vs adapted for the NYC palate?Menu Concept & Cuisine Strategy⏎
- P0Do I need a signature dish, and how do I design one that becomes the IG photo of my restaurant?Menu Concept & Cuisine Strategy⏎
- P0What does a design brief for a NYC restaurant architect actually contain so I get the room I imagined?Design Brief for Architect / Interior Designer⏎
- P0How many seats can I actually fit in my space, and how many should I want?Design Brief for Architect / Interior Designer⏎
- P0How big does the kitchen need to be relative to the front of house?Design Brief for Architect / Interior Designer⏎
- P0What goes in a brand book and how long should it actually be?Brand Book & Asset System⏎
- P0What does a real 90-day pre-launch buzz timeline look like for a NYC restaurant?Pre-Launch Buzz & Soft-Launch Strategy⏎
- P0Do I need to hire a PR firm for opening, and what does it cost?Pre-Launch Buzz & Soft-Launch Strategy⏎
- P0How do I run a soft launch that actually pressure-tests the operation without burning press goodwill?Pre-Launch Buzz & Soft-Launch Strategy⏎
- P0What does a real one-page concept brief actually contain before I show it to investors or a designer?Concept Research & Market Gap Analysis⏎
- P0How do I generate a restaurant name that's actually defensible, gettable, and not already taken?Naming & Linguistic Vetting⏎
- P1How do I know if a name is too hard to pronounce for the average NYC diner?Naming & Linguistic Vetting⏎
- P1Is there a separate New York state trademark and should I bother?Trademark Search & Filing (USPTO + NY State)⏎
- P1Which trademark classes do I really need for a NYC restaurant or bar?Trademark Search & Filing (USPTO + NY State)⏎
- P1USPTO sent me an office action saying my mark is 'merely descriptive' — what now?Trademark Search & Filing (USPTO + NY State)⏎
- P1How do I build a brand color palette that won't look dated in 4 years?Brand Identity (Logo, Palette, Type, Voice)⏎
- P1What does it cost to license a typeface for a restaurant brand and what licenses do I need?Brand Identity (Logo, Palette, Type, Voice)⏎
- P1How do I define a brand voice that my hostess, my line cook, and my IG manager all use the same way?Brand Identity (Logo, Palette, Type, Voice)⏎
- P1Beyond a logo, what visual assets do I actually need at launch?Brand Identity (Logo, Palette, Type, Voice)⏎
- P1How do I read NYC food and beverage trend signals without falling for what TikTok says is 'the next thing'?Concept Research & Market Gap Analysis⏎
- P1Should I position around dinner, or build for brunch / lunch / late-night too?Positioning & Customer Persona⏎
- P1How do I actually research my target persona without doing $50K of brand research?Positioning & Customer Persona⏎
- P1What do I do if the customer who actually shows up isn't my target persona?Positioning & Customer Persona⏎
- P1Is there a rule of thumb for how many of one cuisine a NYC neighborhood can support before it's a knife fight?Concept Research & Market Gap Analysis⏎
- P1How do I estimate a competitor's revenue without inside info?Competitive Analysis (NYC scene, what to copy / avoid)⏎
- P1What are the recurring NYC restaurant mistakes I should plan to avoid from day one?Competitive Analysis (NYC scene, what to copy / avoid)⏎
- P1How do I figure out what kind of press cycle to expect for my concept?Competitive Analysis (NYC scene, what to copy / avoid)⏎
- P1Why does daytime vs nighttime population matter for choosing a site?Neighborhood & Site Fit⏎
- P1How close to a subway station does my restaurant really need to be?Neighborhood & Site Fit⏎
- P1What should I look for on a block beyond foot traffic before signing a lease?Neighborhood & Site Fit⏎
- P1Should I do customer interviews before I lock the concept, and how many?Concept Research & Market Gap Analysis⏎
- P1What food cost percentage should I target by cuisine type in NYC?Menu Concept & Cuisine Strategy⏎
- P1How do I position my beverage program to actually drive revenue, not just decorate the menu?Menu Concept & Cuisine Strategy⏎
- P1How do I price menu items so they actually feel right to the customer, not just hit my food cost?Menu Concept & Cuisine Strategy⏎
- P1How many vegan, gluten-free, and allergen-friendly items do I really need on a NYC menu in 2026?Menu Concept & Cuisine Strategy⏎
- P1How much should I weight tourist traffic vs. local repeat business in my concept design?Concept Research & Market Gap Analysis⏎
- P1How do I design for acoustics so my restaurant doesn't get the dreaded 'too loud' reviews?Design Brief for Architect / Interior Designer⏎
- P1What's the right lighting design approach for a NYC restaurant — and what does it cost?Design Brief for Architect / Interior Designer⏎
- P1What does a NYC restaurant buildout actually cost per square foot in 2026?Design Brief for Architect / Interior Designer⏎
- P1What does ADA compliance actually require for a NYC restaurant and where do operators get it wrong?Design Brief for Architect / Interior Designer⏎
- P1Where should I store brand assets so my GM, my chef, my PR firm, and my designer can all access the right files?Brand Book & Asset System⏎
- P1How do I commission opening photography that won't look dated in 2 years?Brand Book & Asset System⏎
- P1Should I invite food influencers to opening, and which ones actually move covers?Pre-Launch Buzz & Soft-Launch Strategy⏎
- P1How do I structure a restaurant-inside-a-hotel deal that doesn't crush the operator?Partnership / IP Licensing / Collaborations⏎
- P1How do I license my restaurant brand to a second-city operator or expand under license?Partnership / IP Licensing / Collaborations⏎
- P2Should the LLC name match the restaurant name, or is a holding-company structure better?Naming & Linguistic Vetting⏎
- P2Is it a bad idea to name my place after the year, the address, or a current trend?Naming & Linguistic Vetting⏎
- P2Once my trademark registers, what do I have to do to keep it alive?Trademark Search & Filing (USPTO + NY State)⏎
- P2Should I file my logo or the word, and is one trademark enough?Trademark Search & Filing (USPTO + NY State)⏎
- P2When should I refresh the logo vs leave it alone?Brand Identity (Logo, Palette, Type, Voice)⏎
- P2Can I use Midjourney or ChatGPT to generate my brand identity instead of hiring a designer?Brand Identity (Logo, Palette, Type, Voice)⏎
- P2How does positioning a hotel restaurant differ from a stand-alone NYC restaurant?Positioning & Customer Persona⏎
- P2How do I compete in a neighborhood dominated by a major restaurant group like Major Food Group, Tao Group, or Quality Branded?Competitive Analysis (NYC scene, what to copy / avoid)⏎
- P2How do anchor tenants and co-tenants on my block affect my concept fit?Neighborhood & Site Fit⏎
- P2How do I evaluate if a site has real outdoor / sidewalk dining potential under the new permanent program?Neighborhood & Site Fit⏎
- P2How do I write menu descriptions that sell without sounding like a 2014 Brooklyn parody?Menu Concept & Cuisine Strategy⏎
- P2How often should I change the menu and how much should change at once?Menu Concept & Cuisine Strategy⏎
- P2If I'm not the chef, how do I make sure the chef I hire actually delivers the cuisine I positioned?Menu Concept & Cuisine Strategy⏎
- P2Which materials in a NYC restaurant get destroyed fastest and what should I spec instead?Design Brief for Architect / Interior Designer⏎
- P2How long does a hot NYC restaurant concept actually stay hot before it cools?Concept Research & Market Gap Analysis⏎
- P2What ongoing templates does my team need so they're not re-designing the wheel every week?Brand Book & Asset System⏎
- P2Is paid social or paid search worth it for a new NYC restaurant launch?Pre-Launch Buzz & Soft-Launch Strategy⏎
- P2How do I do brand collaborations (chef collabs, product collabs, fashion crossovers) without diluting my brand?Partnership / IP Licensing / Collaborations⏎
🏗️Buildout157
Open playbook →- P0How do I check a space's existing Certificate of Occupancy and use class before signing?Site & Pre-Lease⏎
- P0How do I check the existing gas service capacity vs my kitchen load?Site & Pre-Lease⏎
- P0DOH Article 81Agencies⏎
- P0Trade sign-offsInspections⏎
- P0How do I verify the panel size / electrical service is enough for full-service kitchen + AV?Site & Pre-Lease⏎
- P0TCO basicsTCO / CofO⏎
- P0TCO requirementsTCO / CofO⏎
- P0CofO blockersTCO / CofO⏎
- P0Open before TCOTCO / CofO⏎
- P0What permit do I need for a sidewalk cafe in 2026 NYC and how long does it take?Outdoor Dining⏎
- P0What's the LL 121/2023 roadway cafe regime (DOT rules effective Mar 3, 2024)?Outdoor Dining⏎
- P0What's the all-in NYC restaurant buildout cost-per-square-foot benchmark in 2026 (mid / high)?Cost⏎
- P0How do I check that the building allows kitchen hood exhaust through the roof / facade?Site & Pre-Lease⏎
- P0What's the realistic NYC restaurant timeline from lease signing to opening day?Schedule⏎
- P0What's the typical permit-to-TCO duration on a 3000 sf full-service Alt-2?Schedule⏎
- P0How early before opening should I file with SLA? (Today, basically — 22-26 weeks lead.)Schedule⏎
- P0What red flags should I look for when vetting a NYC hospitality GC?Pitfalls⏎
- P0What red flags should I look for in an expeditor?Pitfalls⏎
- P0What's the most common reason NYC restaurant openings slip past target?Pitfalls⏎
- P0What's a typical NYC commercial restaurant delivery condition (white-box, vanilla, gray, raw)?Lease & RE⏎
- P0What's a tenant-improvement (TI) allowance and what's market 2026 NYC for restaurants?Lease & RE⏎
- P0What is a "work letter" and how does it interact with my GC contract?Lease & RE⏎
- P0What if the existing CofO use class doesn't match my intended F&B / bar / nightclub use?Site & Pre-Lease⏎
- P0What's a Good-Guy Guaranty and how does it limit personal exposure?Lease & RE⏎
- P0How do I confirm the zoning allows a restaurant / bar / nightclub at this address?Site & Pre-Lease⏎
- P0What's an Alt-1 (Alteration Type 1) and when is it required?Permits & DOB⏎
- P0What's an Alt-2 and why is it the workhorse filing for NYC restaurant buildouts?Permits & DOB⏎
- P0How do I know if my project triggers Alt-1 vs Alt-2? (change of use, egress, or occupancy)Permits & DOB⏎
- P0What is DOB NOW and which modules will I touch (Build / Licensing / Safety / Inspections)?Permits & DOB⏎
- P0What's Pro Cert (Professional Certification) and when should my RA/PE use it?Permits & DOB⏎
- P0What's the typical Alt-2 plan exam timeline at NYC DOB in 2026?Permits & DOB⏎
- P0What's a Post Approval Amendment (PAA) and when do I need one?Permits & DOB⏎
- P0What's a Place of Assembly Certificate of Operation and when does it kick in?Permits & DOB⏎
- P0What's the 75-indoor / 200-outdoor threshold for PA and how do I count occupancy?Permits & DOB⏎
- P0How do I read a building's BIS history (open jobs, violations, prior CofO's) before LOI?Site & Pre-Lease⏎
- P0What's an Architect of Record (AoR) vs design architect, and who signs the DOB filing?Architect⏎
- P0Do I need a NY-licensed RA or can a designer / CID seal drawings? (No — RA only.)Architect⏎
- P0What are the standard architect phases (SD, DD, CD, CA) and how long does each take?Architect⏎
- P0What's an MEP engineer and do I need one separate from my architect?Architect⏎
- P0What kinds of open ECB / OATH / DOB violations should kill a deal vs. be cured by tenant?Site & Pre-Lease⏎
- P0What does a NYC GC actually do — and where do I draw the line vs construction manager / design-build?GC⏎
- P0What's a NYC DOB GC LIC6 registration and how do I verify it?GC⏎
- P0What's a Construction Superintendent (LL 81/2017, LL 149/2021) and when must one be registered?GC⏎
- P0What's a Lump-Sum / Stipulated-Sum (AIA A101) contract and when should I use it?GC⏎
- P0What's a GMP (AIA A102) contract and when does it beat lump sum?GC⏎
- P0What's the typical change-order overrun on a fixed-price NYC restaurant project? (10-30%)GC⏎
- P0What's a Licensed Master Plumber and why must they be on file for any plumbing work?MEP⏎
- P0What's a Licensed Master Electrician and why is it a separate filer from the GC?MEP⏎
- P0What's NYC Mechanical Code 506/507 for commercial kitchen hood exhaust?MEP⏎
- P0What's the hood-suppression (Ansul) discharge test and when is it required?MEP⏎
- P0Why is fire-alarm a separate licensure (not the LME) and how does it slot into the schedule?MEP⏎
- P0When do I need a sprinkler system and who pulls the LAA-sprinkler filing?MEP⏎
- P0How do I assess egress feasibility (front + secondary exit, stair width) before signing?Site & Pre-Lease⏎
- P0What ADA accessibility minimums apply (door widths, ramps, restroom layout, bar reach)?MEP⏎
- P0Filing orderAgencies⏎
- P0SLA + DOBAgencies⏎
- P0CBAgencies⏎
- P0500-foot ruleAgencies⏎
- P0SLA Self-CertAgencies⏎
- P0SLA timelineAgencies⏎
- P1AvailingAgencies⏎
- P1FSE permitAgencies⏎
- P1DOT sidewalk cafeAgencies⏎
- P1Roadway datesAgencies⏎
- P1LPC reviewAgencies⏎
- P1ConstructionInspections⏎
- P1Plumbing sign-offInspections⏎
- P1Electrical sign-offInspections⏎
- P1Fire alarm S/OInspections⏎
- P1PA inspectionInspections⏎
- P1OATH violationsInspections⏎
- P1Common PA failsInspections⏎
- P1TCO durationTCO / CofO⏎
- P1Final CofOTCO / CofO⏎
- P1Where do I find water + sewer + grease line capacity at a candidate space?Site & Pre-Lease⏎
- P1What's Mayor Mamdani / DOT Comm Flynn doing on year-round roadway dining (signaled return)?Outdoor Dining⏎
- P1What's NYC hotel cost-per-key benchmark from HVS U.S. Hotel Development Cost Survey?Cost⏎
- P1What % of total budget is kitchen equipment for a full-service restaurant?Cost⏎
- P1What % of budget is AV / sound system?Cost⏎
- P1What's a typical FFE (furniture / fixtures / equipment) budget for a 3000 sf full-service?Cost⏎
- P1What's a typical pre-opening labor budget for a NYC full-service launch?Cost⏎
- P1What share of the project is soft costs (architect, expeditor, legal, permits)?Cost⏎
- P1How much should I carry in contingency on a fixed-price hospitality buildout? (10-20%)Cost⏎
- P1What's a typical expeditor fee for a restaurant Alt-2 (Pro Cert + PA + LAAs)? ($8K-$25K)Cost⏎
- P1Boutique vs mid-market vs Big-Firm architect fees on a NYC restaurant project?Cost⏎
- P1What's the difference between an exclusive vs. shared vent shaft and why does it matter?Site & Pre-Lease⏎
- P1How do I align the SLA application with the community board calendar (monthly meetings)?Schedule⏎
- P1What kitchen / AV / FFE items have 12+ week lead times and need to be ordered at DD?Schedule⏎
- P1What red flags should I look for when vetting a hospitality architect?Pitfalls⏎
- P1What red flags in an SLA attorney (no self-cert capability, weak CB experience, etc.)?Pitfalls⏎
- P1Anyone who promises to "skip plan exam" or "self-certify for you" — what should I do? (Walk.)Pitfalls⏎
- P1How do I verify the floor load rating supports a commercial kitchen + bar?Site & Pre-Lease⏎
- P1When do GCs "pop the slab" and surface hidden conditions — and how is that priced?Pitfalls⏎
- P1How do I run the trade sign-off chase efficiently (one project manager owning every agency)?Closeout⏎
- P1What's a soft launch / friends-and-family run and how many days before paid opening?Closeout⏎
- P1What lien waivers should I collect from the GC + subs before final payment?Closeout⏎
- P1What's the difference between builder's risk insurance during construction and operating GL insurance after opening?Closeout⏎
- P1Can I use a cellar for storage / dining / public assembly under NYC code?Site & Pre-Lease⏎
- P1How tight should a use clause be for a hospitality lease — concept-locked or flexible?Lease & RE⏎
- P1What's an operating-covenant / continuous-operation clause and should I accept one?Lease & RE⏎
- P1Can I demolish before I have a permit if my lease allows it? What's the DOB risk?Lease & RE⏎
- P1How should the lease handle outdoor dining permit ownership + base-rent treatment of square-footage?Lease & RE⏎
- P1How permissive should an assignment / sublease clause be if I plan to sell the operation?Lease & RE⏎
- P1What's an Alt-3 and when can I use it (single-trade minor work)?Permits & DOB⏎
- P1What's an LAA (Limited Alteration Application) vs LAA1 plumbing vs LAA sprinkler?Permits & DOB⏎
- P1What's a PW-1 and what does it capture?Permits & DOB⏎
- P1What's a Schedule A vs Schedule B in DOB filings?Permits & DOB⏎
- P1What's a "use group" in NYC zoning and which use groups cover hospitality?Site & Pre-Lease⏎
- P1How many DOB objection rounds is normal for an Alt-2? (1-2 well-managed, 4-6 poorly managed)Permits & DOB⏎
- P1What are 2026 DOB filing fees (minimum $130, alteration ~$100 + $13 per $1K of construction cost)?Permits & DOB⏎
- P1Who signs the PA1 form (PE/RA + owner)? Where do I file it?Permits & DOB⏎
- P1What's a Temporary Place of Assembly (TPA) and when do I use it?Permits & DOB⏎
- P1What's a stop-work order and how do I get one lifted?Permits & DOB⏎
- P1What is Construction Administration (CA) and is it worth paying for?Architect⏎
- P1What's a NYC architect fee benchmark for hospitality? (% of construction, hourly, fixed)Architect⏎
- P1When do I need a separate kitchen designer vs the architect doing it?Architect⏎
- P1What's a fire-protection engineer and when is one required?Architect⏎
- P1What's Site Safety Training (LL 196/2017) and which workers need SST cards?GC⏎
- P1What's a cost-plus (AIA A103) contract and when is it appropriate?GC⏎
- P1What's the 2023 NY 5% retainage cap and how does it affect cash flow?GC⏎
- P1What's NY Lien Law Article 2 and how do mechanic's liens get filed against me?GC⏎
- P1How do I level GC bids — what should I normalize across bidders?GC⏎
- P1What's a typical NYC hospitality GC fee / markup?GC⏎
- P1What's "substantial completion" and what does it unlock contractually?GC⏎
- P1What's a punch list and how should it be handled at closeout?GC⏎
- P1What's the GC closeout package and why does it matter for retainage release?GC⏎
- P1How do GCs handle hidden conditions in old NYC buildings (asbestos, lead, structural surprises)?GC⏎
- P1How do I tell if the building is in a Landmarks (LPC) district and what does that add to scope?Site & Pre-Lease⏎
- P1What's the NYC grease-trap requirement for restaurants and what size do I need?MEP⏎
- P1When do I need a NYC DEP backflow prevention plan + Licensed Master Plumber install?MEP⏎
- P1Does LL 154/2021 (gas-cooking ban for new construction) apply to my buildout? (Commercial kitchens exempted.)MEP⏎
- P1TPLAgencies⏎
- P1Method of OperationAgencies⏎
- P2BSA varianceAgencies⏎
- P2Schedule BInspections⏎
- P2CofATCO / CofO⏎
- P2Where do I store roadway cafe furniture during the off-season (Nov 30 – Apr 1 currently)?Outdoor Dining⏎
- P2When do I need a DCWP cabaret license vs liquor license for outdoor music?Outdoor Dining⏎
- P2How does FIFA World Cup 2026 (Jun 11 – Jul 19) reshape my opening calendar (April or August)?Schedule⏎
- P2Why do as-built drawings matter for future work + compliance?Closeout⏎
- P2What warranties does the GC owe (1-yr typical, 2-yr on MEP)?Closeout⏎
- P2What annual filings do I have post-opening (FDNY PA renewal, DOH FSE renewal, SLA renewal, FISP, etc.)?Closeout⏎
- P2What's the post-COVID 1995 CAM v West Side Advisors ruling and how did it change GGG enforcement?Lease & RE⏎
- P2How does NYC Admin Code §22-1005 (LL 1932-A) shield me from COVID-era personal-liability claims?Lease & RE⏎
- P2What's a market holdover-rent multiple in 2026 NYC? (typical 2x base, sometimes 3x)Lease & RE⏎
- P2What's a Yellowstone injunction and when do I need one?Lease & RE⏎
- P2When do I need to use BIS instead of DOB NOW?Permits & DOB⏎
- P2How early before an event do I file a TPA? (≥20 business days)Permits & DOB⏎
- P2Can an expediter self-certify? (No — only PE/RA can.)Permits & DOB⏎
- P2When do I need a dedicated lighting designer for FOH?Architect⏎
- P2When do I need a Landmarks consultant separate from my AoR?Architect⏎
- P2What's an LPC Certificate of No Effect vs Certificate of Appropriateness?Architect⏎
- P2When do I need a full-time Site Safety Manager + Site Safety Plan?GC⏎
- P2When do I need a Phase I environmental on a NYC restaurant deal?Site & Pre-Lease⏎
- P2What's a standpipe and is one required in my space?MEP⏎
- P2How does Local Law 97 (carbon caps) affect my buildout MEP design?MEP⏎
- P2What's the EPA AIM Act Jan 1 2026 HFC threshold (50 → 15 lb) and which equipment does it touch?MEP⏎
🏢Real Estate80
Open playbook →- P0What rent-to-sales ratio should I underwrite to before signing a lease in NYC?Pre-LOI Site Search & Underwriting⏎
- P0How much does a tenant broker cost in NYC and who pays it?Brokers & Broker Fees⏎
- P0Should I use my own tenant broker or work directly with the listing broker?Brokers & Broker Fees⏎
- P0Is an LOI legally binding in NYC commercial leasing?Letter of Intent (LOI)⏎
- P0What economic terms must I lock in the LOI before lease drafting?Letter of Intent (LOI)⏎
- P0What's the going rate per square foot for NYC restaurant retail in 2026?Pre-LOI Site Search & Underwriting⏎
- P0Should I take a fixed annual rent bump or a CPI escalator?Base Rent, Escalations, Caps⏎
- P0How do I cap operating expense and CAM pass-throughs?Base Rent, Escalations, Caps⏎
- P0How much does a non-vented restaurant space actually cost me to fix?Pre-LOI Site Search & Underwriting⏎
- P0How should 'gross sales' be defined in a percentage rent lease?Percentage Rent & Sales Reporting⏎
- P0How much TI should I get for a NYC restaurant buildout?Tenant Improvement Allowance (TI)⏎
- P0How is TI actually paid out and what should I demand?Tenant Improvement Allowance (TI)⏎
- P0Does the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) actually allow my use?Pre-LOI Site Search & Underwriting⏎
- P0How much free rent should I get for a NYC restaurant lease?Free Rent / Concessions / Build Period⏎
- P0How is the build-out period defined and how do I protect it?Free Rent / Concessions / Build Period⏎
- P0What exclusive use rights should I demand in my NYC lease?Exclusive Use, Co-Tenancy, Use Clauses⏎
- P0How specific should my permitted-use clause be?Exclusive Use, Co-Tenancy, Use Clauses⏎
- P0What is a Good Guy Guaranty and why is it the NYC standard?Assignment, Subletting, Personal Guarantees⏎
- P0How do I sunset or reduce my Good Guy Guaranty over time?Assignment, Subletting, Personal Guarantees⏎
- P0How do I add sidewalk seating in NYC under the Dining Out NYC program?NYC-Specific (Loft Law, 421a, Sidewalk Café, Landmarks)⏎
- P0How do I confirm a space can actually get a NYS liquor license before signing?Pre-LOI Site Search & Underwriting⏎
- P0What happens if I stay past lease expiration?Holdover, Surrender, End-of-Term⏎
- P0What condition do I have to leave the space in?Holdover, Surrender, End-of-Term⏎
- P0What are the most common NYC lease traps that hurt operators?Lease Pitfalls & Negotiation Tactics⏎
- P0What kind of attorney should I hire to negotiate my NYC restaurant lease?Lease Pitfalls & Negotiation Tactics⏎
- P1Should I sign an exclusive with a tenant broker?Brokers & Broker Fees⏎
- P1How do I find off-market NYC restaurant spaces that don't show up on LoopNet?Brokers & Broker Fees⏎
- P1How long should the no-shop / exclusivity period be in my LOI?Letter of Intent (LOI)⏎
- P1What are the most common LOI mistakes that cost operators money?Letter of Intent (LOI)⏎
- P1What conditions precedent should I include in the LOI?Letter of Intent (LOI)⏎
- P1What is a porter's wage escalator and should I accept it?Base Rent, Escalations, Caps⏎
- P1Should I take a step-up rent schedule or average rent over the term?Base Rent, Escalations, Caps⏎
- P1How do I structure the real estate tax base year to my advantage?Base Rent, Escalations, Caps⏎
- P1How does percentage rent work in NYC restaurant leases?Percentage Rent & Sales Reporting⏎
- P1What sales-reporting and audit obligations come with percentage rent?Percentage Rent & Sales Reporting⏎
- P1What is a continuous operation covenant and why does it matter for percentage rent?Percentage Rent & Sales Reporting⏎
- P1What construction work qualifies for TI reimbursement?Tenant Improvement Allowance (TI)⏎
- P1How long do I have to spend the TI before I lose it?Tenant Improvement Allowance (TI)⏎
- P1What triggers rent commencement and how should I negotiate it?Free Rent / Concessions / Build Period⏎
- P1Is it better to take free rent or a lower face rent?Free Rent / Concessions / Build Period⏎
- P1What is co-tenancy and when does it matter?Exclusive Use, Co-Tenancy, Use Clauses⏎
- P1What operating-hours and noise restrictions should I expect?Exclusive Use, Co-Tenancy, Use Clauses⏎
- P1Do I need a measured space survey before signing the LOI?Pre-LOI Site Search & Underwriting⏎
- P1How should I structure my right to assign the lease?Assignment, Subletting, Personal Guarantees⏎
- P1When and how should I negotiate sublet rights?Assignment, Subletting, Personal Guarantees⏎
- P1How much security deposit is normal and what form should it take?Assignment, Subletting, Personal Guarantees⏎
- P1What is the NYC Loft Law and does it affect my commercial lease?NYC-Specific (Loft Law, 421a, Sidewalk Café, Landmarks)⏎
- P1What is the 421-a abatement and how does it affect my retail rent?NYC-Specific (Loft Law, 421a, Sidewalk Café, Landmarks)⏎
- P1What does it mean if my building is a Landmark or in a Historic District?NYC-Specific (Loft Law, 421a, Sidewalk Café, Landmarks)⏎
- P1When do I need a DOB Letter of No Objection?NYC-Specific (Loft Law, 421a, Sidewalk Café, Landmarks)⏎
- P1How should I structure renewal options in my lease?Holdover, Surrender, End-of-Term⏎
- P1How do I underwrite the real estate tax pass-through on a NYC commercial lease?Pre-LOI Site Search & Underwriting⏎
- P1What leverage tactics actually work in NYC lease negotiation?Lease Pitfalls & Negotiation Tactics⏎
- P1When should I walk away from a NYC lease deal?Lease Pitfalls & Negotiation Tactics⏎
- P1Why do I need an SNDA from the landlord's lender?Lease Pitfalls & Negotiation Tactics⏎
- P1What insurance does a NYC restaurant lease typically require?Lease Pitfalls & Negotiation Tactics⏎
- P1Who's responsible for HVAC, roof, and structural repairs?Lease Pitfalls & Negotiation Tactics⏎
- P1What default and cure periods should I demand?Lease Pitfalls & Negotiation Tactics⏎
- P1How should force majeure be drafted post-COVID?Lease Pitfalls & Negotiation Tactics⏎
- P1What ADA and egress problems should I check for before LOI?Pre-LOI Site Search & Underwriting⏎
- P2What trade-area data should I pull before signing a NYC restaurant lease?Pre-LOI Site Search & Underwriting⏎
- P2When does the broker actually get paid and how does that affect my deal?Brokers & Broker Fees⏎
- P2Does my broker get paid again when I renew my lease?Brokers & Broker Fees⏎
- P2What does 'as-is' vs. 'vanilla box' delivery mean in a NYC LOI?Letter of Intent (LOI)⏎
- P2What's the difference between triple net (NNN) and modified gross in NYC retail?Base Rent, Escalations, Caps⏎
- P2What is a radius restriction and how should I negotiate it?Percentage Rent & Sales Reporting⏎
- P2Is TI taxable income to me?Tenant Improvement Allowance (TI)⏎
- P2Should I push for landlord work in lieu of TI cash?Tenant Improvement Allowance (TI)⏎
- P2Can the landlord claw back free rent if I default?Free Rent / Concessions / Build Period⏎
- P2Can I close my restaurant temporarily without defaulting?Exclusive Use, Co-Tenancy, Use Clauses⏎
- P2How do I structure a Letter of Credit security deposit?Assignment, Subletting, Personal Guarantees⏎
- P2Should the lease be in my LLC name and what does that protect?Assignment, Subletting, Personal Guarantees⏎
- P2Can my NYS liquor license be assigned with the lease?NYC-Specific (Loft Law, 421a, Sidewalk Café, Landmarks)⏎
- P2What's a BID assessment and who pays it?NYC-Specific (Loft Law, 421a, Sidewalk Café, Landmarks)⏎
- P2Should I demand a right of first refusal on adjacent space?Holdover, Surrender, End-of-Term⏎
- P2Can I negotiate an early termination right?Holdover, Surrender, End-of-Term⏎
- P2How do I check that my landlord is financially solid?Lease Pitfalls & Negotiation Tactics⏎
- P2What is an estoppel certificate and when will I be asked to sign one?Lease Pitfalls & Negotiation Tactics⏎
- P2What's a broker estoppel and why do landlords ask for one?Lease Pitfalls & Negotiation Tactics⏎
- P2Why does the building owner's cap rate matter to my lease negotiation?Pre-LOI Site Search & Underwriting⏎
🥃Liquor License124
Open playbook →- P0What's an on-premise liquor (OP) license vs. on-premise wine + beer (OPW)?License Types⏎
- P0How does one Hotel License cover multiple F&B outlets in the same property?Multi-Unit & Hotels⏎
- P0Do sister restaurants under same ownership share licenses or each get their own?Multi-Unit & Hotels⏎
- P0What's "availing" and why is it the #1 license-killer?Pitfalls⏎
- P0What's the 500-foot rule and how does it gate new on-premise applications?Pre-Application⏎
- P0What happens if an undisclosed owner is found post-licensing?Pitfalls⏎
- P0Can I "borrow" or operate under another's license while mine pends? (No.)Pitfalls⏎
- P0What if my SLA premise diagram doesn't match the as-built DOB plans at inspection?Pitfalls⏎
- P0What age-verification standard does NY SLA require — TIPS, ATAP, ServSafe?Ongoing Compliance⏎
- P0What ID-checking practices keep me in compliance and out of summary-suspension territory?Ongoing Compliance⏎
- P0What incidents must I report to SLA + NYPD (assaults, OD, age violations)?Ongoing Compliance⏎
- P0What's the 500-foot Hearing exception and when does the SLA grant it?Pre-Application⏎
- P0Is server training mandatory in NY for on-premise (since when, what programs)?Ongoing Compliance⏎
- P0What's the 200-foot rule (school + place of worship) and how absolute is it?Pre-Application⏎
- P0How do I check the prior license history at a location before LOI?Pre-Application⏎
- P0What if the prior tenant's license is in pending revocation — does it cripple my app?Pre-Application⏎
- P0How does the CB SLA-committee meeting calendar gate my filing window?Pre-Application⏎
- P0How do CB approval / disapproval / no-position recommendations affect SLA review?Pre-Application⏎
- P0What's a premise diagram and what dimensions must match the DOB Alt-2 plans?Pre-Application⏎
- P0Does the SLA need a fully-signed lease before I can file?Pre-Application⏎
- P0What's the earliest I can file with SLA — at lease, before lease, after permit?Pre-Application⏎
- P0What's the typical NYC on-premise license timeline 2026 (22-26 weeks standard)?Application Process⏎
- P0What's SLA Attorney Self-Certification and how does it compress the timeline?Application Process⏎
- P0Which applications are NOT eligible for Self-Certification?Application Process⏎
- P0What's the SLA Posting Period (30 days) and when does it start?Application Process⏎
- P0What's the 30-day 500-Foot Notice to CB + community + electeds?Application Process⏎
- P0What documents go into a standard on-premise SLA application package?Application Process⏎
- P0What's a Restaurant Wine (RW) license and when is it cheaper than full OP?License Types⏎
- P0What triggers SLA Full Board review (vs Licensing Bureau approval) and what does it add?Application Process⏎
- P0What is the Method of Operation in an SLA application and why is it binding?Method of Operation⏎
- P0How are hours of operation set in the MoO and what's the NYC max?Method of Operation⏎
- P0What food-service standard does an OP license require — full-service kitchen?Method of Operation⏎
- P0How does the MoO classify music (background, recorded, live, DJ, dancing)?Method of Operation⏎
- P0How does the MoO capacity number relate to DOB Place of Assembly capacity?Method of Operation⏎
- P0What happens when I want to change the MoO post-licensing (alteration filing)?Method of Operation⏎
- P0What are SLA stipulations and how are they enforceable?Stipulations & CB⏎
- P0What's a community-board stipulation and why does the CB push for them?Stipulations & CB⏎
- P0What are the most common NYC stipulations operators sign (hours, music, dancing, doors)?Stipulations & CB⏎
- P0How do you negotiate stipulations down at the CB SLA-committee meeting?Stipulations & CB⏎
- P0What's a typical NYC hours stipulation — when does CB push for early closing?Stipulations & CB⏎
- P0What's a Hotel Liquor (HL) license and how does it cover multiple F&B outlets?License Types⏎
- P0What happens if I breach a stipulation — license revocation risk?Stipulations & CB⏎
- P0What's a Temporary On-Premise (TOP) permit and when can I open on it?Temporary Permits⏎
- P0When is a TOP NOT available — what conditions disqualify?Temporary Permits⏎
- P0Can I operate at all between filing and TOP / final license? (Generally no.)Temporary Permits⏎
- P0How often do I renew an OP license (every 2 years for OP)?Renewals & Alterations⏎
- P0How early can I file a renewal — and what if I miss it?Renewals & Alterations⏎
- P0How do I alter the MoO post-licensing (add hours, add dancing, add outdoor)?Renewals & Alterations⏎
- P0How do I file a premise alteration (physical change to bar, expansion, capacity)?Renewals & Alterations⏎
- P0How do I transfer an existing license to a new owner — fast or full new app?Renewals & Alterations⏎
- P0What are the most common SLA violation charges (sale to minor, disorderly, after-hours, hours)?Violations & Enforcement⏎
- P0What's the penalty for a sale-to-minor violation in NY?Violations & Enforcement⏎
- P0What's a "disorderly premises" charge and how is it proven?Violations & Enforcement⏎
- P0What's the enforcement path for breach of a community-board stipulation?Violations & Enforcement⏎
- P0How does an SLA ALJ violation hearing work — who attends, what evidence?Violations & Enforcement⏎
- P0What's a summary suspension under SAPA §401(3) and when does the SLA use it?Violations & Enforcement⏎
- P0What gets a license revoked — and how do I avoid revocation territory?Violations & Enforcement⏎
- P0What's the SLA filing fee for an on-premise license in 2026?Costs & Timelines⏎
- P0What's a typical NYC SLA attorney fee for a new on-premise application (Tier 1 vs Tier 2)?Costs & Timelines⏎
- P0All-in, what does it cost to land a NYC on-premise license in 2026?Costs & Timelines⏎
- P0All-in, how many weeks from start to opening day on a final license?Costs & Timelines⏎
- P0When should I take beer-wine instead of full liquor for cost / approval speed?License Types⏎
- P0How many weeks does Self-Certification save vs standard filing?Costs & Timelines⏎
- P0How do I add a sidewalk cafe / roadway cafe to an existing OP license?Special Situations⏎
- P1How does the SLA license interact with a NYC cabaret license (post-2017 repeal)?License Types⏎
- P1Can a members-only venue use a Club License instead of OP — what's the bona-fide test?Special Situations⏎
- P1What's a concession license arrangement (operator inside another's venue)?Multi-Unit & Hotels⏎
- P1Why does the SLA care about how many licenses one principal holds?Multi-Unit & Hotels⏎
- P1What's a beneficial-interest test and why does it catch silent investors?Pitfalls⏎
- P1What if a principal has a felony conviction — can I still get licensed?Pitfalls⏎
- P1How do unpaid prior SLA fines block a new application?Pitfalls⏎
- P1What if I change the concept after CB stipulations — do they bind me?Pitfalls⏎
- P1What records must I keep on-site (license, MoO, stipulations, employee training)?Ongoing Compliance⏎
- P1How often does SLA / NYPD do compliance inspections — what triggers them?Ongoing Compliance⏎
- P1How do I confirm which of NYC's 59 community boards covers my address?Pre-Application⏎
- P1What's an off-premise license (liquor store / wine shop / grocery beer-wine)?License Types⏎
- P1What's the SLA principal background check process?Application Process⏎
- P1Do principals need to be fingerprinted for SLA? Where + how?Application Process⏎
- P1Who counts as a principal / officer the SLA wants to see disclosed?Application Process⏎
- P1Why does the SLA care about anyone with =10% ownership stake?Application Process⏎
- P1Is the SLA application filed online (eLicensing) or paper, and how has 2024-2026 changed?Application Process⏎
- P1What does the SLA Investigative Bureau actually investigate?Application Process⏎
- P1What's a Tavern (TW) license and when is it different from OP?License Types⏎
- P1When does a venue need to declare dancing in the MoO and what stipulations follow?Method of Operation⏎
- P1How does outdoor seating (sidewalk / roadway cafe) get treated in the MoO?Method of Operation⏎
- P1What music stipulations are typical (no live music, no DJ, no dancing)?Stipulations & CB⏎
- P1What's a closed-windows-and-doors stipulation and how does it affect operations?Stipulations & CB⏎
- P1What outdoor-seating stipulations should I expect (closing time, no music, no dancing)?Stipulations & CB⏎
- P1Do stipulations carry over after a license alteration?Stipulations & CB⏎
- P1How fast can a TOP be issued — same-week, 30 days?Temporary Permits⏎
- P1How does a Catering Permit differ from a TOP + venue license?Temporary Permits⏎
- P1What does a 2-year OP renewal cost in 2026?Renewals & Alterations⏎
- P1How do I file a change in officers / principals at the SLA?Renewals & Alterations⏎
- P1What's a corporate-change application (M&A, restructure, holding-company)?Renewals & Alterations⏎
- P1What's a Catering Permit and when is it cheaper than a venue OP?License Types⏎
- P1What happens if my license lapses for missed renewal?Renewals & Alterations⏎
- P1What's a conditional license and when is it imposed as a remedy?Violations & Enforcement⏎
- P1How does a brewery / distillery / cidery license differ from on-premise?License Types⏎
- P1What's the typical fine schedule for an OP first-time violation?Violations & Enforcement⏎
- P1Can I appeal an ALJ ruling? What's the path?Violations & Enforcement⏎
- P1When does the SLA accept a stipulated settlement instead of full hearing?Violations & Enforcement⏎
- P1What's the filing fee for Restaurant Wine?Costs & Timelines⏎
- P1How much time can a CB disapproval add (Full Board review)?Costs & Timelines⏎
- P1How much time does a 500-Foot Hearing add to a contested application?Costs & Timelines⏎
- P1Is BYOB legal for a NYC restaurant without a license? (Generally no — gray area.)Special Situations⏎
- P1Can I serve liquor at a private wedding without an OP — caterer permit path?Special Situations⏎
- P1How do I serve liquor at a one-night pop-up — temporary permit, host permit?Special Situations⏎
- P2How does in-room minibar / room-service liquor work under a Hotel License?Special Situations⏎
- P2Can a brewery sell direct to consumers on-premise — what privileges?Special Situations⏎
- P2How does centralized purchasing + warehousing across multi-unit operators work?Multi-Unit & Hotels⏎
- P2How do I extend NY operations to NJ / FL — separate state authorities?Multi-Unit & Hotels⏎
- P2Do I have to post my MoO hours visibly — does enforcement check?Ongoing Compliance⏎
- P2Are drink buybacks legal in NY for on-premise? What's the rule?Ongoing Compliance⏎
- P2Does the lease GGG need to be in place before SLA file?Pre-Application⏎
- P2How does the original license get delivered + posted at the venue?Application Process⏎
- P2What does a TOP cost vs a full license?Temporary Permits⏎
- P2What's a Club (CL) license — bona-fide clubs only?License Types⏎
- P2What's an SLA Special Event Permit and when does it work?Temporary Permits⏎
- P2When can I serve beer/wine on a sampling permit at a tasting / pop-up?Temporary Permits⏎
- P2How do I surrender a license cleanly (end of lease, sale, closure)?Renewals & Alterations⏎
- P2What's license cancellation vs revocation and which is worse?Violations & Enforcement⏎
- P2What's a brewpub license and how does it differ from a brewery + restaurant?Special Situations⏎
- P2Can I open a tasting room as an extension of a brewery / distillery?Special Situations⏎
- P2Can a liquor store sell food, and vice versa? What's NY's rule?Special Situations⏎
📜NYC Permits80
Open playbook →- P0What is the DOHMH Food Service Establishment permit and do I really need one before I open?DOHMH Food Service Establishment Permit⏎
- P0What changed with mobile food vending permits under NYC Local Laws 56 and 59 of 2026?Mobile Food Vendor Permits (post-LL 56 & 59 of 2026)⏎
- P0What is the difference between a Mobile Food Vendor License and a Mobile Food Vending Unit Permit?Mobile Food Vendor Permits (post-LL 56 & 59 of 2026)⏎
- P0Do mobile food carts need a commissary, and what does that cost in NYC?Mobile Food Vendor Permits (post-LL 56 & 59 of 2026)⏎
- P0What does the DOHMH pre-permit inspection actually check for?DOHMH Food Service Establishment Permit⏎
- P0When does my venue need an FDNY Place of Assembly permit?FDNY P-99 (Place of Assembly), C-15, E-codes, F-codes⏎
- P0Do I need an FDNY permit for propane patio heaters at my sidewalk café?FDNY P-99 (Place of Assembly), C-15, E-codes, F-codes⏎
- P0When does my venue need an F-60 or F-04 fire guard certificate of fitness?FDNY P-99 (Place of Assembly), C-15, E-codes, F-codes⏎
- P0What are the FDNY rules for kitchen hood fire suppression?FDNY P-99 (Place of Assembly), C-15, E-codes, F-codes⏎
- P0What permits do I need for a one-night pop-up event in a non-assembly space?DOB Temporary Use Permit & Pop-Up Permits⏎
- P0Who needs a NYC Food Protection Certificate and how do I get one?DOHMH Food Service Establishment Permit⏎
- P0Can my contractor pull plumbing permits or do I need a Master Plumber?NYC Plumbing & Gas Permits (Master Plumber required)⏎
- P0How does the DOT roadway dining permit work and what is the 2026 status?DOT Block-Party, Street Closure, Roadway Permits⏎
- P0What is the NYC Business Integrity Commission and why does it regulate restaurant trash?BIC Trade-Waste Registration & Hauler License⏎
- P0How do the new NYC Commercial Waste Zones change how I pick a waste hauler?BIC Trade-Waste Registration & Hauler License⏎
- P0How does the BIC program intersect with NYC food scrap and recycling rules?BIC Trade-Waste Registration & Hauler License⏎
- P0What size grease interceptor does my NYC restaurant need under DEP rules?DEP Grease Interceptor & Plumbing Compliance⏎
- P0How often does my grease interceptor need to be pumped out?DEP Grease Interceptor & Plumbing Compliance⏎
- P0What happens if my DOHMH FSE permit lapses?DOHMH Food Service Establishment Permit⏎
- P0Why does NYC require a Master Plumber license for restaurant plumbing work?DEP Grease Interceptor & Plumbing Compliance⏎
- P0Do gas line work and gas appliance hookups also need a Master Plumber permit?DEP Grease Interceptor & Plumbing Compliance⏎
- P0What's the single most common operator mistake with NYC permits?Pitfalls (expired permits, lapse penalties, OATH tribunal, ECB violations)⏎
- P0What is the OATH tribunal and when do I have to appear?Pitfalls (expired permits, lapse penalties, OATH tribunal, ECB violations)⏎
- P0What happens if I don't pay an ECB judgment?Pitfalls (expired permits, lapse penalties, OATH tribunal, ECB violations)⏎
- P0Did DCWP still issue sidewalk café licenses in 2026, or is that fully under DOT now?DCWP General Vendor & Sidewalk Café (cross-ref Outdoor Dining)⏎
- P1Are there any DCWP-issued licenses my NYC restaurant or bar still needs?DCWP General Vendor & Sidewalk Café (cross-ref Outdoor Dining)⏎
- P1What does a Dining Out NYC sidewalk café actually cost and what are the size rules?DCWP General Vendor & Sidewalk Café (cross-ref Outdoor Dining)⏎
- P1What are the most common enforcement hits on a sidewalk café and what do they cost?DCWP General Vendor & Sidewalk Café (cross-ref Outdoor Dining)⏎
- P1Where can a permitted food cart actually park and vend in Manhattan?Mobile Food Vendor Permits (post-LL 56 & 59 of 2026)⏎
- P1Is renting someone else's mobile food vending permit legal?Mobile Food Vendor Permits (post-LL 56 & 59 of 2026)⏎
- P1Are food trucks and carts permitted under the same DOHMH rules?Mobile Food Vendor Permits (post-LL 56 & 59 of 2026)⏎
- P1What is the FDNY E-01 permit and when do I need it?FDNY P-99 (Place of Assembly), C-15, E-codes, F-codes⏎
- P1How often does FDNY inspect a NYC bar or restaurant and what do they check?FDNY P-99 (Place of Assembly), C-15, E-codes, F-codes⏎
- P1Is there an FDNY threshold for public-address or amplified sound systems separate from a Place of Assembly permit?FDNY P-99 (Place of Assembly), C-15, E-codes, F-codes⏎
- P1What is a DOB Temporary Use Permit and when do I need one?DOB Temporary Use Permit & Pop-Up Permits⏎
- P1How long can a pop-up restaurant operate in NYC under temporary permits before needing a permanent C of O?DOB Temporary Use Permit & Pop-Up Permits⏎
- P1What permits do I need to host a private outdoor event with 300+ guests on rented private property?DOB Temporary Use Permit & Pop-Up Permits⏎
- P1Do I need a permit for a tent over my outdoor event space?DOB Temporary Use Permit & Pop-Up Permits⏎
- P1Do I need a permit to put a sign on the front of my restaurant?DCA Outdoor Advertising / Signage Permits⏎
- P1Can I put a sandwich-board sign on the sidewalk in front of my restaurant?DCA Outdoor Advertising / Signage Permits⏎
- P1What is required to install a new awning over my restaurant entrance?DCA Outdoor Advertising / Signage Permits⏎
- P1How does the DOHMH letter grade inspection actually work and when do I get my first one?DOHMH Food Service Establishment Permit⏎
- P1When does my landlord have to install a sidewalk shed and how does it affect my business?Sidewalk Shed / Scaffold / Construction Permits⏎
- P1What permits do I need for renovations to my open restaurant?Sidewalk Shed / Scaffold / Construction Permits⏎
- P1What is an ACP-5 and why does my plumber keep asking for one?Sidewalk Shed / Scaffold / Construction Permits⏎
- P1What is a DOB Letter of No Objection and when do I need one?Sidewalk Shed / Scaffold / Construction Permits⏎
- P1What egress / exit requirements apply when I add capacity to my bar?Sidewalk Shed / Scaffold / Construction Permits⏎
- P1How does Local Law 154 of 2021 affect gas permits at my restaurant?NYC Plumbing & Gas Permits (Master Plumber required)⏎
- P1Does my DOHMH FSE permit cover sidewalk seating or do I need a separate food permit for outside?DOHMH Food Service Establishment Permit⏎
- P1Do I need a backflow preventer at my restaurant water service?NYC Plumbing & Gas Permits (Master Plumber required)⏎
- P1Do I need to test for Legionella at my restaurant or hotel?NYC Plumbing & Gas Permits (Master Plumber required)⏎
- P1How do I get a permit for a block party in front of my bar?DOT Block-Party, Street Closure, Roadway Permits⏎
- P1I have a brick-and-mortar restaurant — do I also need a mobile food vendor permit if I want to do sidewalk pop-up service from a cart out front?DOHMH Food Service Establishment Permit⏎
- P1Does my restaurant itself need to register with BIC, or just the hauler?BIC Trade-Waste Registration & Hauler License⏎
- P1How often do BIC trade-waste licenses renew and what does my restaurant need to verify?BIC Trade-Waste Registration & Hauler License⏎
- P1How do I audit my BIC waste hauler's billing for compliance?BIC Trade-Waste Registration & Hauler License⏎
- P1What is the NYC DEP sewer surcharge and how do I avoid it?DEP Grease Interceptor & Plumbing Compliance⏎
- P1Do I need backflow prevention devices on my restaurant's water lines?DEP Grease Interceptor & Plumbing Compliance⏎
- P1How do I successfully defend or mitigate a NYC OATH-ECB violation?Pitfalls (expired permits, lapse penalties, OATH tribunal, ECB violations)⏎
- P1How do ECB violations affect my DOH letter grade or other certifications?Pitfalls (expired permits, lapse penalties, OATH tribunal, ECB violations)⏎
- P1What do I do if a critical permit (DOHMH or FDNY) has already lapsed?Pitfalls (expired permits, lapse penalties, OATH tribunal, ECB violations)⏎
- P2Can I run a holiday merch table on the sidewalk in front of my bar in December without a separate license?DCWP General Vendor & Sidewalk Café (cross-ref Outdoor Dining)⏎
- P2Are there any DOHMH mobile vending permits available outside the cap?Mobile Food Vendor Permits (post-LL 56 & 59 of 2026)⏎
- P2What is a SAPO permit and when do I need one?DOB Temporary Use Permit & Pop-Up Permits⏎
- P2What is the DOB Outdoor Advertising Company registration and does it apply to my restaurant?DCA Outdoor Advertising / Signage Permits⏎
- P2Are there special rules for illuminated or LED signs at my bar?DCA Outdoor Advertising / Signage Permits⏎
- P2Do I need a permit for signs in my window or painted on the inside of the storefront glass?DCA Outdoor Advertising / Signage Permits⏎
- P2I just bought a restaurant with an old unpermitted sign — what is my exposure?DCA Outdoor Advertising / Signage Permits⏎
- P2What is a scaffold license in NYC and who needs it?Sidewalk Shed / Scaffold / Construction Permits⏎
- P2Can my landlord do construction at night above my restaurant without a permit?Sidewalk Shed / Scaffold / Construction Permits⏎
- P2How do I get a DEP water account set up for a new restaurant?NYC Plumbing & Gas Permits (Master Plumber required)⏎
- P2What plumbing permits and standards apply to a commercial dishwasher install?NYC Plumbing & Gas Permits (Master Plumber required)⏎
- P2Do I need a permit to add a valet drop-off zone or curb cut at my restaurant?DOT Block-Party, Street Closure, Roadway Permits⏎
- P2Can I get a loading zone or commercial parking spot in front of my restaurant?DOT Block-Party, Street Closure, Roadway Permits⏎
- P2Who is responsible for sidewalk repair in front of my restaurant?DOT Block-Party, Street Closure, Roadway Permits⏎
- P2Do I need a permit to film a commercial or social-media shoot in front of my restaurant?DOT Block-Party, Street Closure, Roadway Permits⏎
- P2What permits apply to restaurants on Open Streets corridors or pedestrian plazas?DOT Block-Party, Street Closure, Roadway Permits⏎
- P2How do I switch BIC trade-waste haulers without disrupting service?BIC Trade-Waste Registration & Hauler License⏎
- P2What does the DCWP General Vendor License actually cover and do restaurants need one?DCWP General Vendor & Sidewalk Café (cross-ref Outdoor Dining)⏎
- P2When does it make sense to hire a permit expediter to manage NYC permits?Pitfalls (expired permits, lapse penalties, OATH tribunal, ECB violations)⏎
👥Hiring & Staff99
Open playbook →- P0What does a NYC hospitality General Manager actually do — what scope is non-negotiable?Roles & Org⏎
- P0What is the NYS Wage Theft Prevention Act (WTPA) and what notices must I give?NY Labor Law⏎
- P0When must I give a §195.1 wage notice — at hire, at change?NY Labor Law⏎
- P0What does NYC Earned Safe and Sick Time Act (ESSTA) require — accrual + cap?NY Labor Law⏎
- P0How does NY Paid Family Leave (PFL) work — who pays + how do I administer?NY Labor Law⏎
- P0What's mandatory NY annual sexual harassment training — when, what platform, who?NY Labor Law⏎
- P0What's the NYC pay transparency law (LL 32 of 2022) — must job posts include salary range?NY Labor Law⏎
- P0What's the 2026 NYC minimum wage and the upcoming schedule (NY Labor Law §652)?Wage & Hour⏎
- P0What's the NYC tip credit for food-service workers in 2026 — math + risks?Wage & Hour⏎
- P0How is overtime calculated for tipped + non-tipped + salaried staff?Wage & Hour⏎
- P0What's NYS spread-of-hours pay (10+ hour day) and when do I owe it?Wage & Hour⏎
- P0How do I classify a salaried manager as exempt vs non-exempt under FLSA + NY?Wage & Hour⏎
- P0What's "off-the-clock" work and how do I prevent class-action exposure?Wage & Hour⏎
- P0What makes a valid tip pool in NYC — who can be in it, who can't (managers)?Tips & Service⏎
- P0What's a mandatory service charge and how does it differ from a tip legally?Tips & Service⏎
- P0What hospitality lawsuits are most common right now — which ones should I model around?Tips & Service⏎
- P0What's the most efficient NYC sourcing channel for line cooks vs servers vs managers?Hiring Process⏎
- P0What goes in a NY-compliant restaurant job posting (LL 32 pay range, EEO, ADA)?Hiring Process⏎
- P0What's a working interview / trail and how do I keep it WTPA-compliant?Hiring Process⏎
- P0What can I background-check legally in NYC (Fair Chance Act, credit bans)?Hiring Process⏎
- P0What goes in a NY-compliant offer letter (at-will, WTPA notice, deductions)?Hiring Process⏎
- P0What's the Executive Chef role + scope vs Sous vs Chef de Cuisine?Roles & Org⏎
- P0What's I-9 verification — when must I complete it + how do I avoid liability?Onboarding⏎
- P0What tax forms must I get on day 1 (federal W-4, NY IT-2104)?Onboarding⏎
- P0When must I give the WTPA wage notice (before first day)?Onboarding⏎
- P0What's a day-1 training checklist — venue safety, allergens, harassment, ID-checking?Onboarding⏎
- P0What's the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council Local 6 (HTC) and which NYC hotels?Unions / HTC⏎
- P0How should a 3,000-sf restaurant kitchen org chart actually look (Exec / Sous / line / prep / dish)?Roles & Org⏎
- P0NY hospitality default — weekly vs bi-weekly payroll for manual workers?Pay & Payroll⏎
- P0How should a FOH org chart look (servers, bartenders, bussers, hosts, runners, sommelier)?Roles & Org⏎
- P0How fast must I pay a fired NY employee their final paycheck?Pay & Payroll⏎
- P0How do I investigate a harassment complaint — who, what records, what NOT to say?Discipline⏎
- P0Is NY truly at-will — what carve-outs (just cause, retaliation, discrimination)?Termination⏎
- P0What's the difference for unemployment + WARN purposes?Termination⏎
- P0NY final-wages rule for fired vs quit (next regular payday)?Termination⏎
- P0When + how do I do the mandatory annual harassment training (NY §201-g + NYC §8-107)?Compliance⏎
- P0Who needs the NYC Food Handler certificate (Article 81 §81.51)?Compliance⏎
- P0When are ServSafe / TIPS / ATAP needed — NY mandate vs operator preference?Compliance⏎
- P0What's the #1 NYC hospitality wage-and-hour exposure (independent contractor vs employee)?Pitfalls⏎
- P0Why is off-the-clock prep / closing the most-litigated hospitality wage claim?Pitfalls⏎
- P0What tip-pool errors trigger class-action lawsuits in NY?Pitfalls⏎
- P0Why does putting a manager in the tip pool void the credit + the pool?Pitfalls⏎
- P0When does paying salary instead of hourly trigger overtime exposure?Pitfalls⏎
- P0How do I keep a working interview from being unpaid-labor liability?Pitfalls⏎
- P0Why does paying cash off-the-books expose me to felony charges in NY?Pitfalls⏎
- P0Why is the spread-of-hours rule the most-missed NY pay obligation for tipped staff?Pitfalls⏎
- P1When is hiring an Executive Recruiter — Hospitality worth the fee?Roles & Org⏎
- P1How does NYC Admin Code §22-507 add to WTPA — Fast Food Worker / Just Cause overlap?NY Labor Law⏎
- P1What's NYC Fast Food Just Cause + does it apply to my non-fast-food restaurant?NY Labor Law⏎
- P1What's NYC Fair Workweek (predictive scheduling) and which industries does it cover?NY Labor Law⏎
- P1When does a venue need an Assistant General Manager vs scaling the GM role?Roles & Org⏎
- P1What's the NY salary-history ban and how does it shape interviews?NY Labor Law⏎
- P1What payroll + scheduling records must I retain for NY DOL — how long?NY Labor Law⏎
- P1What's NYS call-in pay and when must I pay an hour for a no-show shift?Wage & Hour⏎
- P1What does a FOH Manager own that the GM should NOT do daily?Roles & Org⏎
- P1Does NYS require a meal break — when, how long, paid or unpaid?Wage & Hour⏎
- P1What's the difference between tip pool, tip share, and tip-out — which to pick?Tips & Service⏎
- P1When does an auto-gratuity become a service charge for tax + tip-credit purposes?Tips & Service⏎
- P1How fast must I pay out credit-card tips — same shift, next pay period?Tips & Service⏎
- P1What's the 2026-03-04 Reuters CMS sommelier lawsuit and what does it tell me?Tips & Service⏎
- P1What's a typical NYC restaurant tip-pool math (server / busser / barback / runner)?Tips & Service⏎
- P1What's a Bar Manager / Beverage Director and when do you split that role from FOH Mgr?Roles & Org⏎
- P1What's a structured-interview template for FOH vs BOH vs management?Hiring Process⏎
- P1Can I drug-test NYC hospitality applicants in 2026 — cannabis carve-outs?Hiring Process⏎
- P1Are non-competes enforceable for hospitality staff in NY (post-FTC ban + S4641A)?Hiring Process⏎
- P1Can I require direct deposit in NY — what consent forms?Onboarding⏎
- P1What must a NY hospitality handbook cover — at minimum?Onboarding⏎
- P1What posters/notices must be posted at the venue (NYC + NYS + federal)?Onboarding⏎
- P1Which roles in a unionized hotel are HTC-covered — F&B, BOH, FOH?Unions / HTC⏎
- P1What's the HTC IWA contract expiry June 30 2026 and what should I model around it?Unions / HTC⏎
- P1Who are the right payroll providers for a 30-50 person NYC restaurant (Gusto, ADP, Paylocity, Toast)?Pay & Payroll⏎
- P1How does the payroll provider handle tip pooling + service-charge taxation?Pay & Payroll⏎
- P1What's a NY-defensible written warning template for hospitality?Discipline⏎
- P1What's a Performance Improvement Plan structure for a slipping line cook / server?Discipline⏎
- P1What documentation should a manager keep on every staffer to survive a NY DOL audit?Discipline⏎
- P1When does NYS WARN trigger (50 employees / 25% workforce / 33 layoff)?Termination⏎
- P1When should I pay severance + what release language is enforceable in NY?Termination⏎
- P1How does a venue staff a door (security guard vs bouncer vs doorman vs host)?Roles & Org⏎
- P1How do I respond to a NYS Department of Labor unemployment claim?Termination⏎
- P1What allergen training does NYC require + how often?Compliance⏎
- P1What's the annual HR/payroll audit checklist for a NYC hospitality operator?Compliance⏎
- P1When do you add an Event & Catering Manager and what does the role own?Roles & Org⏎
- P1When is hiring an "independent" chef / consultant actually misclassification?Pitfalls⏎
- P1What counts as retaliation in NY — and why is it the easiest claim to lose?Pitfalls⏎
- P2What's the NYC lactation room rule + NYS Nursing Mothers in the Workplace Act?NY Labor Law⏎
- P2When do I owe uniform-maintenance pay vs requiring staff to launder?Wage & Hour⏎
- P2How does the 7-minute rounding rule work for clock-in / clock-out?Wage & Hour⏎
- P2How do I check references without violating NYC discrimination law?Hiring Process⏎
- P2What NDA terms hold up for chefs, GMs, sommeliers leaving for competitors?Hiring Process⏎
- P2Are NYC restaurant BOH employees typically unionized — exceptions?Unions / HTC⏎
- P2How does IATSE Local 4 (BAM) overlap with hospitality entertainment / theatrical roles?Unions / HTC⏎
- P2What's AGVA AFL-CIO and when does it bind nightclub performer / drag scope?Unions / HTC⏎
- P2What's IRS Form 8027 (employer-reported tips) and does NYC require it?Pay & Payroll⏎
- P2How do I reimburse ServSafe / TIPS / NYC Food Handler certs without taxable-income hassle?Pay & Payroll⏎
- P2Is severance taxed differently from regular wages — NY rules?Pay & Payroll⏎
- P2Who pays for COBRA continuation health and how does that interact with NY mini-COBRA?Termination⏎
- P2What can I say about a former employee — neutral reference policy?Termination⏎
- P2When is CPR / First Aid certification mandatory for NYC hospitality?Compliance⏎
- P2Are NYC venues required to do active-shooter / emergency drills?Compliance⏎
📒Finance80
Open playbook →- P0What chart of accounts should I set up on day one for a NYC restaurant or bar?Chart of Accounts & Bookkeeping Setup⏎
- P0How do I book the month-end inventory adjustment?Monthly Close Workflow⏎
- P0How does sales tax get reconciled in the monthly close?Monthly Close Workflow⏎
- P0What does a properly formatted restaurant P&L look like?P&L Analysis & Operator Benchmarks⏎
- P0What prime cost should I be targeting in NYC?P&L Analysis & Operator Benchmarks⏎
- P0QuickBooks Online vs Restaurant365 vs Xero — which should I use?Chart of Accounts & Bookkeeping Setup⏎
- P0What food cost percentage should I target in a NYC full-service restaurant?COGS, Prime Cost, Pour Cost⏎
- P0What's a healthy pour cost for liquor, beer, and wine?COGS, Prime Cost, Pour Cost⏎
- P0Can I run prime cost weekly instead of monthly?COGS, Prime Cost, Pour Cost⏎
- P0What sales tax rate do I charge in NYC and what's actually taxable?Sales Tax (NYS DTF) Filing & Compliance⏎
- P0How often do I file NYS sales tax — monthly, quarterly, or annually?Sales Tax (NYS DTF) Filing & Compliance⏎
- P0What happens if I file or pay sales tax late?Sales Tax (NYS DTF) Filing & Compliance⏎
- P0Which payroll provider should I use for a NYC restaurant?Payroll Tax & W-2 / 1099 Workflow⏎
- P0What's the tipped minimum wage in NYC and how does the tip credit work?Payroll Tax & W-2 / 1099 Workflow⏎
- P0What is spread of hours pay and when do I owe it?Payroll Tax & W-2 / 1099 Workflow⏎
- P0Can I pay any restaurant staff as 1099 contractors?Payroll Tax & W-2 / 1099 Workflow⏎
- P0Do I need workers' compensation insurance and what does it cost in NYC?Payroll Tax & W-2 / 1099 Workflow⏎
- P0What's the right cadence for cash flow forecasting?Cash Management & Banking⏎
- P0What gets capitalized vs expensed?CapEx vs OpEx & Depreciation⏎
- P0How do tips flow through the books — are they revenue or pass-through?Chart of Accounts & Bookkeeping Setup⏎
- P0When should I open a line of credit and how big should it be?Lender Relationships & Lines of Credit⏎
- P0Why are merchant cash advances dangerous and how do I avoid them?Lender Relationships & Lines of Credit⏎
- P0Do I need a CPA or just a bookkeeper for a single-location NYC restaurant?Accountant / CPA / Bookkeeper Selection⏎
- P0What year-end tax planning steps should I take before December 31?Tax Planning & Year-End⏎
- P0What are the most common cash theft patterns in NYC restaurants?Common Finance Pitfalls (theft, comps, voids, undeposited cash)⏎
- P0What controls should I put on comps and voids?Common Finance Pitfalls (theft, comps, voids, undeposited cash)⏎
- P0What's the right way to handle undeposited cash to prevent fraud?Common Finance Pitfalls (theft, comps, voids, undeposited cash)⏎
- P0What does a clean monthly close look like and when should it be done by?Monthly Close Workflow⏎
- P1How do I accrue for the partial pay period that crosses month-end?Monthly Close Workflow⏎
- P1How do I handle vendor invoices that come in after month-end but for prior-month purchases?Monthly Close Workflow⏎
- P1How do I handle gift cards on the books?Monthly Close Workflow⏎
- P1What's a healthy occupancy cost percentage in NYC?P&L Analysis & Operator Benchmarks⏎
- P1How do I tell whether a bad month is a real problem or just noise?P&L Analysis & Operator Benchmarks⏎
- P1What's the right FOH vs BOH labor ratio?P&L Analysis & Operator Benchmarks⏎
- P1How do I calculate theoretical food cost and use it to find variance?COGS, Prime Cost, Pour Cost⏎
- P1How do I use the P&L to price menu items?COGS, Prime Cost, Pour Cost⏎
- P1How do I track and account for kitchen waste, spoilage, and family meal?COGS, Prime Cost, Pour Cost⏎
- P1Should delivery commissions count as COGS or marketing?COGS, Prime Cost, Pour Cost⏎
- P1Should I run my books on cash or accrual basis?Chart of Accounts & Bookkeeping Setup⏎
- P1How should comps and promotional discounts hit the P&L?COGS, Prime Cost, Pour Cost⏎
- P1What triggers a NYS sales tax audit and how do I prepare?Sales Tax (NYS DTF) Filing & Compliance⏎
- P1How do I handle sales tax on catering and off-premise events?Sales Tax (NYS DTF) Filing & Compliance⏎
- P1What's a resale certificate and when do I use it?Sales Tax (NYS DTF) Filing & Compliance⏎
- P1How should I structure classes or locations if I have multiple revenue centers?Chart of Accounts & Bookkeeping Setup⏎
- P1What's the all-in employer payroll tax burden in NYC?Payroll Tax & W-2 / 1099 Workflow⏎
- P1Do I have to file IRS Form 8027 and what about tip allocation?Payroll Tax & W-2 / 1099 Workflow⏎
- P1Which bank should I use for a NYC restaurant operating account?Cash Management & Banking⏎
- P1How many bank accounts should I have and how should they be structured?Cash Management & Banking⏎
- P1How do I handle cash deposits and what's the right control flow?Cash Management & Banking⏎
- P1What credit card processing fees should I be paying and how do I lower them?Cash Management & Banking⏎
- P1What opening balance entries do I need to book on day one?Chart of Accounts & Bookkeeping Setup⏎
- P1What depreciation lives apply to restaurant assets?CapEx vs OpEx & Depreciation⏎
- P1How do I tell the difference between a repair (expense) and an improvement (capitalize)?CapEx vs OpEx & Depreciation⏎
- P1Should I lease or buy kitchen equipment?CapEx vs OpEx & Depreciation⏎
- P1How do I account for a tenant improvement (TI) allowance from the landlord?CapEx vs OpEx & Depreciation⏎
- P1Is an SBA loan a good fit for a NYC restaurant?Lender Relationships & Lines of Credit⏎
- P1Can I avoid a personal guarantee on a restaurant loan?Lender Relationships & Lines of Credit⏎
- P1What loan covenants should I expect and how do I stay in compliance?Lender Relationships & Lines of Credit⏎
- P1What documents will a lender ask for when I apply for a loan?Lender Relationships & Lines of Credit⏎
- P1How do I vet a CPA for restaurant industry experience?Accountant / CPA / Bookkeeper Selection⏎
- P1How often should the books be reconciled and updated?Chart of Accounts & Bookkeeping Setup⏎
- P1S-corp, LLC, partnership, or C-corp — what's the right entity structure for a NYC restaurant?Tax Planning & Year-End⏎
- P1How do I handle quarterly estimated taxes for a pass-through restaurant entity?Tax Planning & Year-End⏎
- P1What's a reasonable compensation level for a restaurant owner-operator on S-corp?Tax Planning & Year-End⏎
- P1How do I prevent vendor fraud and false invoicing?Common Finance Pitfalls (theft, comps, voids, undeposited cash)⏎
- P1Do I need to import every POS transaction or just a daily summary?Chart of Accounts & Bookkeeping Setup⏎
- P2What revenue per seat or per square foot should I target?P&L Analysis & Operator Benchmarks⏎
- P2Should I run perpetual inventory on liquor?COGS, Prime Cost, Pour Cost⏎
- P2How do I negotiate better COGS through vendor contracts and rebates?COGS, Prime Cost, Pour Cost⏎
- P2Is there a discount for filing sales tax on time?Sales Tax (NYS DTF) Filing & Compliance⏎
- P2What's the FICA tip credit and how do I claim it?Payroll Tax & W-2 / 1099 Workflow⏎
- P2Why does my processor hold a reserve and can I get it back?Cash Management & Banking⏎
- P2Should I do a cost segregation study on my build-out?CapEx vs OpEx & Depreciation⏎
- P2What happens to depreciation if I close the location before assets are fully depreciated?CapEx vs OpEx & Depreciation⏎
- P2What does a clean fixed asset register look like?CapEx vs OpEx & Depreciation⏎
- P2How do I handle smallwares — capitalize or expense?CapEx vs OpEx & Depreciation⏎
- P2When should I refinance and what's the typical pickup?Lender Relationships & Lines of Credit⏎
- P2When should I hire an in-house accountant or CFO instead of outsourcing?Accountant / CPA / Bookkeeper Selection⏎
- P2What should be in my engagement letter with a CPA or bookkeeper?Accountant / CPA / Bookkeeper Selection⏎
- P2What are the early warning signs that something is going wrong financially?Common Finance Pitfalls (theft, comps, voids, undeposited cash)⏎
🛡️Insurance67
Open playbook →- P0What's commercial general liability (CGL) and what does it actually cover?GL + Liquor⏎
- P0NY DBL + PFL — premiums, how administered?Workers + Employment⏎
- P0What's Employment Practices Liability Insurance and when do I need it?Workers + Employment⏎
- P0What hospitality EPLI claims are most common (harassment, wage, discrimination)?Workers + Employment⏎
- P0What does commercial property cover — building, equipment, FFE?Property + BI⏎
- P0What's business interruption coverage + how is the trigger defined?Property + BI⏎
- P0How is the BI period calculated — 6 months, 12 months, until reopening?Property + BI⏎
- P0What GL limits should a NYC restaurant carry (per occurrence + aggregate)?GL + Liquor⏎
- P0How do I cover one-off events — TPA + special-event policy + host liquor?Special Risks⏎
- P0Do I need a hospitality-specialty broker or generic — what to pay?Buying + Brokers⏎
- P0What's liquor-liability (dram shop) coverage — and what limits in NYC?GL + Liquor⏎
- P0What's the all-in NYC restaurant insurance budget — % of revenue?Buying + Brokers⏎
- P0When do I report a claim — same day, 7 days, end of month?Claims⏎
- P0What documentation must I capture at incident (photos, witnesses, manager log)?Claims⏎
- P0I just got sued — first 72 hours, what do I do (and not do)?Claims⏎
- P0How does NYS Dram Shop Act §11-101 expose me — what the policy must match?GL + Liquor⏎
- P0When does a NYC restaurant retain general counsel — concept, lease, post-open?Legal Counsel⏎
- P0Top NYC hospitality GC firms — Helbraun Levey, Davidoff Hutcher, Pesetsky?Legal Counsel⏎
- P0NYC restaurant — LLC vs S-Corp vs C-Corp?Entity Structure⏎
- P0How does the GGG + LL 1932-A interact with the LLC liability shield?Entity Structure⏎
- P0How do I write a NY-defensible IC agreement — DJ, photographer, consultant?Contracts⏎
- P0What's the #1 NYC hospitality underinsurance mistake?Pitfalls⏎
- P0Why is skipping EPLI a $250K+ mistake in NYC?Pitfalls⏎
- P0Why does a "late notice" of claim void coverage in NY?Pitfalls⏎
- P0Why does not collecting subcontractor COIs become MY problem?Pitfalls⏎
- P0How does insufficient liquor-liability limits crater the operator personally?Pitfalls⏎
- P0Why does NOT structuring as an LLC + W-2 the founders create personal exposure?Pitfalls⏎
- P0NYS workers comp — who must carry, what code class, typical NYC restaurant cost?Workers + Employment⏎
- P1Does EPLI cover wage-and-hour class actions — usually NO, why?Workers + Employment⏎
- P1What's cyber-liability coverage and what's the trigger event?Workers + Employment⏎
- P1What's civil-authority extension — does it cover Mamdani / DOT permit denials?Property + BI⏎
- P1When do I need separate wind / flood riders in NYC?Property + BI⏎
- P1Does sidewalk cafe / roadway cafe coverage attach automatically or need a rider?Special Risks⏎
- P1When do I need a special endorsement for live music / DJ / dancing?Special Risks⏎
- P1BYOB / host-liquor events — what coverage gaps does my GL leave?Special Risks⏎
- P1Which carriers underwrite NYC hospitality (Hartford, Liberty Mutual, Tokio, Berkley)?Buying + Brokers⏎
- P1How many quotes should I get + what timeline pre-opening?Buying + Brokers⏎
- P1What's the workers-comp premium audit + how do I survive year 1 reconciliation?Buying + Brokers⏎
- P1How do I renew without 30%+ rate hikes — strategy, market shop?Buying + Brokers⏎
- P1How does a typical NYC slip-and-fall claim play out — week 1 to year 2?Claims⏎
- P1What's a typical hospitality GC retainer — monthly or hourly cap?Legal Counsel⏎
- P1Lease attorney vs business attorney — when do they overlap?Legal Counsel⏎
- P1SLA attorney as separate counsel — same firm, separate firm?Legal Counsel⏎
- P1When do I need a separate NY employment attorney vs GC?Legal Counsel⏎
- P1NY does NOT have Series LLC — what's the multi-unit structure to use?Entity Structure⏎
- P1When do I need an Assault & Battery rider — and for which venue types?GL + Liquor⏎
- P1When does a holdco / operating-co structure make sense?Entity Structure⏎
- P1What lets a creditor "pierce the LLC veil" in NY?Entity Structure⏎
- P1What are the must-have terms in every vendor contract (insurance, indemnity, term)?Contracts⏎
- P1What's the AIA A101 / A102 / A103 split — and when does each fit?Contracts⏎
- P1When do I move from offer letter to formal employment contract — chef, GM?Contracts⏎
- P1When does a partnership need a buy-sell + life-insurance funding?Contracts⏎
- P1How does premises liability differ from product liability and operations liability?GL + Liquor⏎
- P1Why does outdoor seating without a specific rider void coverage?Pitfalls⏎
- P1Why does the year-1 workers-comp audit shock most NYC operators?Pitfalls⏎
- P1Off-site catering — does my GL cover it or do I need a separate rider?GL + Liquor⏎
- P1How do I issue a COI to a landlord / event client / vendor — what details matter?GL + Liquor⏎
- P2Do I need Directors and Officers (D&O) for a NYC LLC restaurant?Workers + Employment⏎
- P2Equipment breakdown vs property — what's the gap?Property + BI⏎
- P2Garage-keepers liability — when does my valet need separate coverage?Special Risks⏎
- P2How does my kitchen cooking exposure (deep fryer) affect premium tiers?Special Risks⏎
- P2How do I work with an adjuster vs hiring my own public adjuster?Claims⏎
- P2What's subrogation and when does my carrier go after a third party?Claims⏎
- P2When does an IP attorney enter — trademark, recipe IP, brand?Legal Counsel⏎
- P2What's a typical litigation pathway in NY for hospitality cases?Legal Counsel⏎
- P2Who are the officers of record + what does that expose them to?Entity Structure⏎
- P2What hospitality NDA terms hold up in NY?Contracts⏎
📣Marketing83
Open playbook →- P0What goes into a NYC hospitality brand identity package — logo, palette, type, tone?Brand Foundation⏎
- P0What's on a coming-soon landing page for a NYC venue + when do I launch it?Pre-Launch⏎
- P0When do I open Resy / OpenTable / Tock pre-launch — and which platform?Pre-Launch⏎
- P0What's the right friends-and-family launch sequence (3 nights, who, free)?Pre-Launch⏎
- P0Soft launch — paid covers but no marketing — how long should it run?Pre-Launch⏎
- P0When do I hire a NYC hospitality PR firm — retainer model + what to pay?PR & Media⏎
- P0Who are the must-pitch NYC media (NYT, Eater, Resy, Time Out, Grub Street)?PR & Media⏎
- P0What's the IG strategy split for a NYC restaurant — Reels vs grid vs Stories?Social⏎
- P0When does TikTok matter for a NYC restaurant + what's the food-content playbook?Social⏎
- P0When do I hire an in-house Social Media Manager vs agency vs freelancer?Social⏎
- P0How do I name a NYC restaurant — trademark search, domain, social handles?Brand Foundation⏎
- P0How much content does a NYC venue need per week — what's the volume baseline?Content⏎
- P0What's the NYC influencer comp policy — free meals, gift bags, FTC disclosure?Influencer⏎
- P0What FTC disclosure rules apply to influencer posts — what failures get me sued?Influencer⏎
- P0What's a typical NYC branding budget (boutique, mid, big-firm)?Brand Foundation⏎
- P0What's the right Meta (FB/IG) ad spend for a NYC launch — week 1 vs Year 1?Paid Media⏎
- P0What's the launch-event playbook — guest list, comp policy, content capture?Events⏎
- P0What does a NYC restaurant website actually need — homepage, menu, reservations, contact?SEO + Web⏎
- P0Google Business Profile + reviews — what's the playbook for NYC?SEO + Web⏎
- P0Which platform for NYC — Resy vs OpenTable vs Tock vs SevenRooms?Reservations⏎
- P0What cover-counts should a NYC restaurant target weeks 1-12?Reservations⏎
- P0When do I hire a brand photographer + what shot list (interiors, food, drinks, talent)?Brand Foundation⏎
- P0What's a typical Year 1 marketing budget for a NYC restaurant — % of revenue?Budget & KPIs⏎
- P0What's a healthy customer-acquisition cost (CAC) for NYC hospitality?Budget & KPIs⏎
- P0Why is hiring a Marketing Director too late the #1 NYC launch failure?Pitfalls⏎
- P0Why does heavy Groupon / discounting kill a NYC restaurant within 6 months?Pitfalls⏎
- P0What's a 12-week pre-launch marketing timeline for a NYC restaurant?Pre-Launch⏎
- P1How do I build an email list pre-launch — typical NYC venue gets how many sign-ups?Pre-Launch⏎
- P1When do I host a press preview vs after opening?Pre-Launch⏎
- P1Pre-launch influencer seeding — how many, which tier, comp policy?Pre-Launch⏎
- P1Who are the top NYC hospitality PR firms (Bullfrog, Wagstaff, Magrino, etc.)?PR & Media⏎
- P1What's a launch-press release template + when do I send it?PR & Media⏎
- P1What's the difference between a concept and a brand — and when do I lock each?Brand Foundation⏎
- P1When do I use an embargo vs let press visit organically?PR & Media⏎
- P1What gets a NYC restaurant on Eater's "Heatmap" / "Most Anticipated"?PR & Media⏎
- P1How often should I post on each platform — IG, TikTok, X, LinkedIn?Social⏎
- P1How do I structure user-generated-content reposts legally + on-brand?Social⏎
- P1When do I hire a Content Creator vs Photographer vs Videographer?Content⏎
- P1NYC content-creator rates 2026 (per shift, per day, per quarter)?Content⏎
- P1Why do behind-the-scenes / chef-day-in-the-life beat polished food shots?Content⏎
- P1What's the anatomy of a Reel that gets 1M+ views for a NYC restaurant?Content⏎
- P1How do I tier influencers (Tier 1 = 1M+, Tier 2 = 100K-1M, Tier 3 = 10K-100K)?Influencer⏎
- P1When do I file a USPTO trademark for a NYC restaurant — Class 43 timing + cost?Brand Foundation⏎
- P1Who are the hospitality-tier NYC influencers worth comping (Infatuation, Pete Wells substack, NY Mag)?Influencer⏎
- P1When do I lock down a brand ambassador (paid) vs ad-hoc influencer comps?Influencer⏎
- P1Which email platform for a NYC restaurant — Mailchimp, Klaviyo, Resy CRM, Toast?Email + CRM⏎
- P1How do I grow a hospitality email list to 10K — Resy capture, in-venue, social?Email + CRM⏎
- P1Are TikTok ads worth it for a NYC restaurant — when, what budget?Paid Media⏎
- P1Google Search vs Display vs YouTube — which works for hospitality?Paid Media⏎
- P1When does Times Square / billboard / transit advertising pay back for NYC?Paid Media⏎
- P1When do I host an industry-only night for hospitality peers — frequency, ROI?Events⏎
- P1How do I partner with a liquor brand for a sponsored event — what to expect?Events⏎
- P1What goes in a brand book / style guide and when does the GM need one?Brand Foundation⏎
- P1When does a pop-up at another venue make sense — pre-launch + post-launch?Events⏎
- P1What's a press-dinner format that gets coverage vs feels like a flop?Events⏎
- P1What's the on-page SEO checklist for a NYC restaurant homepage?SEO + Web⏎
- P1How do I drive Google reviews ethically (NOT incentivized)?SEO + Web⏎
- P1How do I reduce no-shows — credit-card hold, prepaid, deposit?Reservations⏎
- P1What walk-in % should I target — and how do I balance reservations + walk-ins?Reservations⏎
- P1What's a typical NYC restaurant customer LTV — repeat-rate math?Budget & KPIs⏎
- P1How do I attribute a cover back to source (PR / social / Google / referral)?Budget & KPIs⏎
- P1What's a weekly KPI dashboard for marketing in a NYC restaurant?Budget & KPIs⏎
- P1Why is a PR firm NOT a marketing strategy on its own?Pitfalls⏎
- P1When does heavy influencer comping start hurting the brand?Pitfalls⏎
- P1How do I lock down brand voice + copy for menus, web, social?Brand Foundation⏎
- P1Why does posting 1×/week on IG kill momentum — what's the floor?Pitfalls⏎
- P2When does a NYC restaurant become eligible for a Michelin Bib / star?PR & Media⏎
- P2When do I split trade media (Restaurant Hospitality, Nightclub & Bar) from consumer?PR & Media⏎
- P2What hashtags drive NYC restaurant discovery in 2026 — #NYCrestaurants, #infatuation?Social⏎
- P2How do I optimize Instagram location-tag for NYC restaurant discoverability?Social⏎
- P2Do I delete negative comments or respond — what's the right NYC restaurant policy?Social⏎
- P2Can I use trending audio in IG Reels legally — who pays the music license?Content⏎
- P2How do I track influencer ROI — promo codes, vanity URLs, attribution?Influencer⏎
- P2What's the email-cadence sweet spot — weekly, bi-weekly, monthly?Email + CRM⏎
- P2How do I run a birthday + anniversary trigger sequence for repeat customers?Email + CRM⏎
- P2Should a NYC restaurant run a points / loyalty program — when?Email + CRM⏎
- P2Can I text customers — what TCPA / NY consent rules apply?Email + CRM⏎
- P2How do I geo-target NYC ads — by neighborhood, distance, walk-up vs commute?Paid Media⏎
- P2What audience targeting works for NYC hospitality (lookalikes, interests, retargeting)?Paid Media⏎
- P2Which CMS — Webflow, Squarespace, custom — for a NYC restaurant in 2026?SEO + Web⏎
- P2Should I respond to Yelp reviews — when does it matter, when does it backfire?SEO + Web⏎
- P2How do I keep brand consistency across 50+ social posts a month?Pitfalls⏎
- P2How do I email enough without burning the list?Pitfalls⏎
💻POS & Tech80
Open playbook →- P0Should I pick Toast or Square for a new full-service NYC restaurant?POS Selection (Toast, Square, Lightspeed, Clover, Aloha)⏎
- P0How do I set a no-show fee in Resy without losing bookings?Reservations & Waitlist (Resy, OpenTable, SevenRooms, Tock, Yelp)⏎
- P0Should my new NYC restaurant run KDS or stick with paper tickets?KDS (Kitchen Display Systems)⏎
- P0What scheduling app do most NYC restaurants run?Scheduling & Time-Tracking (7shifts, HotSchedules, Sling)⏎
- P0Does my time clock have to integrate with my POS?Scheduling & Time-Tracking (7shifts, HotSchedules, Sling)⏎
- P0How does NYC Fair Workweek change my scheduling tool requirements?Scheduling & Time-Tracking (7shifts, HotSchedules, Sling)⏎
- P0Toast Payroll, Gusto, Paychex, or ADP for a single-location NYC restaurant?Payroll & Tip Pooling (Gusto, Toast Payroll, Paychex, ADP)⏎
- P0How do I set up tip credit correctly for NYC tipped employees?Payroll & Tip Pooling (Gusto, Toast Payroll, Paychex, ADP)⏎
- P0Should I run my own online ordering or just rely on DoorDash/UberEats?Online Ordering (Toast Online, ChowNow, Olo, Square Online)⏎
- P0What are the NYC delivery commission caps and do they still apply?Delivery Marketplaces (DoorDash, UberEats, Grubhub, Caviar)⏎
- P0What's my actual take-home on a $40 marketplace delivery order?Delivery Marketplaces (DoorDash, UberEats, Grubhub, Caviar)⏎
- P0How do I set up gift cards (digital + physical) for a new NYC restaurant?Gift Cards & Loyalty (Toast, Punchh, Thanx, Square Loyalty)⏎
- P0How do I get my POS sales into QuickBooks (or Xero) without re-keying?POS Integrations & API⏎
- P0What receipt and kitchen printer should I buy for a NYC restaurant?Hardware (terminals, KDS screens, printers, cash drawers, network)⏎
- P0What internet and network do I need for a reliable POS?Hardware (terminals, KDS screens, printers, cash drawers, network)⏎
- P0How long does POS implementation take from contract signed to open?Implementation, Migration, Onboarding⏎
- P0What POS items must be live and tested before my soft open?Implementation, Migration, Onboarding⏎
- P0What do I do when my POS goes down at 8pm on a Saturday?Pitfalls (downtime, contracts, fees, credit-card processing rates)⏎
- P0What's the actual all-in credit-card processing rate I should expect to pay?Pitfalls (downtime, contracts, fees, credit-card processing rates)⏎
- P0What's a fair POS contract length and what early-termination fees should I push back on?Pitfalls (downtime, contracts, fees, credit-card processing rates)⏎
- P0Resy or OpenTable for a new NYC neighborhood restaurant?Reservations & Waitlist (Resy, OpenTable, SevenRooms, Tock, Yelp)⏎
- P1Should I run Tock for a tasting-menu restaurant?Reservations & Waitlist (Resy, OpenTable, SevenRooms, Tock, Yelp)⏎
- P1Do I need a Google Reserve / Reserve with Google listing?Reservations & Waitlist (Resy, OpenTable, SevenRooms, Tock, Yelp)⏎
- P1How should I configure KDS routing across stations?KDS (Kitchen Display Systems)⏎
- P1What KDS hardware should I buy and where do I mount it?KDS (Kitchen Display Systems)⏎
- P1How do I keep delivery orders from blowing up my line during dinner rush?KDS (Kitchen Display Systems)⏎
- P1What POS do most NYC craft cocktail bars run?POS Selection (Toast, Square, Lightspeed, Clover, Aloha)⏎
- P1What ticket time should I target on my KDS dashboard?KDS (Kitchen Display Systems)⏎
- P1Can my scheduling tool calculate the tip pool too?Scheduling & Time-Tracking (7shifts, HotSchedules, Sling)⏎
- P1Which POS works for a hotel restaurant that needs to post charges to PMS?POS Selection (Toast, Square, Lightspeed, Clover, Aloha)⏎
- P1What's the NYC spread-of-hours rule and how does my payroll handle it?Payroll & Tip Pooling (Gusto, Toast Payroll, Paychex, ADP)⏎
- P1Weekly or bi-weekly pay for NYC restaurant staff?Payroll & Tip Pooling (Gusto, Toast Payroll, Paychex, ADP)⏎
- P1When should I look at Olo instead of Toast Online or ChowNow?Online Ordering (Toast Online, ChowNow, Olo, Square Online)⏎
- P1Do I need a separate platform for online catering orders?Online Ordering (Toast Online, ChowNow, Olo, Square Online)⏎
- P1Should I use Otter, Cuboh, or Chowly to consolidate marketplace orders?Delivery Marketplaces (DoorDash, UberEats, Grubhub, Caviar)⏎
- P1How do I fight DoorDash and UberEats refund chargebacks?Delivery Marketplaces (DoorDash, UberEats, Grubhub, Caviar)⏎
- P1Should I do a points-based or visit-based loyalty program?Gift Cards & Loyalty (Toast, Punchh, Thanx, Square Loyalty)⏎
- P1How do I build an email/SMS list from my POS guest data?Gift Cards & Loyalty (Toast, Punchh, Thanx, Square Loyalty)⏎
- P1I have 3 locations opening in NYC — what POS scales without a re-platform at unit 5?POS Selection (Toast, Square, Lightspeed, Clover, Aloha)⏎
- P1What inventory tool integrates best with my POS?POS Integrations & API⏎
- P1Do I need EMV chip + tap card readers and what about pin-on-glass?Hardware (terminals, KDS screens, printers, cash drawers, network)⏎
- P1What hardware spares should I keep on-site for a busy Saturday?Hardware (terminals, KDS screens, printers, cash drawers, network)⏎
- P1Can I still buy Aloha or Micros for a new opening in 2026?POS Selection (Toast, Square, Lightspeed, Clover, Aloha)⏎
- P1Do I need a UPS battery backup for my POS network?Hardware (terminals, KDS screens, printers, cash drawers, network)⏎
- P1What's the cleanest way to import a menu into a new POS?Implementation, Migration, Onboarding⏎
- P1How do I train staff on a new POS without losing a week of revenue?Implementation, Migration, Onboarding⏎
- P1How disruptive is switching from one POS to another mid-operation?Implementation, Migration, Onboarding⏎
- P1What PCI compliance do I need to worry about for credit-card processing?Pitfalls (downtime, contracts, fees, credit-card processing rates)⏎
- P1Can I add a credit-card surcharge in NYC?Pitfalls (downtime, contracts, fees, credit-card processing rates)⏎
- P1How do I actually get out of a Toast or Clover contract early?Pitfalls (downtime, contracts, fees, credit-card processing rates)⏎
- P1How do I fight a chargeback when a customer claims they didn't authorize a $200 dinner?Pitfalls (downtime, contracts, fees, credit-card processing rates)⏎
- P1What hidden POS and processing fees should I look for on my monthly statement?Pitfalls (downtime, contracts, fees, credit-card processing rates)⏎
- P1What auto-renewal traps are hiding in my POS contract?Pitfalls (downtime, contracts, fees, credit-card processing rates)⏎
- P1When does SevenRooms make sense vs Resy?Reservations & Waitlist (Resy, OpenTable, SevenRooms, Tock, Yelp)⏎
- P2Is Yelp Reservations (formerly SeatMe / NoWait) a real option?Reservations & Waitlist (Resy, OpenTable, SevenRooms, Tock, Yelp)⏎
- P2What's the best digital waitlist tool for a no-reservations spot?Reservations & Waitlist (Resy, OpenTable, SevenRooms, Tock, Yelp)⏎
- P2Do I need physical bump bars or are touchscreens enough?KDS (Kitchen Display Systems)⏎
- P2What's an 'all-day' summary on the KDS and do I need it?KDS (Kitchen Display Systems)⏎
- P2How accurate is the AI labor forecast in 7shifts or HotSchedules?Scheduling & Time-Tracking (7shifts, HotSchedules, Sling)⏎
- P2Should I let staff swap shifts directly without manager approval?Scheduling & Time-Tracking (7shifts, HotSchedules, Sling)⏎
- P2Should I push tips through payroll or pay them out nightly in cash?Payroll & Tip Pooling (Gusto, Toast Payroll, Paychex, ADP)⏎
- P2When do I have to offer a retirement plan to NYC restaurant employees?Payroll & Tip Pooling (Gusto, Toast Payroll, Paychex, ADP)⏎
- P2Should I do QR-code-on-the-table ordering for dine-in?Online Ordering (Toast Online, ChowNow, Olo, Square Online)⏎
- P2Does my online ordering need to talk to my loyalty program?Online Ordering (Toast Online, ChowNow, Olo, Square Online)⏎
- P2Why do banks keep pitching me Clover and should I take it?POS Selection (Toast, Square, Lightspeed, Clover, Aloha)⏎
- P2Is Caviar still a separate platform from DoorDash?Delivery Marketplaces (DoorDash, UberEats, Grubhub, Caviar)⏎
- P2Should I use DoorDash Drive or UberEats Direct for my own delivery orders?Delivery Marketplaces (DoorDash, UberEats, Grubhub, Caviar)⏎
- P2Is Grubhub even still relevant in NYC?Delivery Marketplaces (DoorDash, UberEats, Grubhub, Caviar)⏎
- P2How do I prevent gift card fraud at the host stand?Gift Cards & Loyalty (Toast, Punchh, Thanx, Square Loyalty)⏎
- P2Does Toast have a real public API I can build on?POS Integrations & API⏎
- P2Does it matter if my POS runs on iPads vs purpose-built terminals?POS Integrations & API⏎
- P2How do I secure POS webhooks if I'm building a custom integration?POS Integrations & API⏎
- P2Do I even need a cash drawer in NYC anymore?Hardware (terminals, KDS screens, printers, cash drawers, network)⏎
- P2Best POS for a 600 sq ft NYC counter-service spot doing $1M/year?POS Selection (Toast, Square, Lightspeed, Clover, Aloha)⏎
- P2Why is my processor holding back 2-5% of my deposits?Pitfalls (downtime, contracts, fees, credit-card processing rates)⏎
- P2Am I really paying processing fees on the tip portion of credit-card sales?Pitfalls (downtime, contracts, fees, credit-card processing rates)⏎
- P2If I leave Toast or Square, do I get to keep my customer data?Pitfalls (downtime, contracts, fees, credit-card processing rates)⏎
- P2Should I buy POS direct from Toast/Square or through a reseller?Pitfalls (downtime, contracts, fees, credit-card processing rates)⏎
- P2What uptime guarantee does Toast or Square actually offer?Pitfalls (downtime, contracts, fees, credit-card processing rates)⏎
- P2What's my exposure if my POS gets breached and customer card data leaks?Pitfalls (downtime, contracts, fees, credit-card processing rates)⏎
📦Vendor & Proc.80
Open playbook →- P0Should I open with Sysco or US Foods as my primary broadliner in NYC?Broadliner Selection (Sysco, US Foods, Performance, Cheney)⏎
- P0How do I open a Restaurant Depot membership and when does it actually save me money?Restaurant Depot, Hunts Point, Fulton Fish⏎
- P0How do I build my first par sheet from scratch?Par Sheets & Inventory Cycles⏎
- P0How often should I count inventory in a NYC restaurant or bar?Par Sheets & Inventory Cycles⏎
- P0Will new vendors require a personal guarantee on the credit application?RFP & Vendor Onboarding⏎
- P0Do I need to give my vendors a NY State ST-120 resale certificate?RFP & Vendor Onboarding⏎
- P0What is cost-plus pricing and should I demand it from my broadliner?Pricing Mechanisms (cost-plus, contract, allocation, market)⏎
- P0What are typical NYC vendor payment terms and what should I push for?Payment Terms & Vendor Cash Flow⏎
- P0Why won't my wine and spirits vendor extend Net 30 credit?Payment Terms & Vendor Cash Flow⏎
- P0What's the minimum drop Sysco and US Foods will hold in Manhattan?Broadliner Selection (Sysco, US Foods, Performance, Cheney)⏎
- P0How do I avoid being trapped with a single vendor on a menu-critical SKU?Vendor Consolidation & Single-Source Risk⏎
- P0What's the bare-minimum receiving process I need to run?Receiving, Credits, Returns⏎
- P0How do I actually get a credit memo posted when there's a short or damaged delivery?Receiving, Credits, Returns⏎
- P0Do I need to keep a receiving temperature log for the NYC DOH inspector?Receiving, Credits, Returns⏎
- P0What's the timeline and likely outcome of the Sysco-Jetro merger?NYC Supply Chain (Sysco-Jetro merger, Imperial Dade-Veritiv, allocations)⏎
- P0What changed after Imperial Dade absorbed Veritiv in November 2024?NYC Supply Chain (Sysco-Jetro merger, Imperial Dade-Veritiv, allocations)⏎
- P0What is spec drift and how do I catch it?Procurement Pitfalls & Cost Leakage⏎
- P0How do I stop GMs and chefs from "emergency" cash-buying that wrecks food cost?Procurement Pitfalls & Cost Leakage⏎
- P0What's the right vendor onboarding sequence for a pre-opening NYC restaurant?RFP & Vendor Onboarding⏎
- P0How do I open a Baldor account and what's the realistic price/quality tradeoff?Specialty Purveyors (Baldor, Pat LaFrieda, D'Artagnan, Imperial Dade)⏎
- P0When should I use Pat LaFrieda Meat Purveyors versus my broadliner protein program?Specialty Purveyors (Baldor, Pat LaFrieda, D'Artagnan, Imperial Dade)⏎
- P1Is D'Artagnan still the default for duck, foie gras, and game in NYC?Specialty Purveyors (Baldor, Pat LaFrieda, D'Artagnan, Imperial Dade)⏎
- P1Should I buy paper goods and chemicals through Imperial Dade or my broadliner?Specialty Purveyors (Baldor, Pat LaFrieda, D'Artagnan, Imperial Dade)⏎
- P1Who are the legitimate specialty cheese purveyors for NYC restaurants?Specialty Purveyors (Baldor, Pat LaFrieda, D'Artagnan, Imperial Dade)⏎
- P1Outside of Fulton Fish Market, who delivers operator-grade seafood in NYC?Specialty Purveyors (Baldor, Pat LaFrieda, D'Artagnan, Imperial Dade)⏎
- P1What are the operator-grade NYC bread purveyors?Specialty Purveyors (Baldor, Pat LaFrieda, D'Artagnan, Imperial Dade)⏎
- P1Can I buy direct at Hunts Point Produce Market and is it worth it?Restaurant Depot, Hunts Point, Fulton Fish⏎
- P1Should I buy direct at the New Fulton Fish Market in the Bronx?Restaurant Depot, Hunts Point, Fulton Fish⏎
- P1When does Performance Food Group (PFG) make sense over Sysco/US Foods?Broadliner Selection (Sysco, US Foods, Performance, Cheney)⏎
- P1How do I run a cash-and-carry program without losing money to over-buying?Restaurant Depot, Hunts Point, Fulton Fish⏎
- P1How many days of inventory should I keep on hand?Par Sheets & Inventory Cycles⏎
- P1Should I use Restaurant365, MarginEdge, or stay on a spreadsheet?Par Sheets & Inventory Cycles⏎
- P1What's the right way to compare theoretical food cost to actual food cost?Par Sheets & Inventory Cycles⏎
- P1What's the right vendor order cadence for a NYC dinner restaurant?Par Sheets & Inventory Cycles⏎
- P1What goes into a vendor RFP for a NYC restaurant or bar?RFP & Vendor Onboarding⏎
- P1What insurance certificates do I exchange with vendors at onboarding?RFP & Vendor Onboarding⏎
- P1How long does it actually take to onboard a new broadliner from RFP to first delivery?RFP & Vendor Onboarding⏎
- P1What is a contract price and which SKUs should be on contract?Pricing Mechanisms (cost-plus, contract, allocation, market)⏎
- P1What does "on allocation" mean and how do I survive an allocation event?Pricing Mechanisms (cost-plus, contract, allocation, market)⏎
- P1How do I price-protect against weekly fluctuations in beef, pork, and seafood?Pricing Mechanisms (cost-plus, contract, allocation, market)⏎
- P1Should I take the 2/10 net 30 early-pay discount?Payment Terms & Vendor Cash Flow⏎
- P1Should I pay vendors by ACH, check, or credit card?Payment Terms & Vendor Cash Flow⏎
- P1What happens if I miss a vendor payment cycle?Payment Terms & Vendor Cash Flow⏎
- P1When does it make sense to consolidate vendors versus run multiple?Vendor Consolidation & Single-Source Risk⏎
- P1Does the Sysco-Restaurant Depot merger create concentration risk for NYC operators?Vendor Consolidation & Single-Source Risk⏎
- P1Imperial Dade controls 70%+ of NYC JanSan — what's my play?Vendor Consolidation & Single-Source Risk⏎
- P1Southern Glazer's and Empire Merchants control most of NYC spirits — does it matter?Vendor Consolidation & Single-Source Risk⏎
- P1How do I get my Sysco DSR to actually fight for my pricing?Broadliner Selection (Sysco, US Foods, Performance, Cheney)⏎
- P1When does a vendor take a return versus issue a credit only?Receiving, Credits, Returns⏎
- P1My vendor disputes a short-shipment claim — how do I escalate?Vendor Disputes (short-shipment, quality, billing)⏎
- P1How do I get credit when meat or seafood arrives off-spec or low quality?Vendor Disputes (short-shipment, quality, billing)⏎
- P1I'm being charged a different price than my contract — what do I do?Vendor Disputes (short-shipment, quality, billing)⏎
- P1What's the threshold for firing a vendor versus working through issues?Vendor Disputes (short-shipment, quality, billing)⏎
- P1How does FDA FSMA Rule 204 (food traceability) affect my vendor relationships?NYC Supply Chain (Sysco-Jetro merger, Imperial Dade-Veritiv, allocations)⏎
- P1Should I switch to Sysco or US Foods house brands?Broadliner Selection (Sysco, US Foods, Performance, Cheney)⏎
- P1Why did my Modelo and Stella deliveries change distributors recently?NYC Supply Chain (Sysco-Jetro merger, Imperial Dade-Veritiv, allocations)⏎
- P1How does the Sweet Truth Act affect my vendor menu data and labeling?NYC Supply Chain (Sysco-Jetro merger, Imperial Dade-Veritiv, allocations)⏎
- P1Are PFAS food-contact materials banned and what do I need to swap?NYC Supply Chain (Sysco-Jetro merger, Imperial Dade-Veritiv, allocations)⏎
- P1How do vendors use pack size to obscure pricing?Procurement Pitfalls & Cost Leakage⏎
- P1What are the hidden surcharges that show up on broadliner invoices?Procurement Pitfalls & Cost Leakage⏎
- P1What's the connection between procurement and comp/void abuse?Procurement Pitfalls & Cost Leakage⏎
- P1Should I sign a multi-year contract with my broadliner?Broadliner Selection (Sysco, US Foods, Performance, Cheney)⏎
- P1What delivery windows do broadliners actually offer in Manhattan?Broadliner Selection (Sysco, US Foods, Performance, Cheney)⏎
- P1How do I handle cold-chain when buying at Restaurant Depot or Hunts Point?Restaurant Depot, Hunts Point, Fulton Fish⏎
- P1How do I manage vendor payments during a slow week or seasonal trough?Payment Terms & Vendor Cash Flow⏎
- P1Who on my staff should be doing receiving and how do I train them?Receiving, Credits, Returns⏎
- P1How long should I keep vendor invoices, credit memos, and dispute records?Vendor Disputes (short-shipment, quality, billing)⏎
- P2Is Costco Business Center an alternative to Restaurant Depot for NYC restaurants?Restaurant Depot, Hunts Point, Fulton Fish⏎
- P2What's the difference between Jetro and Restaurant Depot now that Sysco is buying both?Restaurant Depot, Hunts Point, Fulton Fish⏎
- P2Is Cheney Brothers a real option for NYC operators?Broadliner Selection (Sysco, US Foods, Performance, Cheney)⏎
- P2Are vendor rebates and SPIFs (sales incentives) worth chasing?Pricing Mechanisms (cost-plus, contract, allocation, market)⏎
- P2Is AP automation software (Bill.com, Plate IQ, MarginEdge AP) worth it?Payment Terms & Vendor Cash Flow⏎
- P2What if the driver pressures me to sign without inspecting?Receiving, Credits, Returns⏎
- P2Why don't I ever see the manufacturer rebate checks I'm supposedly earning?Procurement Pitfalls & Cost Leakage⏎
- P2What is catch-weight billing and where does it bite me?Procurement Pitfalls & Cost Leakage⏎
- P2Should I ask my broadliner for a consolidated weekly invoice instead of per-delivery?Procurement Pitfalls & Cost Leakage⏎
- P2Who are the operator-grade Asian and Latin specialty distributors in NYC?Specialty Purveyors (Baldor, Pat LaFrieda, D'Artagnan, Imperial Dade)⏎
- P2How often should I rework par sheets seasonally?Par Sheets & Inventory Cycles⏎
- P2How do I benchmark whether I'm getting fair pricing?Pricing Mechanisms (cost-plus, contract, allocation, market)⏎
- P2How does multi-unit ownership change vendor strategy?Vendor Consolidation & Single-Source Risk⏎
🍷Bev Program80
Open playbook →- P0What share of total revenue should the beverage program hit at a NYC full-service restaurant?Program Strategy & Concept Fit⏎
- P0What is the opening gin par list for the same 100-cap cocktail bar?Opening Liquor Order — Day-1 Par List & Quantities⏎
- P0What tequila and mezcal should I open with for that 80-cocktail-a-night cocktail bar?Opening Liquor Order — Day-1 Par List & Quantities⏎
- P0What rum SKUs go on the day-one par for a NYC neighborhood cocktail bar?Opening Liquor Order — Day-1 Par List & Quantities⏎
- P0What whiskey par should I open with at a 100-cap NYC cocktail bar?Opening Liquor Order — Day-1 Par List & Quantities⏎
- P0What amari, vermouth, and liqueur modifiers do I open with?Opening Liquor Order — Day-1 Par List & Quantities⏎
- P0What does the day-one liquor order look like for a 50-seat fine-dining wine-forward restaurant with $80 wine ARV?Opening Liquor Order — Day-1 Par List & Quantities⏎
- P0What is the day-one order for a 300-cap NYC nightclub with bottle-service heavy revenue?Opening Liquor Order — Day-1 Par List & Quantities⏎
- P0How far before opening night should I place the opening liquor PO?Opening Liquor Order — Day-1 Par List & Quantities⏎
- P0How do I decide whether my concept needs a cocktail-led, wine-led, or beer-led program?Program Strategy & Concept Fit⏎
- P0What is the typical pour-share ratio at a mid-Manhattan cocktail bar in 2026?Bottle Ratios by Concept (vodka vs gin vs tequila vs rum vs whiskey vs amari share of pour)⏎
- P0What does the pour ratio look like at a NYC nightclub doing bottle service?Bottle Ratios by Concept (vodka vs gin vs tequila vs rum vs whiskey vs amari share of pour)⏎
- P0How many wines by the glass should I open with at a 50-seat fine-dining wine-forward restaurant?Wine List Architecture (BTG, by-bottle, regional balance, Coravin)⏎
- P0What is the actual economic case for buying Coravin systems?Wine List Architecture (BTG, by-bottle, regional balance, Coravin)⏎
- P0What markup formula works for NYC restaurant wine pricing?Wine List Architecture (BTG, by-bottle, regional balance, Coravin)⏎
- P0How many draft lines should I open with at a NYC neighborhood restaurant or cocktail bar?Beer Program (draft lines, can/bottle, NY craft, NA, line-cleaning cycle)⏎
- P0How often must draft beer lines be cleaned in NYC?Beer Program (draft lines, can/bottle, NY craft, NA, line-cleaning cycle)⏎
- P0How much citrus juice do I need to prep daily for a 100-cocktail-a-night bar?Cocktail Program Prep — Mise (Batching, Syrups, Bitters, Tinctures, Citrus Volumes, Garnish)⏎
- P0How long does fresh citrus juice last and how should it be stored?Cocktail Program Prep — Mise (Batching, Syrups, Bitters, Tinctures, Citrus Volumes, Garnish)⏎
- P0What is the standard simple syrup recipe, yield, and shelf life?Cocktail Program Prep — Mise (Batching, Syrups, Bitters, Tinctures, Citrus Volumes, Garnish)⏎
- P0How do I batch 50 servings of a stirred cocktail correctly with pre-dilution?Cocktail Program Prep — Mise (Batching, Syrups, Bitters, Tinctures, Citrus Volumes, Garnish)⏎
- P0Who are the big distributors in NY State and what does each carry?Distributor Relationships (SGWS, RNDC, Empire, Skurnik, T. Edward, NY-direct wineries)⏎
- P0What credit terms can I expect from spirits distributors as a new account?Distributor Relationships (SGWS, RNDC, Empire, Skurnik, T. Edward, NY-direct wineries)⏎
- P0What is the target pour cost percentage by beverage category?Pricing, Pour Cost & Beverage P&L (target pour cost by category)⏎
- P0What pricing formula should I use for cocktails?Pricing, Pour Cost & Beverage P&L (target pour cost by category)⏎
- P0How do I calculate par levels and reorder points for liquor?Inventory, Counts, Reorder Points & Depletion Tracking⏎
- P0What gets counted weekly versus monthly in beverage inventory?Inventory, Counts, Reorder Points & Depletion Tracking⏎
- P0What is acceptable POS-to-inventory variance and what does excess variance mean?Inventory, Counts, Reorder Points & Depletion Tracking⏎
- P0What are the most common bartender theft schemes and how do I detect them?Bev Marketing + Pitfalls (theft, comp/buyback abuse, allocation spoilage, dead SKUs)⏎
- P0What comp and buyback policy controls drift and abuse?Bev Marketing + Pitfalls (theft, comp/buyback abuse, allocation spoilage, dead SKUs)⏎
- P0What is the day-one vodka par list for a 100-cap NYC neighborhood cocktail bar doing 80 cocktails a night?Opening Liquor Order — Day-1 Par List & Quantities⏎
- P1How much opening-inventory cash should I budget for the beverage program?Opening Liquor Order — Day-1 Par List & Quantities⏎
- P1What goes on the back-bar display versus in working storage?Opening Liquor Order — Day-1 Par List & Quantities⏎
- P1What are the most common opening-order mistakes that burn cash?Opening Liquor Order — Day-1 Par List & Quantities⏎
- P1How do pour ratios shift at a tequila/mezcal-forward concept?Bottle Ratios by Concept (vodka vs gin vs tequila vs rum vs whiskey vs amari share of pour)⏎
- P1How do ratios shift at a whiskey/bourbon-forward concept?Bottle Ratios by Concept (vodka vs gin vs tequila vs rum vs whiskey vs amari share of pour)⏎
- P1How do spirit ratios look at an Italian wine-forward restaurant?Bottle Ratios by Concept (vodka vs gin vs tequila vs rum vs whiskey vs amari share of pour)⏎
- P1How do I forecast my own pour ratio if I am a brand-new concept?Bottle Ratios by Concept (vodka vs gin vs tequila vs rum vs whiskey vs amari share of pour)⏎
- P1How many cocktails should be on my opening menu?Program Strategy & Concept Fit⏎
- P1How many bottles should be on a NYC restaurant wine list at opening?Wine List Architecture (BTG, by-bottle, regional balance, Coravin)⏎
- P1How should I balance wine regions on the bottle list?Wine List Architecture (BTG, by-bottle, regional balance, Coravin)⏎
- P1What are the cellar/storage requirements for a serious wine program?Wine List Architecture (BTG, by-bottle, regional balance, Coravin)⏎
- P1What bottle and can SKUs round out the beer program?Beer Program (draft lines, can/bottle, NY craft, NA, line-cleaning cycle)⏎
- P1How much non-alcoholic beer should I stock?Beer Program (draft lines, can/bottle, NY craft, NA, line-cleaning cycle)⏎
- P1Should cocktail prep live in the bar or in the kitchen?Program Strategy & Concept Fit⏎
- P1What is the prep schedule and yield for specialty syrups (orgeat, cinnamon, ginger, honey)?Cocktail Program Prep — Mise (Batching, Syrups, Bitters, Tinctures, Citrus Volumes, Garnish)⏎
- P1When should I keg cocktails, and what is the SOP?Cocktail Program Prep — Mise (Batching, Syrups, Bitters, Tinctures, Citrus Volumes, Garnish)⏎
- P1What is the prep cadence for bitters, tinctures, shrubs, and acid-adjusted ingredients?Cocktail Program Prep — Mise (Batching, Syrups, Bitters, Tinctures, Citrus Volumes, Garnish)⏎
- P1What is the daily garnish prep workflow at a 100-cocktail bar?Cocktail Program Prep — Mise (Batching, Syrups, Bitters, Tinctures, Citrus Volumes, Garnish)⏎
- P1What do I do when lime or lemon prices spike (drought, hurricane, supply shock)?Cocktail Program Prep — Mise (Batching, Syrups, Bitters, Tinctures, Citrus Volumes, Garnish)⏎
- P1How much menu real estate should non-alcoholic drinks get in 2026?Program Strategy & Concept Fit⏎
- P1What ice setup does a serious cocktail program need?Cocktail Program Prep — Mise (Batching, Syrups, Bitters, Tinctures, Citrus Volumes, Garnish)⏎
- P1How often will distributors deliver and when do I order?Distributor Relationships (SGWS, RNDC, Empire, Skurnik, T. Edward, NY-direct wineries)⏎
- P1How do I get the best out of my distributor rep relationships?Distributor Relationships (SGWS, RNDC, Empire, Skurnik, T. Edward, NY-direct wineries)⏎
- P1Which allocated bourbons and ryes should I be requesting in NY in 2026?Allocations & Trophy Bottles (bourbon/agave/Burgundy)⏎
- P1How do I get allocations for Burgundy and other trophy wines?Allocations & Trophy Bottles (bourbon/agave/Burgundy)⏎
- P1How much should I budget for opening glassware at a 100-seat bar/restaurant?Program Strategy & Concept Fit⏎
- P1How should I price an allocated trophy bottle on the menu?Allocations & Trophy Bottles (bourbon/agave/Burgundy)⏎
- P1What lines should appear on the beverage P&L?Pricing, Pour Cost & Beverage P&L (target pour cost by category)⏎
- P1What alcohol-specific taxes hit my beverage program in NY?Pricing, Pour Cost & Beverage P&L (target pour cost by category)⏎
- P1What inventory and depletion software do NYC bars actually use?Inventory, Counts, Reorder Points & Depletion Tracking⏎
- P1What is the receiving SOP for liquor and wine deliveries?Inventory, Counts, Reorder Points & Depletion Tracking⏎
- P1What does a beverage director cost in NYC in 2026 and what do they own?Sommelier / Bev Director / Bartender Hiring & Management⏎
- P1When does a restaurant actually need a sommelier on the floor?Sommelier / Bev Director / Bartender Hiring & Management⏎
- P1What do bartenders cost in NYC and how should the tip pool work?Sommelier / Bev Director / Bartender Hiring & Management⏎
- P1How do I identify and clear dead-SKU inventory?Bev Marketing + Pitfalls (theft, comp/buyback abuse, allocation spoilage, dead SKUs)⏎
- P1How do I prevent allocation and trophy bottle spoilage?Bev Marketing + Pitfalls (theft, comp/buyback abuse, allocation spoilage, dead SKUs)⏎
- P2What pour ratio fits a NYC hotel lobby bar?Bottle Ratios by Concept (vodka vs gin vs tequila vs rum vs whiskey vs amari share of pour)⏎
- P2How often should BTG selections rotate?Wine List Architecture (BTG, by-bottle, regional balance, Coravin)⏎
- P2Which NY State craft breweries should be on a NYC bar's tap list in 2026?Beer Program (draft lines, can/bottle, NY craft, NA, line-cleaning cycle)⏎
- P2How do keg deposits work in NYC and what is the typical return cycle?Beer Program (draft lines, can/bottle, NY craft, NA, line-cleaning cycle)⏎
- P2Can NYC restaurants buy directly from NY State wineries?Distributor Relationships (SGWS, RNDC, Empire, Skurnik, T. Edward, NY-direct wineries)⏎
- P2How is NY distributor consolidation in 2025-26 affecting operators?Distributor Relationships (SGWS, RNDC, Empire, Skurnik, T. Edward, NY-direct wineries)⏎
- P2Which agave/tequila/mezcal SKUs are now allocation-tier?Allocations & Trophy Bottles (bourbon/agave/Burgundy)⏎
- P2Are happy hours legal in NY and how should I price them?Pricing, Pour Cost & Beverage P&L (target pour cost by category)⏎
- P2What bar layout supports 80-100 cocktails per night versus 200+ cocktails per night?Program Strategy & Concept Fit⏎
- P2How should pre-shift bev training be structured for the bar and floor team?Sommelier / Bev Director / Bartender Hiring & Management⏎
- P2What certifications should NYC bartenders hold?Sommelier / Bev Director / Bartender Hiring & Management⏎
- P2How many tastings do I need to run with distributors before opening?Program Strategy & Concept Fit⏎
- P2What beverage marketing channels actually move sales in NYC?Bev Marketing + Pitfalls (theft, comp/buyback abuse, allocation spoilage, dead SKUs)⏎
⚙️Operations79
Open playbook →- P0Which POS for a 50-seat NYC restaurant in 2026 — Toast, Square, TouchBistro, Lightspeed?POS⏎
- P0Resy vs OpenTable vs Tock vs SevenRooms — NYC choice criteria?Reservations⏎
- P0What does each reservation platform cost (cover fee, monthly, premium)?Reservations⏎
- P0How often do I count inventory (full vs spot) in a NYC restaurant?Inventory & Food⏎
- P0Which inventory tool — MarketMan, Restaurant365, BlueCart, xtraCHEF?Inventory & Food⏎
- P0What's the NYC pour cost benchmark — bar / cocktail / wine / beer?Inventory & Food⏎
- P0What's the NYC food cost benchmark — fine dining vs casual?Inventory & Food⏎
- P0What does a NYC restaurant POS cost (hardware + monthly + payment fees)?POS⏎
- P07shifts vs HotSchedules vs Sling vs Toast Scheduling — NYC choice?Scheduling⏎
- P0How do I forecast covers + labor a week out — what data feeds it?Scheduling⏎
- P0How do I keep weekly OT under 5% of payroll?Scheduling⏎
- P0Do I need a hospitality-specialized bookkeeper or generic CPA — what to pay?Accounting⏎
- P0How often should I look at the P&L — weekly, bi-weekly, monthly?Accounting⏎
- P0What's on a daily sales recap — covers, comps, voids, tips, payroll burn?Accounting⏎
- P0How do I lock down cash handling — drop schedule, dual count, surveillance?Accounting⏎
- P0How do I track guest allergens reliably — POS notes, reservation notes, kitchen?Guest Experience⏎
- P0What's the NYC complaint-handling SOP — comp, recover, follow-up?Guest Experience⏎
- P0How often must I have the hood cleaned (NYC FDNY + insurance) — frequency + cert?Maintenance⏎
- P0Pest-control cadence + provider for a NYC restaurant?Maintenance⏎
- P0BIC commercial waste rates + grease pickup cadence?Maintenance⏎
- P0How do I prep for the NYC DOH inspection (FSE permit, letter grade) — quarterly drill?Compliance⏎
- P0Annual FDNY Place of Assembly inspection — what they check, common fails?Compliance⏎
- P0SLA license renewal cadence + what to prep 90 days out?Compliance⏎
- P0What's the daily KPI dashboard for a NYC restaurant?KPIs⏎
- P0NYC labor % benchmark by concept (fine dining, casual, fast-casual, bar)?KPIs⏎
- P0What's the prime cost benchmark — and what's healthy for NYC?KPIs⏎
- P0Why does inventory drift 2% / month a kitchen-run problem, not theft?Pitfalls⏎
- P0What's the most common NYC cash-handling failure that triggers internal theft?Pitfalls⏎
- P0Why does GM comp authority erode margin within 90 days?Pitfalls⏎
- P0Why is daily-close + daily P&L review the difference between profitable + closed?Pitfalls⏎
- P0What POS-system abuses are the top 3 sources of cash leakage?Pitfalls⏎
- P0Why is missing one FDNY PA / DOH inspection the gateway to a closure cycle?Pitfalls⏎
- P0What POS reports do I run weekly to manage food cost + labor?POS⏎
- P1How far in advance should I open booking — 30 days, 60, 90?Reservations⏎
- P1When + how do I require a credit-card deposit (6+ tops, prepaid menus)?Reservations⏎
- P1What walk-in:reservation ratio works for a NYC neighborhood spot?Reservations⏎
- P1What cancellation policy should I enforce — and via which fee structure?Reservations⏎
- P1How do I cost out a recipe to within 1% accuracy?Inventory & Food⏎
- P1How do I investigate a 2%+ inventory variance — first 3 places to look?Inventory & Food⏎
- P1How do I track waste / spoilage / 86s in a NYC kitchen?Inventory & Food⏎
- P1What's a late + no-show policy that survives NY DOL audit?Scheduling⏎
- P1When do I add a Kitchen Display System to the POS?POS⏎
- P1When does Restaurant365 / Compeat make sense vs QuickBooks Online?Accounting⏎
- P1What tax filings happen monthly / quarterly / annually for a NYC restaurant?Accounting⏎
- P1Toast Pay vs Square vs Stripe vs Clover — NYC restaurant rate benchmarks?Payments + Cyber⏎
- P1What's a typical effective merchant rate for a NYC restaurant (2.5% range)?Payments + Cyber⏎
- P1What PCI DSS level applies to my volume + how do I attest?Payments + Cyber⏎
- P1POS-integrated online ordering — Toast vs ChowNow vs DoorDash storefront?POS⏎
- P1Do I need a separate VLAN for POS vs guest WiFi for PCI?Payments + Cyber⏎
- P1How do I architect WiFi for a NYC restaurant — guest, POS, BoH separated?IT⏎
- P1What's a baseline NYC restaurant security-camera spec — coverage, retention, cloud?IT⏎
- P1What guest CRM for a NYC restaurant — SevenRooms, Resy, Toast?Guest Experience⏎
- P1How do I tag VIPs / regulars / influencers in CRM — and what triggers?Guest Experience⏎
- P1Should the POS talk to my reservations platform — Resy, OpenTable, SevenRooms?POS⏎
- P1Who responds to Google + Yelp reviews — owner, GM, PR?Guest Experience⏎
- P1HVAC service cadence + filter changes for a NYC restaurant?Maintenance⏎
- P1When do I move from break/fix to a service contract on commercial equipment?Maintenance⏎
- P1In-house cleaning vs nightly contracted crew — NYC cost comparison?Maintenance⏎
- P1How does the POS handle tip pooling, suggested tip prompts, service charges?POS⏎
- P1NYS Department of Taxation quarterly + annual sales-tax filings?Compliance⏎
- P1When do 1099 / W-2 deadlines hit + what triggers an audit?Compliance⏎
- P1NYC noise code §24-231 — what triggers a 311 + DEP fine?Compliance⏎
- P1What's the weekly KPI dashboard?KPIs⏎
- P1What's a healthy cover average for a NYC neighborhood casual vs fine dining?KPIs⏎
- P1What % of weekly covers should be repeat customers — by month 3, 6, 12?KPIs⏎
- P1Why does too many small vendors kill back-office time + how to consolidate?Pitfalls⏎
- P1Why is "spreadsheet scheduling" the silent killer of NYC labor %?Pitfalls⏎
- P2When does a frequent 86 indicate a deeper inventory problem?Inventory & Food⏎
- P2Should I let staff swap shifts via app — what controls?Scheduling⏎
- P2How do I handle time-off requests in a 30-person NYC restaurant?Scheduling⏎
- P2How do I fight a chargeback dispute — what evidence wins?Payments + Cyber⏎
- P2What's the most common NYC restaurant phishing attack — and how to train staff?Payments + Cyber⏎
- P2How much bandwidth for a 100-seat restaurant — 200/100 enough?IT⏎
- P2When do I keep an IT support retainer vs ad-hoc?IT⏎
- P2What gets backed up daily — POS, accounting, schedules, photos?IT⏎
- P2What phone system for a NYC restaurant — Google Voice, Dialpad, Toast Phone?IT⏎
- P2NYC commercial rent tax — when does it apply (Manhattan only, threshold)?Compliance⏎
- P2How do I structure menu modifiers in POS without slowing orders?POS⏎
- P2How do I migrate from Toast to Square (or reverse) without losing 14-day window of data?POS⏎
🥬Food Safety80
Open playbook →- P0How often does the NYC Department of Health actually inspect my restaurant?DOH Letter Grade Inspection (cycle, scoring, posting)⏎
- P0Do my line cooks need separate allergen training beyond the FPC?Food Protection Course (FH Cert) & ServSafe⏎
- P0What does NYC Local Law 1233 actually require on my menu?Allergen Compliance (NYC Local Law 1233, menu disclosure)⏎
- P0Which allergens am I legally required to track in the kitchen?Allergen Compliance (NYC Local Law 1233, menu disclosure)⏎
- P0What's the difference between cross-contamination and cross-contact, and why does it matter for allergens?Allergen Compliance (NYC Local Law 1233, menu disclosure)⏎
- P0What's the score breakpoint between an A, B, and C grade?DOH Letter Grade Inspection (cycle, scoring, posting)⏎
- P0What do I do if a guest has an allergic reaction at the table?Allergen Compliance (NYC Local Law 1233, menu disclosure)⏎
- P0What's the maximum cold-holding temperature for TCS food in NYC?Food Temperature Control (TCS, hot/cold holding, cooling)⏎
- P0What temperature must hot-held food stay above?Food Temperature Control (TCS, hot/cold holding, cooling)⏎
- P0How fast do I have to cool a hot pot of soup or stock?Food Temperature Control (TCS, hot/cold holding, cooling)⏎
- P0What's the minimum cook temperature for chicken, ground beef, pork, and fish?Food Temperature Control (TCS, hot/cold holding, cooling)⏎
- P0How do inspectors decide between 'evidence of mice' and 'live mice present'?Pest Control (mouse / roach / fly evidence + IPM)⏎
- P0Where exactly do I have to post the grade card and what happens if it falls down?DOH Letter Grade Inspection (cycle, scoring, posting)⏎
- P0Do I need a written pest control contract on file?Pest Control (mouse / roach / fly evidence + IPM)⏎
- P0Where do I have to put handwash sinks and how many do I need?Plumbing, Grease, Handwash Stations⏎
- P0How often do I have to pump my grease trap and where do the records go?Plumbing, Grease, Handwash Stations⏎
- P0What's the right setup and water temperature for a three-compartment sink?Plumbing, Grease, Handwash Stations⏎
- P0What do I do if the floor drain backs up sewage during service?Plumbing, Grease, Handwash Stations⏎
- P0What's the date marking rule for ready-to-eat food in the walk-in?Date Marking, Storage, Cross-Contamination⏎
- P0What's the correct top-to-bottom order in the walk-in?Date Marking, Storage, Cross-Contamination⏎
- P0Can my line cooks touch ready-to-eat food with bare hands?Date Marking, Storage, Cross-Contamination⏎
- P0What is FSMA 204 and does it apply to my restaurant?FSMA 204 Traceability (Jan 20 2028 deadline)⏎
- P0What happens when a customer files a 311 complaint about my restaurant?Complaint-Driven Inspection (311, 911, anonymous)⏎
- P0A customer just called saying they got sick from our food last night — what do I do?Complaint-Driven Inspection (311, 911, anonymous)⏎
- P0How fast does DOH come back for a reinspection after a B or C?Reinspection / B-Card / OATH Tribunal Hearing⏎
- P0What actually happens at an OATH Tribunal hearing for a DOH violation?Reinspection / B-Card / OATH Tribunal Hearing⏎
- P0When does DOH actually suspend or revoke my food service permit?Reinspection / B-Card / OATH Tribunal Hearing⏎
- P0What are the first 4 hours of response when DOHMH calls about a possible outbreak?Foodborne Illness Crisis Response⏎
- P0When do I have to send an employee home for illness?Foodborne Illness Crisis Response⏎
- P0When do I have to notify my insurance carrier about a potential foodborne illness claim?Foodborne Illness Crisis Response⏎
- P0What triggers immediate closure on the spot during an inspection?DOH Letter Grade Inspection (cycle, scoring, posting)⏎
- P0How often should I run my own internal DOH self-audit?Self-Audit, Score Predictability, Vendor Tools⏎
- P0How do I prepare for the pre-permit inspection before I open?Self-Audit, Score Predictability, Vendor Tools⏎
- P0Does every manager need a Food Protection Certificate or just one person?Food Protection Course (FH Cert) & ServSafe⏎
- P1What happens when my Food Protection Certificate expires?Food Protection Course (FH Cert) & ServSafe⏎
- P1Is the FPC the same for a brick-and-mortar restaurant and a mobile food cart?Food Protection Course (FH Cert) & ServSafe⏎
- P1Can I label a dish 'gluten-free' if I make it in the same kitchen as pasta?Allergen Compliance (NYC Local Law 1233, menu disclosure)⏎
- P1What does an acceptable allergen statement actually look like?Allergen Compliance (NYC Local Law 1233, menu disclosure)⏎
- P1What temp do I have to reheat leftovers to before serving again?Food Temperature Control (TCS, hot/cold holding, cooling)⏎
- P1What's the legal way to thaw frozen meat?Food Temperature Control (TCS, hot/cold holding, cooling)⏎
- P1What does NYC mean by 'Integrated Pest Management' and is it required?Pest Control (mouse / roach / fly evidence + IPM)⏎
- P1How serious are fruit flies and house flies in a DOH inspection?Pest Control (mouse / roach / fly evidence + IPM)⏎
- P1How do I tell if I have a roach problem before the inspector does?Pest Control (mouse / roach / fly evidence + IPM)⏎
- P1Where does my mop sink go and what's the cross-connection rule?Plumbing, Grease, Handwash Stations⏎
- P1How big does my hot water heater need to be for a NYC restaurant?Plumbing, Grease, Handwash Stations⏎
- P1When can I post 'Grade Pending' instead of a B or C?DOH Letter Grade Inspection (cycle, scoring, posting)⏎
- P1How do I actually enforce first-in-first-out in a busy kitchen?Date Marking, Storage, Cross-Contamination⏎
- P1What do I check when a delivery arrives from my food vendor?Date Marking, Storage, Cross-Contamination⏎
- P1What's actually on the FDA Food Traceability List?FSMA 204 Traceability (Jan 20 2028 deadline)⏎
- P1How long do I have to keep traceability records under FSMA 204?FSMA 204 Traceability (Jan 20 2028 deadline)⏎
- P1Can the inspector show up before we open or after we close?DOH Letter Grade Inspection (cycle, scoring, posting)⏎
- P1How will Sysco, Baldor, and US Foods send me FSMA 204 data?FSMA 204 Traceability (Jan 20 2028 deadline)⏎
- P1Are 311 complaints anonymous and can I find out who complained?Complaint-Driven Inspection (311, 911, anonymous)⏎
- P1How quickly does my new grade show up on the DOH website?DOH Letter Grade Inspection (cycle, scoring, posting)⏎
- P1Should I hire a private inspector before my reinspection?Reinspection / B-Card / OATH Tribunal Hearing⏎
- P1How are DOH fines actually calculated and can I negotiate them?Reinspection / B-Card / OATH Tribunal Hearing⏎
- P1Should I voluntarily close if I think I have an outbreak?Foodborne Illness Crisis Response⏎
- P1What do I say to the press if my restaurant is named in an outbreak?Foodborne Illness Crisis Response⏎
- P1What does it take to reopen after DOHMH closes me for a confirmed outbreak?Foodborne Illness Crisis Response⏎
- P1What's the best digital tool for managing food safety logs?Self-Audit, Score Predictability, Vendor Tools⏎
- P1Are wireless temperature monitors worth installing in my walk-ins?Self-Audit, Score Predictability, Vendor Tools⏎
- P1How often do I have to retrain line staff on food safety?Self-Audit, Score Predictability, Vendor Tools⏎
- P1Does ServSafe Manager certification count as a NYC Food Protection Certificate?Food Protection Course (FH Cert) & ServSafe⏎
- P2Does NYC offer the Food Protection Course in Spanish or other languages?Food Protection Course (FH Cert) & ServSafe⏎
- P2How do I replace a lost or stolen FPC card before an inspection?Food Protection Course (FH Cert) & ServSafe⏎
- P2Does my online menu (website, DoorDash, Resy) need to carry the same allergen info?Allergen Compliance (NYC Local Law 1233, menu disclosure)⏎
- P2Can I keep sushi or pizza out without temperature control if I write it down?Food Temperature Control (TCS, hot/cold holding, cooling)⏎
- P2Can I store pest control chemicals in the kitchen?Pest Control (mouse / roach / fly evidence + IPM)⏎
- P2Are color-coded cutting boards legally required?Date Marking, Storage, Cross-Contamination⏎
- P2Are 'retail food establishments' fully exempt from FSMA 204?FSMA 204 Traceability (Jan 20 2028 deadline)⏎
- P2What's the penalty if I'm not FSMA 204 ready by January 20 2028?FSMA 204 Traceability (Jan 20 2028 deadline)⏎
- P2Is the complaint inspector different from the regular cycle inspector?Complaint-Driven Inspection (311, 911, anonymous)⏎
- P2Can a bad Yelp review trigger a DOH inspection?Complaint-Driven Inspection (311, 911, anonymous)⏎
- P2What's the threshold where DOHMH considers my restaurant a 'high-risk' chronic complaint location?Complaint-Driven Inspection (311, 911, anonymous)⏎
- P2How long can I keep posting 'Grade Pending' before I have to take it down?Reinspection / B-Card / OATH Tribunal Hearing⏎
- P2Should I offer free meals or refunds to customers who claimed illness?Foodborne Illness Crisis Response⏎
- P2Can I predict my next DOH score before the inspector arrives?Self-Audit, Score Predictability, Vendor Tools⏎
- P2Is a monthly compliance consultant retainer worth it?Self-Audit, Score Predictability, Vendor Tools⏎
- P2What information about my restaurant is public on ABCEats and Open Data?Self-Audit, Score Predictability, Vendor Tools⏎
- P2How do multi-unit NYC restaurant groups manage food safety across locations?Self-Audit, Score Predictability, Vendor Tools⏎
🥂Events & Buyouts80
Open playbook →- P0How fast do I need to respond to a private event inquiry to actually win the booking?Inquiry & Proposal Workflow⏎
- P0How do I handle dietary restrictions and allergens on the BEO without killing the kitchen?Banquet Event Order (BEO) Mechanics⏎
- P0How do I set an F&B minimum that protects revenue without scaring off bookings?F&B Minimums, Room Fees, Pricing⏎
- P0What 5 questions must I ask on every inbound event inquiry before sending a proposal?Inquiry & Proposal Workflow⏎
- P0What's the standard NYC deposit schedule for a private event?Deposits & Payment Schedule⏎
- P0What COI limits should I require from event clients in NYC?COI / Insurance Requirements⏎
- P0Do outside vendors (florist, AV, DJ) need to provide COIs too?COI / Insurance Requirements⏎
- P0Does my standard liquor liability cover private event open bars?COI / Insurance Requirements⏎
- P0What's the max safe open-bar duration for a NYC private event?Alcohol Limits, Liability, Open Bar Mechanics⏎
- P0Should I price the open bar per-person flat or on consumption?Alcohol Limits, Liability, Open Bar Mechanics⏎
- P0How do I handle refusing a visibly intoxicated guest at a private event?Alcohol Limits, Liability, Open Bar Mechanics⏎
- P0What's the difference between service charge and gratuity, and which one is taxable in NY?Gratuity, Service Charge, NY Tax Treatment⏎
- P0Who can I share private-event gratuity with under NY law?Gratuity, Service Charge, NY Tax Treatment⏎
- P0What NY sales tax do I charge on a private event in NYC?Gratuity, Service Charge, NY Tax Treatment⏎
- P0How much load-in time do I really need for a buyout with outside vendors?Setup, Run-of-Show, Day-Of Production⏎
- P0What goes into a day-of run-of-show vs. the BEO?Setup, Run-of-Show, Day-Of Production⏎
- P0What's a defensible NYC cancellation schedule for a private event?Cancellation, Force Majeure, Postponement⏎
- P0What should the force majeure clause cover post-COVID?Cancellation, Force Majeure, Postponement⏎
- P0How do I structure a postponement so it's not a free cancellation?Cancellation, Force Majeure, Postponement⏎
- P0Should I settle the bill the night of the event or invoice after?Post-Event Settlement & Reconciliation⏎
- P0What line items must appear on the final settlement bill?Post-Event Settlement & Reconciliation⏎
- P0What's the most common billing dispute and how do I prevent it?Common Disputes & How to Avoid Them⏎
- P0How do I defend a 'we didn't drink that much' bar bill dispute?Common Disputes & How to Avoid Them⏎
- P0What happens when a client disputes the 22% service charge thinking it's tip?Common Disputes & How to Avoid Them⏎
- P0What do I do if a guest has an allergic reaction during the event?Common Disputes & How to Avoid Them⏎
- P0What's my exposure when a visibly intoxicated guest gets hurt or hurts someone leaving the event?Common Disputes & How to Avoid Them⏎
- P0What absolutely has to be on every BEO before I send it to the kitchen?Banquet Event Order (BEO) Mechanics⏎
- P0When do I lock the guaranteed guest count, and what happens if they show up with more or fewer?Banquet Event Order (BEO) Mechanics⏎
- P1Who has to sign the BEO and when?Banquet Event Order (BEO) Mechanics⏎
- P1How do I handle last-minute BEO changes without losing money or breaking the kitchen?Banquet Event Order (BEO) Mechanics⏎
- P1Who gets a copy of the final BEO and when?Banquet Event Order (BEO) Mechanics⏎
- P1When should I charge a flat room fee vs. just an F&B minimum?F&B Minimums, Room Fees, Pricing⏎
- P1How many menu price tiers should I offer for private events?F&B Minimums, Room Fees, Pricing⏎
- P1How much can I push pricing in peak December or wedding season?F&B Minimums, Room Fees, Pricing⏎
- P1Should I accept credit cards for the full event balance?Deposits & Payment Schedule⏎
- P1When should I put a credit-card authorization on file for incidentals?Deposits & Payment Schedule⏎
- P1Should I extend NET-30 invoice terms to corporate clients?Deposits & Payment Schedule⏎
- P1Should I recommend that wedding clients buy event insurance?COI / Insurance Requirements⏎
- P1What indemnification language should the event contract include?COI / Insurance Requirements⏎
- P1How do first-hold and second-hold dates actually work for NYC venues?Inquiry & Proposal Workflow⏎
- P1What's the right bartender-to-guest ratio for a private event?Alcohol Limits, Liability, Open Bar Mechanics⏎
- P1Can a client BYO alcohol for a private event in my licensed venue?Alcohol Limits, Liability, Open Bar Mechanics⏎
- P1How do I handle underage guests at a wedding or bar mitzvah open bar?Alcohol Limits, Liability, Open Bar Mechanics⏎
- P1What does a winning NYC private-event proposal actually contain?Inquiry & Proposal Workflow⏎
- P1How do I handle a 501(c)(3) or government-agency tax exemption?Gratuity, Service Charge, NY Tax Treatment⏎
- P1What disclosure language do I need on the contract for an 18-22% service charge?Gratuity, Service Charge, NY Tax Treatment⏎
- P1What does a pre-shift briefing look like for a private event?Setup, Run-of-Show, Day-Of Production⏎
- P1What's the right way to set seated capacity vs. cocktail capacity for the same room?Setup, Run-of-Show, Day-Of Production⏎
- P1When does an event tip into overtime billing, and how do I handle it?Setup, Run-of-Show, Day-Of Production⏎
- P1Should I run a preferred-vendor list and require clients to use it?Vendor Coordination (Florist, AV, DJ, Photographer)⏎
- P1Should I do a site visit before sending the proposal or after?Inquiry & Proposal Workflow⏎
- P1How should I coordinate florist load-in and end-of-night breakdown?Vendor Coordination (Florist, AV, DJ, Photographer)⏎
- P1What AV info do I need from vendors before the event?Vendor Coordination (Florist, AV, DJ, Photographer)⏎
- P1If a snowstorm or hurricane hits, who eats the cancellation cost?Cancellation, Force Majeure, Postponement⏎
- P1What happens to outside-vendor deposits when the event is cancelled?Cancellation, Force Majeure, Postponement⏎
- P1How do I count bar inventory after a private event for accurate billing?Post-Event Settlement & Reconciliation⏎
- P1How fast do I need to distribute event gratuities to staff after settlement?Post-Event Settlement & Reconciliation⏎
- P1How do I bill clients for property damage after a private event?Post-Event Settlement & Reconciliation⏎
- P1What do I do when a client's outside vendor doesn't show up?Common Disputes & How to Avoid Them⏎
- P1What do I do when NYPD shows up for a noise complaint during a private event?Common Disputes & How to Avoid Them⏎
- P1What if FDNY shows up at a private event for an inspection or complaint?Common Disputes & How to Avoid Them⏎
- P1What's the venue's liability for stolen coats, gifts, or guest property?Common Disputes & How to Avoid Them⏎
- P1What do I do when a client files a credit-card chargeback after settlement?Common Disputes & How to Avoid Them⏎
- P2What's a defensible NYC corkage fee and cake-cutting fee?F&B Minimums, Room Fees, Pricing⏎
- P2Do I charge separately for coat check and valet, or build it in?F&B Minimums, Room Fees, Pricing⏎
- P2Are deposits ever refundable in NY, and what does the contract need to say?Deposits & Payment Schedule⏎
- P2How should I price a champagne toast separately from the bar package?Alcohol Limits, Liability, Open Bar Mechanics⏎
- P2Do I have to report private-event gratuity allocations to the IRS?Gratuity, Service Charge, NY Tax Treatment⏎
- P2How long do I need to flip a room from ceremony to reception?Setup, Run-of-Show, Day-Of Production⏎
- P2How do I coordinate DJ vs. live-band logistics differently?Vendor Coordination (Florist, AV, DJ, Photographer)⏎
- P2What does a photographer/videographer team need from the venue?Vendor Coordination (Florist, AV, DJ, Photographer)⏎
- P2Do I have to feed all the outside vendors and what does it cost?Vendor Coordination (Florist, AV, DJ, Photographer)⏎
- P2Can I require clients to use my in-house catering or AV?Vendor Coordination (Florist, AV, DJ, Photographer)⏎
- P2How do I tell a serious corporate inquiry from a tire-kicker?Inquiry & Proposal Workflow⏎
- P2Should I send a post-event survey or review request?Post-Event Settlement & Reconciliation⏎
- P2How long does the typical NYC inquiry-to-signed-contract cycle take?Inquiry & Proposal Workflow⏎
- P2What if a guest posts unflattering photos of the venue or staff on social media?Common Disputes & How to Avoid Them⏎
- P2What's the rule on charity casino nights or raffles at private events?Common Disputes & How to Avoid Them⏎
- P2What do I do if the client host doesn't show up for their own event?Common Disputes & How to Avoid Them⏎
- P2How should I respond to a 1-star review from a private-event client?Common Disputes & How to Avoid Them⏎
🚚Catering80
Open playbook →- P0When is the right time for a NYC restaurant to launch a drop-off catering channel?Drop-Off Catering Strategy & Pricing⏎
- P0What is the right per-person price for full-service off-site catering in NYC?Full-Service Off-Site Catering⏎
- P0What server-to-guest ratios do I need to staff a full-service off-site event?Full-Service Off-Site Catering⏎
- P0What deposit and payment schedule should I require for off-site catering contracts?Full-Service Off-Site Catering⏎
- P0What insurance do I need for full-service off-site catering, and what COI does the venue typically require?Full-Service Off-Site Catering⏎
- P0What did NYC Local Laws 56 and 59 of 2026 actually change about mobile food vending permits?Food Truck Operations & NYC Mobile Vending Permits (post-LL 56 & 59 of 2026)⏎
- P0What does it actually cost to start a NYC food truck legally in 2026?Food Truck Operations & NYC Mobile Vending Permits (post-LL 56 & 59 of 2026)⏎
- P0Do I really need a commissary kitchen for my food truck, and what does it cost in NYC?Food Truck Operations & NYC Mobile Vending Permits (post-LL 56 & 59 of 2026)⏎
- P0What markup over my dine-in menu price should I use for drop-off catering trays?Drop-Off Catering Strategy & Pricing⏎
- P0Where can I legally park and operate a food truck in NYC, and where will I get ticketed?Food Truck Operations & NYC Mobile Vending Permits (post-LL 56 & 59 of 2026)⏎
- P0How do I become a Smorgasburg vendor and what does it cost?Festival & Event Presence (NY Now, Smorgasburg, summer fests)⏎
- P0What permits do I need to vend food at a NYC street festival or summer event?Festival & Event Presence (NY Now, Smorgasburg, summer fests)⏎
- P0What's the actual difference between a commissary kitchen and a ghost kitchen, and which do I need?Commissary Kitchens & Ghost Kitchens (CloudKitchens, Reef, etc.)⏎
- P0Can I actually make money running a delivery-only ghost kitchen brand in NYC?Commissary Kitchens & Ghost Kitchens (CloudKitchens, Reef, etc.)⏎
- P0What price points should I build for corporate holiday gift boxes?Holiday Gift / Gift-Box Programs⏎
- P0How should I handle shipping for nationwide holiday gift orders without losing margin?Holiday Gift / Gift-Box Programs⏎
- P0How do I start building a recurring corporate catering account book in NYC?Corporate Account & Subscription Catering⏎
- P0What kosher certification do I need to advertise as a kosher caterer in NYC?Kosher / Halal / Specialty Diet Catering⏎
- P0What is a mashgiach and when do I need one for an event?Kosher / Halal / Specialty Diet Catering⏎
- P0What is the NYSLA Catering Permit and when do I need one to serve alcohol off-premise?NYS Catering Permit + One-Day SLA Permits⏎
- P0What equipment do I need to safely transport hot and cold food for off-site catering?Transportation, Cold Chain, Insulated Boxes⏎
- P0What sales tax do I charge on catering in NYC, and when is the customer exempt?Tax / Service Charge / Gratuity Treatment for Off-Premise⏎
- P0What's the legal difference between a service charge and a gratuity on my catering invoice?Tax / Service Charge / Gratuity Treatment for Off-Premise⏎
- P0What do I do if the mashgiach doesn't show up to a kosher catering event?Pitfalls (mashgiach no-show, undercount, food-safety in transit, brand drift)⏎
- P0What do I do when more guests show up than the contracted headcount?Pitfalls (mashgiach no-show, undercount, food-safety in transit, brand drift)⏎
- P0What do I do if a guest reports getting sick after one of my catering events?Pitfalls (mashgiach no-show, undercount, food-safety in transit, brand drift)⏎
- P0When should my restaurant pursue full-service off-site catering vs sticking with drop-off?Full-Service Off-Site Catering⏎
- P1How does my pricing change if the off-site venue has no kitchen?Full-Service Off-Site Catering⏎
- P1Should I offer free tastings to prospective off-site catering clients?Full-Service Off-Site Catering⏎
- P1How should I work with event planners on full-service off-site catering — commission, exclusivity, kickback rules?Full-Service Off-Site Catering⏎
- P1Should I buy a used food truck permit from an existing holder before LL 56 takes full effect?Food Truck Operations & NYC Mobile Vending Permits (post-LL 56 & 59 of 2026)⏎
- P1What daily and annual sales should I target from a NYC food truck to be profitable?Food Truck Operations & NYC Mobile Vending Permits (post-LL 56 & 59 of 2026)⏎
- P1How does a NYC food truck health inspection work, and what triggers a shutdown?Food Truck Operations & NYC Mobile Vending Permits (post-LL 56 & 59 of 2026)⏎
- P1What are the highest-ROI NYC summer 2026 festivals for a food vendor to apply to?Festival & Event Presence (NY Now, Smorgasburg, summer fests)⏎
- P1How should I handle payment processing and cash at a NYC festival booth?Festival & Event Presence (NY Now, Smorgasburg, summer fests)⏎
- P1What minimum order size should I set for drop-off catering in Manhattan?Drop-Off Catering Strategy & Pricing⏎
- P1How should I design my menu and price food for a festival booth vs a restaurant?Festival & Event Presence (NY Now, Smorgasburg, summer fests)⏎
- P1Which NYC commissary kitchens should I look at for a catering / food truck / packaged food business?Commissary Kitchens & Ghost Kitchens (CloudKitchens, Reef, etc.)⏎
- P1Should my existing restaurant launch a virtual brand from my own kitchen?Commissary Kitchens & Ghost Kitchens (CloudKitchens, Reef, etc.)⏎
- P1When should a growing catering business graduate from a shared commissary to its own production kitchen?Commissary Kitchens & Ghost Kitchens (CloudKitchens, Reef, etc.)⏎
- P1If my commissary closes mid-year, how fast can I move my food truck to a new one without losing my permit?Commissary Kitchens & Ghost Kitchens (CloudKitchens, Reef, etc.)⏎
- P1When should I launch a holiday gift box program for my restaurant or specialty food business?Holiday Gift / Gift-Box Programs⏎
- P1Should I list on ezCater/Forkable/Sharebite or push customers to order direct?Drop-Off Catering Strategy & Pricing⏎
- P1Which corporate gifting platforms (Snappy, Sendoso, Reachdesk) should I sell through?Holiday Gift / Gift-Box Programs⏎
- P1What COGS percentage should I target on holiday gift boxes?Holiday Gift / Gift-Box Programs⏎
- P1Should I offer a subscription catering plan (weekly recurring lunch program) to corporate clients?Corporate Account & Subscription Catering⏎
- P1Should I extend Net 30 payment terms to corporate catering clients, or require prepayment?Corporate Account & Subscription Catering⏎
- P1How should I track dietary restrictions, allergies, and preferences across recurring corporate clients?Corporate Account & Subscription Catering⏎
- P1What lead time should I require for drop-off catering orders?Drop-Off Catering Strategy & Pricing⏎
- P1How much premium can I charge for kosher catering vs comparable non-kosher catering?Kosher / Halal / Specialty Diet Catering⏎
- P1What halal certification do I need to serve halal food at a NYC catering event?Kosher / Halal / Specialty Diet Catering⏎
- P1Is there real demand for fully vegan catering in NYC and how should I price it?Kosher / Halal / Specialty Diet Catering⏎
- P1How do I handle a fully nut-free or gluten-free event when my regular kitchen processes both?Kosher / Halal / Specialty Diet Catering⏎
- P1What invoicing detail do enterprise corporate catering clients actually require?Corporate Account & Subscription Catering⏎
- P1Do I need a NYSLA permit for small private catering events with under 20 guests?NYS Catering Permit + One-Day SLA Permits⏎
- P1Can guests bring their own alcohol to an off-site catering event I'm running?NYS Catering Permit + One-Day SLA Permits⏎
- P1Do I need a refrigerated van to transport catering for a 100-person event?Transportation, Cold Chain, Insulated Boxes⏎
- P1What temperature logging do I need to do for off-site catering, and what does DOHMH check?Transportation, Cold Chain, Insulated Boxes⏎
- P1How should I distribute the gratuity from a catering event among my service staff?Tax / Service Charge / Gratuity Treatment for Off-Premise⏎
- P1How do I remit sales tax collected on catering to NY State, and what's the filing schedule?Tax / Service Charge / Gratuity Treatment for Off-Premise⏎
- P1How do I avoid 'brand drift' where my catering kitchen turns into a different operation than my dine-in restaurant?Pitfalls (mashgiach no-show, undercount, food-safety in transit, brand drift)⏎
- P1How far should I deliver drop-off catering, and what should I charge?Drop-Off Catering Strategy & Pricing⏎
- P1How do I prevent my off-site catering staff from getting my company blacklisted from a venue?Pitfalls (mashgiach no-show, undercount, food-safety in transit, brand drift)⏎
- P2Should an established NYC restaurant launch a food truck as a marketing extension of the brand?Food Truck Operations & NYC Mobile Vending Permits (post-LL 56 & 59 of 2026)⏎
- P2Is NY Now a relevant trade show for a NYC catering / specialty food brand?Festival & Event Presence (NY Now, Smorgasburg, summer fests)⏎
- P2What insurance do I need to cover my equipment and product when I'm using a shared commissary?Commissary Kitchens & Ghost Kitchens (CloudKitchens, Reef, etc.)⏎
- P2Is Reef Technology still a viable ghost kitchen partner in NYC after their 2023 layoffs and pivot?Commissary Kitchens & Ghost Kitchens (CloudKitchens, Reef, etc.)⏎
- P2Should my NYC restaurant sell gift boxes through Goldbelly, or only through my own site?Holiday Gift / Gift-Box Programs⏎
- P2How do I structure my catering account management so I don't drop the ball on repeat clients?Corporate Account & Subscription Catering⏎
- P2Should I integrate with corporate meal stipend platforms (Grubhub Corporate, Uber for Business)?Corporate Account & Subscription Catering⏎
- P2Can I temporarily convert my non-kosher kitchen to kosher for a single event?Kosher / Halal / Specialty Diet Catering⏎
- P2Does the Sweet Truth Act apply to my catering operation?Kosher / Halal / Specialty Diet Catering⏎
- P2When do I need to hire a dedicated catering manager?Drop-Off Catering Strategy & Pricing⏎
- P2Should I offer customization or personalization on holiday gift boxes for corporate clients?Holiday Gift / Gift-Box Programs⏎
- P2What's different about catering inside a hotel vs at a private off-site venue, license-wise?NYS Catering Permit + One-Day SLA Permits⏎
- P2What's the difference between a Catering Function Permit and a Caterer's Permit in NY?NYS Catering Permit + One-Day SLA Permits⏎
- P2What can cause NYSLA to deny my Catering Permit application or revoke an existing license?NYS Catering Permit + One-Day SLA Permits⏎
- P2What should disposable packaging cost me per cover for drop-off catering?Drop-Off Catering Strategy & Pricing⏎
- P2Can I use a third-party courier (Roadie, Senpex, Uber Direct) for hot or cold catering deliveries?Transportation, Cold Chain, Insulated Boxes⏎
- P2What sales tax do I charge for an event I'm catering in New Jersey or Connecticut?Tax / Service Charge / Gratuity Treatment for Off-Premise⏎
☀️Outdoor Dining80
Open playbook →- P0What are the three outdoor-dining permit types under DOT's Dining Out NYC program?Permit Types (Sidewalk Café, Roadway, Hybrid)⏎
- P0How long does the full DOT license take to issue?Dining Out NYC Application & Cycle⏎
- P0What must the site plan show in a DONYC application?Dining Out NYC Application & Cycle⏎
- P0Do I need Community Board approval to get a DONYC license?Dining Out NYC Application & Cycle⏎
- P0What's the minimum sidewalk clear path I have to maintain?Sidewalk Café Rules (clear path, frontage)⏎
- P0What's the clearance requirement around tree pits and hydrants on the sidewalk?Sidewalk Café Rules (clear path, frontage)⏎
- P0Can I put walls or a roof on my sidewalk café?Sidewalk Café Rules (clear path, frontage)⏎
- P0What are the roadway café season dates?Roadway Café Rules (post-Mamdani year-round, season dates)⏎
- P0Did the Mamdani administration bring back year-round roadway dining?Roadway Café Rules (post-Mamdani year-round, season dates)⏎
- P0What are the dimensional rules for a roadway café?Roadway Café Rules (post-Mamdani year-round, season dates)⏎
- P0What kind of barrier do I need on the traffic side of a roadway café?Roadway Café Rules (post-Mamdani year-round, season dates)⏎
- P0Can a roadway café have a roof?Roadway Café Rules (post-Mamdani year-round, season dates)⏎
- P0Is this still the COVID emergency Open Restaurants program?Permit Types (Sidewalk Café, Roadway, Hybrid)⏎
- P0What changed in DOT's December 2024 outdoor-dining design rules?Structure Design (post-Dec 2024 DOT rules)⏎
- P0How many sides of my roadway café must stay open?Structure Design (post-Dec 2024 DOT rules)⏎
- P0What's the maximum height for an outdoor-dining structure?Structure Design (post-Dec 2024 DOT rules)⏎
- P0What ADA accessibility requirements apply to outdoor structures?Structure Design (post-Dec 2024 DOT rules)⏎
- P0Do I need an FDNY license to use propane patio heaters outdoors?Heaters (Propane License, Electric, Compliance)⏎
- P0What are the DOT outdoor-dining license fees by zone?Permit Types (Sidewalk Café, Roadway, Hybrid)⏎
- P0How can I legally store propane tanks at my outdoor café?Heaters (Propane License, Electric, Compliance)⏎
- P0When do I have to take umbrellas down for wind?Umbrellas, Furniture, Music⏎
- P0Can I play music in my outdoor café?Umbrellas, Furniture, Music⏎
- P0Do I need NYS SLA approval to serve alcohol in the outdoor café?Liquor / SLA Implications (extension of premises)⏎
- P0What physical separation does SLA require for outdoor alcohol service?Liquor / SLA Implications (extension of premises)⏎
- P0Where in NYC are roadway cafés prohibited regardless of operator?Permit Types (Sidewalk Café, Roadway, Hybrid)⏎
- P0What is an ACP-5 and when do I need one for outdoor dining?ACP-5 Vibration Cert & Engineering⏎
- P0When do I need PE-stamped structural drawings for the structure?ACP-5 Vibration Cert & Engineering⏎
- P0How do 311 noise complaints affect my outdoor dining license?Neighbor / Community Board / Noise⏎
- P0What insurance does DOT require for an outdoor dining license?Insurance & COI Requirements⏎
- P0What cleaning is required for the outdoor café each day?Operational Practice (cleaning, snow, cigarette receptacles)⏎
- P0Who shovels snow around an outdoor café in winter?Operational Practice (cleaning, snow, cigarette receptacles)⏎
- P0Where do I file the Dining Out NYC application?Dining Out NYC Application & Cycle⏎
- P1How long is a DONYC license valid and how do I renew?Dining Out NYC Application & Cycle⏎
- P1What happens during the 30-day public-comment period?Dining Out NYC Application & Cycle⏎
- P1What are all the up-front DONYC application fees?Dining Out NYC Application & Cycle⏎
- P1How close to my building can sidewalk café tables sit?Sidewalk Café Rules (clear path, frontage)⏎
- P1Can my sidewalk café extend past my own storefront?Sidewalk Café Rules (clear path, frontage)⏎
- P1Did DOT take over the old DCA Sidewalk Café Program?Permit Types (Sidewalk Café, Roadway, Hybrid)⏎
- P1Can I install a wood deck or rubber mat on the sidewalk café area?Sidewalk Café Rules (clear path, frontage)⏎
- P1Is sidewalk café operation year-round?Sidewalk Café Rules (clear path, frontage)⏎
- P1Can I store my roadway café components on the street in winter?Roadway Café Rules (post-Mamdani year-round, season dates)⏎
- P1How do roadway cafés handle alternate-side parking and snow?Roadway Café Rules (post-Mamdani year-round, season dates)⏎
- P1What materials are allowed for the roadway structure frame?Structure Design (post-Dec 2024 DOT rules)⏎
- P1Can I bolt my structure into the sidewalk or street?Structure Design (post-Dec 2024 DOT rules)⏎
- P1Can I run electrical to the outdoor structure?Structure Design (post-Dec 2024 DOT rules)⏎
- P1Should I use propane or electric heaters for my outdoor café?Heaters (Propane License, Electric, Compliance)⏎
- P1How far must heaters be from umbrellas, awnings, and the building?Heaters (Propane License, Electric, Compliance)⏎
- P1What are the rules for outdoor café umbrellas?Umbrellas, Furniture, Music⏎
- P1Can I host live music at the outdoor café?Umbrellas, Furniture, Music⏎
- P1Which businesses can apply for a DONYC permit?Permit Types (Sidewalk Café, Roadway, Hybrid)⏎
- P1What are the hours for outdoor alcohol service?Liquor / SLA Implications (extension of premises)⏎
- P1Does the SLA 200-foot rule apply to outdoor café area?Liquor / SLA Implications (extension of premises)⏎
- P1Can outdoor café customers walk into the street with their drinks?Liquor / SLA Implications (extension of premises)⏎
- P1Does the outdoor café have to be physically connected to the indoor restaurant?Liquor / SLA Implications (extension of premises)⏎
- P1How do I know if my address is over a subway tunnel?ACP-5 Vibration Cert & Engineering⏎
- P1Where do I find an engineer to do the ACP-5 / structural cert?ACP-5 Vibration Cert & Engineering⏎
- P1What's the best community-relations move before opening outdoor dining?Neighbor / Community Board / Noise⏎
- P1Which Community Board committee handles outdoor dining?Neighbor / Community Board / Noise⏎
- P1Can I run sidewalk and roadway dining at the same address?Permit Types (Sidewalk Café, Roadway, Hybrid)⏎
- P1What time should I cut outdoor music in NYC?Neighbor / Community Board / Noise⏎
- P1Does my liquor liability policy cover outdoor café service?Insurance & COI Requirements⏎
- P1How do I add the City of New York as additional insured on my COI?Insurance & COI Requirements⏎
- P1Do I need to provide cigarette receptacles at the outdoor café?Operational Practice (cleaning, snow, cigarette receptacles)⏎
- P1How do I handle trash from the outdoor café?Operational Practice (cleaning, snow, cigarette receptacles)⏎
- P1How do I keep rats away from the outdoor café?Operational Practice (cleaning, snow, cigarette receptacles)⏎
- P2Can I modify my outdoor setup after the license is issued?Dining Out NYC Application & Cycle⏎
- P2Can I put my logo or signage on the outdoor structure?Structure Design (post-Dec 2024 DOT rules)⏎
- P2Where do I get propane tanks exchanged in NYC?Heaters (Propane License, Electric, Compliance)⏎
- P2When does heater season start and end in NYC outdoor dining?Heaters (Propane License, Electric, Compliance)⏎
- P2What furniture works best for NYC outdoor cafés?Umbrellas, Furniture, Music⏎
- P2Do I need a PRO music license for outdoor music?Umbrellas, Furniture, Music⏎
- P2Can I put a bar service station in the outdoor café?Liquor / SLA Implications (extension of premises)⏎
- P2Can I use a one-day Catering Permit to serve alcohol outdoors at a private event?Liquor / SLA Implications (extension of premises)⏎
- P2Do my outdoor servers need separate alcohol training?Liquor / SLA Implications (extension of premises)⏎
- P2Can I let customers BYOB outside if my restaurant doesn't have a liquor license?Liquor / SLA Implications (extension of premises)⏎
- P2What vibration limit does MTA enforce for structures over tunnels?ACP-5 Vibration Cert & Engineering⏎
- P2Does the ACP-5 / vibration cert expire?ACP-5 Vibration Cert & Engineering⏎
- P2Tenants in the apartments above me are complaining about smells and noise. What do I do?Neighbor / Community Board / Noise⏎
- P2How often does the COI need to be refreshed with DOT?Insurance & COI Requirements⏎
- P2What is a DOT conditional license and when do operators get one?Permit Types (Sidewalk Café, Roadway, Hybrid)⏎
🎵Music & Perf.80
Open playbook →- P0Why do I need licenses from four different organizations just to play music?Public Performance Rights (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, GMR)⏎
- P0Is the NYC Cabaret Law really gone — can my customers dance now?NYC Cabaret License History & Office of Nightlife⏎
- P0If the Cabaret Law is repealed, why does my landlord say I can't have a nightclub?NYC Cabaret License History & Office of Nightlife⏎
- P0What does ASCAP actually cost a NYC restaurant or bar?Public Performance Rights (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, GMR)⏎
- P0What are the actual NYC sound limits for a bar or restaurant?NYC Sound Ordinance (RCNY 24-218 etc.) & Noise Complaints⏎
- P0If a neighbor calls 311 about my music, who actually shows up and what do they do?NYC Sound Ordinance (RCNY 24-218 etc.) & Noise Complaints⏎
- P0I just got my second 311 noise complaint in 30 days — what do I do this week?NYC Sound Ordinance (RCNY 24-218 etc.) & Noise Complaints⏎
- P0Is BMI cheaper or more expensive than ASCAP for the same venue?Public Performance Rights (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, GMR)⏎
- P0What has to be in a live music performance contract for a NYC bar?Live Music Contracts & Booking⏎
- P0What's a 'door deal' vs a guarantee and which should I offer?Live Music Contracts & Booking⏎
- P0What does a standard NYC DJ contract look like for a Friday/Saturday bar slot?DJ Contracts, Riders, Pay⏎
- P0How much should I be paying DJs in NYC by tier?DJ Contracts, Riders, Pay⏎
- P0What do I do if my DJ no-shows on a Friday night?DJ Contracts, Riders, Pay⏎
- P0When does my venue need an FDNY Place of Assembly permit?FDNY Place of Assembly Permit (PA)⏎
- P0How does FDNY calculate my actual maximum occupancy and can I push it up?FDNY Place of Assembly Permit (PA)⏎
- P0Can I live-stream the bands playing at my venue on Instagram or Twitch?Recording in the Venue, Streaming, Re-broadcast⏎
- P0Bottom-line: should every musician and DJ be 1099 or are some W-2?Performer Visas & 1099 vs W-2⏎
- P0Will my PRO bill go up if I add live music nights to a previously DJ-only bar?Public Performance Rights (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, GMR)⏎
- P0If a cover band plays at my venue, do I need extra licensing for their setlist?Pitfalls (unlicensed cover bands, ASCAP "spot check," DJ no-show)⏎
- P0An ASCAP rep just walked in and started writing down songs — what do I do?Pitfalls (unlicensed cover bands, ASCAP "spot check," DJ no-show)⏎
- P0Can I just play Spotify or Apple Music in my restaurant?Background Music Services (SiriusXM, Soundtrack, Cloud Cover, Mood)⏎
- P0What's the worst-case music-compliance month for a NYC venue and how do I avoid it?Pitfalls (unlicensed cover bands, ASCAP "spot check," DJ no-show)⏎
- P1How does SiriusXM for Business compare to Soundtrack and Mood?Background Music Services (SiriusXM, Soundtrack, Cloud Cover, Mood)⏎
- P1If I have DJs Friday and Saturday but background music the other 5 nights, does my Soundtrack subscription cover the DJ nights?Background Music Services (SiriusXM, Soundtrack, Cloud Cover, Mood)⏎
- P1Does my background music license cover the outdoor patio or sidewalk café?Background Music Services (SiriusXM, Soundtrack, Cloud Cover, Mood)⏎
- P1What does the NYC Office of Nightlife actually do for me?NYC Cabaret License History & Office of Nightlife⏎
- P1What is NYC Local Law 22 of 2020 and how does it affect my venue?NYC Cabaret License History & Office of Nightlife⏎
- P1What was the cabaret-era security camera and bouncer requirement and does any of it survive?NYC Cabaret License History & Office of Nightlife⏎
- P1How much should I spend on soundproofing before opening a music-forward venue?NYC Sound Ordinance (RCNY 24-218 etc.) & Noise Complaints⏎
- P1What sound level meter should I buy and how do I use it?NYC Sound Ordinance (RCNY 24-218 etc.) & Noise Complaints⏎
- P1Should I install a sound limiter that automatically shuts down the system?NYC Sound Ordinance (RCNY 24-218 etc.) & Noise Complaints⏎
- P1Can I play amplified music on my outdoor patio or in my sidewalk café?NYC Sound Ordinance (RCNY 24-218 etc.) & Noise Complaints⏎
- P1What's a 'tech rider' and what should I look for as a venue?Live Music Contracts & Booking⏎
- P1How do I keep the hospitality rider from spiraling out of control?Live Music Contracts & Booking⏎
- P1What cancellation clause should I use after the COVID-era force majeure mess?Live Music Contracts & Booking⏎
- P1What does SESAC cost and is it worth paying?Public Performance Rights (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, GMR)⏎
- P1What's a reasonable DJ rider and where do I push back?DJ Contracts, Riders, Pay⏎
- P1Should I pay my DJ as a 1099 contractor or W-2 employee?DJ Contracts, Riders, Pay⏎
- P1What's the difference between FOH and monitor engineer and do I need both?Sound Engineer Hiring & FOH/Monitor Roles⏎
- P1What does a NYC house sound engineer cost per show or per week?Sound Engineer Hiring & FOH/Monitor Roles⏎
- P1Where do I actually find competent NYC sound engineers to hire?Sound Engineer Hiring & FOH/Monitor Roles⏎
- P1What house PA should a 150-cap NYC music venue actually run?Sound Engineer Hiring & FOH/Monitor Roles⏎
- P1Do I really need a GMR license — who is even on it?Public Performance Rights (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, GMR)⏎
- P1Are sound engineers 1099 contractors or W-2 employees?Sound Engineer Hiring & FOH/Monitor Roles⏎
- P1Are there extra FDNY rules specifically for live music or DJ events?FDNY Place of Assembly Permit (PA)⏎
- P1How often does FDNY inspect for the PA permit and what do they look for?FDNY Place of Assembly Permit (PA)⏎
- P1I'm doing a one-night ticketed event in a non-assembly space — can FDNY issue a temporary PA?FDNY Place of Assembly Permit (PA)⏎
- P1Can I record live performances at my venue for archive or promo use?Recording in the Venue, Streaming, Re-broadcast⏎
- P1What visa does an international DJ or band need to perform in NYC?Performer Visas & 1099 vs W-2⏎
- P1Do I withhold federal taxes when paying a foreign performer?Performer Visas & 1099 vs W-2⏎
- P1When do I have to issue a 1099 to a musician or DJ?Performer Visas & 1099 vs W-2⏎
- P1What records do I need to keep to defend a PRO audit?Music Royalties Bookkeeping & Audit Defense⏎
- P1ASCAP just sent me a back-bill for $8,000 saying I owe years of unpaid licensing — what do I do?Music Royalties Bookkeeping & Audit Defense⏎
- P1What's the single best move to prevent a DJ no-show?Pitfalls (unlicensed cover bands, ASCAP "spot check," DJ no-show)⏎
- P1Open mic night attracts unpredictable performers — how do I limit my noise/PRO/insurance exposure?Pitfalls (unlicensed cover bands, ASCAP "spot check," DJ no-show)⏎
- P1I caught my DJ playing off their personal Spotify account through the house system — is that a problem?Pitfalls (unlicensed cover bands, ASCAP "spot check," DJ no-show)⏎
- P1What does Soundtrack Your Brand actually include and cost?Background Music Services (SiriusXM, Soundtrack, Cloud Cover, Mood)⏎
- P2Is Cloud Cover Music a real alternative or a budget option?Background Music Services (SiriusXM, Soundtrack, Cloud Cover, Mood)⏎
- P2Before 2017 a venue had a Cabaret License — what document replaces it now?NYC Cabaret License History & Office of Nightlife⏎
- P2Who runs the Office of Nightlife and how do I get on their radar in a good way?NYC Cabaret License History & Office of Nightlife⏎
- P2Are there extra noise rules for music during construction or special events?NYC Sound Ordinance (RCNY 24-218 etc.) & Noise Complaints⏎
- P2My landlord's lease says 'no amplified music after 10pm.' Is that enforceable?NYC Sound Ordinance (RCNY 24-218 etc.) & Noise Complaints⏎
- P2Neighbors complain about bass thumping through the floor — is that even regulated?NYC Sound Ordinance (RCNY 24-218 etc.) & Noise Complaints⏎
- P2When does an act count as 'union' and what does that mean for my contract?Live Music Contracts & Booking⏎
- P2If I book an act through an agent, who pays the agent's commission?Live Music Contracts & Booking⏎
- P2How long a sound check should I budget and bill for?Live Music Contracts & Booking⏎
- P2Do I need to require DJs to carry their own insurance?DJ Contracts, Riders, Pay⏎
- P2Can I require my resident DJ to not play other NYC venues?DJ Contracts, Riders, Pay⏎
- P2What do I do when the touring band's engineer fights with my house engineer?Sound Engineer Hiring & FOH/Monitor Roles⏎
- P2Do I need a separate stage manager beyond the sound engineer?Sound Engineer Hiring & FOH/Monitor Roles⏎
- P2Why do I have to file with both DOB and FDNY for an assembly venue?FDNY Place of Assembly Permit (PA)⏎
- P2FDNY just hit me with a Vacate Order — what now?FDNY Place of Assembly Permit (PA)⏎
- P2Did the Music Modernization Act of 2018 change what venues have to pay?Public Performance Rights (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, GMR)⏎
- P2I'm buying an existing venue — does the PA permit transfer to me?FDNY Place of Assembly Permit (PA)⏎
- P2Patrons record sets on their phones — am I liable for what they post?Recording in the Venue, Streaming, Re-broadcast⏎
- P2I want to run a regular Twitch/YouTube channel of DJ sets from my venue — what does that cost?Recording in the Venue, Streaming, Re-broadcast⏎
- P2Are there special rules for playing or recording older songs from before 1972?Recording in the Venue, Streaming, Re-broadcast⏎
- P2The act asks me to pay their LLC instead of them personally — is that fine?Performer Visas & 1099 vs W-2⏎
- P2What goes in a music-compliance binder for the venue?Music Royalties Bookkeeping & Audit Defense⏎
- P2What should music licensing total as a percentage of my revenue?Music Royalties Bookkeeping & Audit Defense⏎
🌿Sustainability80
Open playbook →- P0Does Local Law 97 apply to my restaurant or hotel?Local Law 97 Carbon Cap Compliance (>25K sq ft)⏎
- P0What is the letter grade I have to post on my building, and how is it set?Local Law 84 Benchmarking (Energy Star Portfolio Manager)⏎
- P0What did Local Law 88 require, and is the deadline still relevant?Local Law 88 Lighting + Sub-Metering Upgrades⏎
- P0Why do I now get an electric bill from my landlord instead of ConEd?Local Law 88 Lighting + Sub-Metering Upgrades⏎
- P0What does the LL97 penalty actually cost if my building is over the cap?Local Law 97 Carbon Cap Compliance (>25K sq ft)⏎
- P0Does Local Law 154 ban gas in new construction?Local Law 154 Gas Restrictions (and the cooking exemption)⏎
- P0What counts as 'commercial cooking' for the LL154 exemption?Local Law 154 Gas Restrictions (and the cooking exemption)⏎
- P0When is the LL97 emissions report due, and who files it?Local Law 97 Carbon Cap Compliance (>25K sq ft)⏎
- P0Does my restaurant have to separate food scraps right now?NYS / NYC Food Waste Mandate (LL 146, NYS Food Scraps Law 2027 expansion)⏎
- P0What changes Jan 1 2027 with the food scraps law?NYS / NYC Food Waste Mandate (LL 146, NYS Food Scraps Law 2027 expansion)⏎
- P0What is the Commercial Waste Zone system, and when did it kick in?NYC Commercial Waste Zones (BIC, route consolidation)⏎
- P0Can my landlord pass LL97 fines through to me as a tenant?Local Law 97 Carbon Cap Compliance (>25K sq ft)⏎
- P0Did waste zones make my hauler bill go up or down?NYC Commercial Waste Zones (BIC, route consolidation)⏎
- P0How do I verify my hauler is actually BIC-licensed and CWZ-awarded?NYC Commercial Waste Zones (BIC, route consolidation)⏎
- P0What plastic foam (Styrofoam) products are banned in NYC?Single-Use Plastic Ban + NYS A.4739-C / Styrofoam Ban⏎
- P0What changed on Jan 1 2026 with refrigerant rules?EPA ER&R Jan 1 2026 HFC Threshold Cliff (50→15 lb)⏎
- P0What kitchen equipment is suddenly in scope at 15 lb?EPA ER&R Jan 1 2026 HFC Threshold Cliff (50→15 lb)⏎
- P0What records do I have to keep after Jan 1 2026?EPA ER&R Jan 1 2026 HFC Threshold Cliff (50→15 lb)⏎
- P0Can I get an energy audit for free?Energy Audits, ConEd Programs, NYSERDA Incentives⏎
- P0What are the most common sustainability fines NYC operators get hit with?Pitfalls (penalty exposure, missed benchmarking, unverified BIC haulers)⏎
- P0Does my building have to benchmark energy use under LL84?Local Law 84 Benchmarking (Energy Star Portfolio Manager)⏎
- P1Do I have to give my landlord my utility bills for benchmarking?Local Law 84 Benchmarking (Energy Star Portfolio Manager)⏎
- P1What's a good Energy Star score for a restaurant or hotel?Local Law 84 Benchmarking (Energy Star Portfolio Manager)⏎
- P1Do my kitchen and dining-room lights have to meet a specific code?Local Law 88 Lighting + Sub-Metering Upgrades⏎
- P1If I'm renovating an existing space, does LL154 apply?Local Law 154 Gas Restrictions (and the cooking exemption)⏎
- P1How much more does an all-electric build-out cost vs gas?Local Law 154 Gas Restrictions (and the cooking exemption)⏎
- P1Should I switch to induction even though gas is still allowed?Local Law 154 Gas Restrictions (and the cooking exemption)⏎
- P1Do I really have to donate edible food before composting it?NYS / NYC Food Waste Mandate (LL 146, NYS Food Scraps Law 2027 expansion)⏎
- P1How much does a separate organics hauler cost vs lumping it with trash?NYS / NYC Food Waste Mandate (LL 146, NYS Food Scraps Law 2027 expansion)⏎
- P1What does the kitchen workflow look like for compliant food-scrap separation?NYS / NYC Food Waste Mandate (LL 146, NYS Food Scraps Law 2027 expansion)⏎
- P1Does used cooking oil count as food waste under these rules?NYS / NYC Food Waste Mandate (LL 146, NYS Food Scraps Law 2027 expansion)⏎
- P1Can I still put bags of trash on the curb after the new container rules?NYC Commercial Waste Zones (BIC, route consolidation)⏎
- P1How do I make sure I get reliable pickup windows from my CWZ hauler?NYC Commercial Waste Zones (BIC, route consolidation)⏎
- P1Do I need separate haulers for trash, recycling, and organics?NYC Commercial Waste Zones (BIC, route consolidation)⏎
- P1Are plastic bags banned for takeout in NYC?Single-Use Plastic Ban + NYS A.4739-C / Styrofoam Ban⏎
- P1Can I still hand out plastic straws and forks with takeout?Single-Use Plastic Ban + NYS A.4739-C / Styrofoam Ban⏎
- P1Why does my kitchen drag the building's LL97 number so much?Local Law 97 Carbon Cap Compliance (>25K sq ft)⏎
- P1What's the PFAS-free packaging law I keep hearing about?Single-Use Plastic Ban + NYS A.4739-C / Styrofoam Ban⏎
- P1Are mini shampoo bottles still legal in NYC hotels?Single-Use Plastic Ban + NYS A.4739-C / Styrofoam Ban⏎
- P1What is the New York EPR packaging law and does it affect my restaurant?EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) NYS S.4246/A.5322⏎
- P1If my building can't meet the 2024 cap, is there any safe harbor?Local Law 97 Carbon Cap Compliance (>25K sq ft)⏎
- P1Should I switch to low-GWP refrigerant on my next equipment buy?EPA ER&R Jan 1 2026 HFC Threshold Cliff (50→15 lb)⏎
- P1What happens if my walk-in keeps losing refrigerant — how fast do I have to fix it?EPA ER&R Jan 1 2026 HFC Threshold Cliff (50→15 lb)⏎
- P1What incentives can I get for ENERGY STAR kitchen equipment?Energy Audits, ConEd Programs, NYSERDA Incentives⏎
- P1What's the NYSERDA Clean Heat rebate for heat pumps?Energy Audits, ConEd Programs, NYSERDA Incentives⏎
- P1Is the Green Restaurant Association certification worth getting?Sustainability as Marketing (Green Restaurant Cert, B Corp, FDA traceability)⏎
- P1What does FDA FSMA 204 traceability require, and when?Sustainability as Marketing (Green Restaurant Cert, B Corp, FDA traceability)⏎
- P1What if my landlord missed the LL84 benchmarking deadline?Pitfalls (penalty exposure, missed benchmarking, unverified BIC haulers)⏎
- P1How do I spot a sketchy hauler before I sign?Pitfalls (penalty exposure, missed benchmarking, unverified BIC haulers)⏎
- P2Do I have to benchmark water too, or just energy?Local Law 84 Benchmarking (Energy Star Portfolio Manager)⏎
- P2Where does the public actually see my LL84 data?Local Law 84 Benchmarking (Energy Star Portfolio Manager)⏎
- P2How do I verify my sub-meter is reading correctly?Local Law 88 Lighting + Sub-Metering Upgrades⏎
- P2Are dimming and occupancy sensors required in my back of house?Local Law 88 Lighting + Sub-Metering Upgrades⏎
- P2Can I keep my old emergency lights, or do they fall under LL88 too?Local Law 88 Lighting + Sub-Metering Upgrades⏎
- P2Can I still install a diesel or gas backup generator under LL154?Local Law 154 Gas Restrictions (and the cooking exemption)⏎
- P2If I'm going all-electric, what happens to the existing gas line?Local Law 154 Gas Restrictions (and the cooking exemption)⏎
- P2Do I get LL97 credit for going all-electric under LL154?Local Law 154 Gas Restrictions (and the cooking exemption)⏎
- P2Are wood-fired pizza ovens or tandoors affected by LL154?Local Law 154 Gas Restrictions (and the cooking exemption)⏎
- P2Will the LL154 cooking exemption survive long-term?Local Law 154 Gas Restrictions (and the cooking exemption)⏎
- P2Can I install an on-site digester or pulper instead of hauling organics out?NYS / NYC Food Waste Mandate (LL 146, NYS Food Scraps Law 2027 expansion)⏎
- P2Can I throw 'compostable' takeout containers into the organics bin?NYS / NYC Food Waste Mandate (LL 146, NYS Food Scraps Law 2027 expansion)⏎
- P2What about all our cardboard from deliveries?NYC Commercial Waste Zones (BIC, route consolidation)⏎
- P2Do my empty wine and beer bottles count as recycling or get redeemed?NYC Commercial Waste Zones (BIC, route consolidation)⏎
- P2Can I use a reusable container program for takeout?Single-Use Plastic Ban + NYS A.4739-C / Styrofoam Ban⏎
- P2How do I quickly audit my packaging for compliance?Single-Use Plastic Ban + NYS A.4739-C / Styrofoam Ban⏎
- P2How does NYS EPR compare to states that already passed it?EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) NYS S.4246/A.5322⏎
- P2Will the NYS Bottle Bill expand to wine and spirits?EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) NYS S.4246/A.5322⏎
- P2How will I see EPR costs on my invoices when they hit?EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) NYS S.4246/A.5322⏎
- P2Will EPR make my supplier change packaging?EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) NYS S.4246/A.5322⏎
- P2Can I market my restaurant's takeout as 'fully recyclable'?EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) NYS S.4246/A.5322⏎
- P2Should I push my coffee or condiment supplier to switch to refillable formats?EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) NYS S.4246/A.5322⏎
- P2How do I make sure my refrigeration tech is properly certified?EPA ER&R Jan 1 2026 HFC Threshold Cliff (50→15 lb)⏎
- P2Why did my refrigerant service bill jump in 2025-2026?EPA ER&R Jan 1 2026 HFC Threshold Cliff (50→15 lb)⏎
- P2Can renewable energy credits (RECs) count toward LL97 compliance?Local Law 97 Carbon Cap Compliance (>25K sq ft)⏎
- P2Can I get paid to cut power during peak hours?Energy Audits, ConEd Programs, NYSERDA Incentives⏎
- P2Can I finance an energy retrofit through my utility bill?Energy Audits, ConEd Programs, NYSERDA Incentives⏎
- P2Should my restaurant or hotel pursue B Corp certification?Sustainability as Marketing (Green Restaurant Cert, B Corp, FDA traceability)⏎
- P2How do I credibly market sustainable seafood without greenwashing?Sustainability as Marketing (Green Restaurant Cert, B Corp, FDA traceability)⏎
- P2How is my building's emissions cap calculated?Local Law 97 Carbon Cap Compliance (>25K sq ft)⏎
- P2Can I get sued or fined for overstating my sustainability claims?Pitfalls (penalty exposure, missed benchmarking, unverified BIC haulers)⏎
🎟Loyalty80
Open playbook →- P0Should my new NYC restaurant launch a loyalty program from day one or wait?Loyalty Program Strategy & Concept Fit⏎
- P0How do I evaluate POS integration depth when picking a loyalty platform?Loyalty Platform Selection (Toast Loyalty, Punchh, Thanx, Square)⏎
- P0What is the economic model for a $150-500/month F&B membership club in NYC?Membership Clubs ($150-500/mo F&B model)⏎
- P0How do successful NYC membership clubs actually acquire their first 200-500 members?Membership Clubs ($150-500/mo F&B model)⏎
- P0Which restaurant concepts in NYC actually get ROI from a points-based loyalty program?Loyalty Program Strategy & Concept Fit⏎
- P0What does New York State law require for restaurant gift cards in 2026?Gift Card Programs (legal, breakage, integration)⏎
- P0How do I account for gift card breakage and when can I recognize the income?Gift Card Programs (legal, breakage, integration)⏎
- P0Should I use Klaviyo, Mailchimp, or just Sevenrooms for my restaurant CRM and email?CRM & Email Lifecycle (Klaviyo, Mailchimp, Sevenrooms)⏎
- P0What are the must-have lifecycle email flows for a NYC restaurant?CRM & Email Lifecycle (Klaviyo, Mailchimp, Sevenrooms)⏎
- P0Can I send SMS marketing to my restaurant guest list and what are the legal traps?CRM & Email Lifecycle (Klaviyo, Mailchimp, Sevenrooms)⏎
- P0What reward percentage should I offer without giving away margin?Loyalty Program Strategy & Concept Fit⏎
- P0What is the right tag taxonomy for a NYC restaurant CRM and how many tags is too many?Guest Data, Tagging, Personalization⏎
- P0How should I track guest allergies in my reservation system to avoid liability and look professional?Guest Data, Tagging, Personalization⏎
- P0How do I define churn for a restaurant when there is no subscription to cancel?Churn Analysis & Frequency Cohorts⏎
- P0Should I run NPS surveys at my restaurant and what is a good score for NYC hospitality?NPS & Guest Survey Programs⏎
- P0What should I do when a guest gives me a low NPS score (0-6 detractor)?NPS & Guest Survey Programs⏎
- P0Which review platforms matter most for a NYC restaurant in 2026?Online Review Management (Google, Yelp, Resy, Tripadvisor)⏎
- P0What Google review count and rating should I be targeting as a NYC restaurant?Online Review Management (Google, Yelp, Resy, Tripadvisor)⏎
- P0Should I respond to every online review, and what is the right tone?Online Review Management (Google, Yelp, Resy, Tripadvisor)⏎
- P0What is the right birthday offer to send guests and when should it land in their inbox?Birthday / Anniversary / VIP Comp Strategy⏎
- P0How much should I budget for VIP comps and how do I keep it from spiraling?Birthday / Anniversary / VIP Comp Strategy⏎
- P0What is the gift card liability risk on my balance sheet and how do I manage it?Pitfalls (gift card breakage liability, loyalty fatigue, comp abuse, GDPR/CCPA)⏎
- P0How do I detect server or manager comp abuse before it costs me real money?Pitfalls (gift card breakage liability, loyalty fatigue, comp abuse, GDPR/CCPA)⏎
- P0Do I have to comply with GDPR or CCPA at my NYC restaurant, and what does NY require?Pitfalls (gift card breakage liability, loyalty fatigue, comp abuse, GDPR/CCPA)⏎
- P0What does Toast Loyalty actually cost and is it worth bundling with Toast POS?Loyalty Platform Selection (Toast Loyalty, Punchh, Thanx, Square)⏎
- P1How does Thanx compare to Punchh and when should I pick it?Loyalty Platform Selection (Toast Loyalty, Punchh, Thanx, Square)⏎
- P1Should a small NYC coffee shop or bakery use Square Loyalty?Loyalty Platform Selection (Toast Loyalty, Punchh, Thanx, Square)⏎
- P1Is Sevenrooms enough for loyalty or do I need a dedicated platform on top?Loyalty Platform Selection (Toast Loyalty, Punchh, Thanx, Square)⏎
- P1How long does loyalty platform setup actually take from contract to live launch?Loyalty Platform Selection (Toast Loyalty, Punchh, Thanx, Square)⏎
- P1How should I structure tiers for a sub-$500/month F&B membership concept?Membership Clubs ($150-500/mo F&B model)⏎
- P1Should I charge an initiation fee, and how much?Membership Clubs ($150-500/mo F&B model)⏎
- P1What is a healthy annual churn rate for a paid F&B membership club?Membership Clubs ($150-500/mo F&B model)⏎
- P1Which gift card platform should I use — POS-native, Toast Gift Cards, or a third party like Givex?Gift Card Programs (legal, breakage, integration)⏎
- P1What is the right holiday gift card promotion to drive Q4 sales without killing margin?Gift Card Programs (legal, breakage, integration)⏎
- P1How do I sell bulk gift cards to NYC corporate clients during the holidays?Gift Card Programs (legal, breakage, integration)⏎
- P1How do I prevent gift card fraud, especially on e-gift cards purchased with stolen credit cards?Gift Card Programs (legal, breakage, integration)⏎
- P1Are restaurant dining subscriptions like 'unlimited coffee' or 'one entrée per day' actually working in 2026?Dining Subscriptions & Prix-Fixe Memberships⏎
- P1How do I price a 'prix-fixe membership' that includes 2 dinners per month at my restaurant?Dining Subscriptions & Prix-Fixe Memberships⏎
- P1What is the difference between points, visit-based, and spend-tier loyalty, and which should I pick?Loyalty Program Strategy & Concept Fit⏎
- P1How do I run a successful in-house wine club or bottle subscription at my NYC restaurant?Dining Subscriptions & Prix-Fixe Memberships⏎
- P1What churn rate should I expect on a $50-150/month restaurant subscription?Dining Subscriptions & Prix-Fixe Memberships⏎
- P1How often should I email my restaurant guest list without burning out my unsubscribe rate?CRM & Email Lifecycle (Klaviyo, Mailchimp, Sevenrooms)⏎
- P1Why are my restaurant emails going to promotions or spam, and how do I fix it?CRM & Email Lifecycle (Klaviyo, Mailchimp, Sevenrooms)⏎
- P1How do I actually measure revenue from my email program at a restaurant?CRM & Email Lifecycle (Klaviyo, Mailchimp, Sevenrooms)⏎
- P1What are the highest-yield ways to grow a restaurant email list in NYC?CRM & Email Lifecycle (Klaviyo, Mailchimp, Sevenrooms)⏎
- P1How do I track lifetime spend per guest when checks are split, paid by company cards, or not assigned to a profile?Guest Data, Tagging, Personalization⏎
- P1What guest-recognition workflow should run at the host stand for every reservation?Guest Data, Tagging, Personalization⏎
- P1What POS data should be syncing into my CRM and how do I tell if the sync is broken?Guest Data, Tagging, Personalization⏎
- P1What are the highest-yield guest segments to build for email marketing at a NYC restaurant?Guest Data, Tagging, Personalization⏎
- P1How do I build a frequency cohort report for my restaurant and what should I look at first?Churn Analysis & Frequency Cohorts⏎
- P1How much should I be willing to pay to enroll a single loyalty member?Loyalty Program Strategy & Concept Fit⏎
- P1What is the ROI of a win-back email campaign and what offer should it carry?Churn Analysis & Frequency Cohorts⏎
- P1Why is the first-90-days retention rate so important and how do I improve it?Churn Analysis & Frequency Cohorts⏎
- P1How do I identify a regular who is about to churn before they actually disappear?Churn Analysis & Frequency Cohorts⏎
- P1What response rate should I expect on a post-visit guest survey and how do I lift it?NPS & Guest Survey Programs⏎
- P1When should the post-visit survey actually fire — same day, next day, or later?NPS & Guest Survey Programs⏎
- P1Can I funnel happy survey respondents to leave a Google or Yelp review?NPS & Guest Survey Programs⏎
- P1Can a boutique NYC hotel run its own F&B loyalty program separate from the brand program?Loyalty Program Strategy & Concept Fit⏎
- P1How do I turn 6 months of guest survey verbatims into a real operating change?NPS & Guest Survey Programs⏎
- P1Why are my best Yelp reviews showing as Not Currently Recommended and can I fix it?Online Review Management (Google, Yelp, Resy, Tripadvisor)⏎
- P1How do I detect and remove fake negative reviews from a competitor or disgruntled ex-employee?Online Review Management (Google, Yelp, Resy, Tripadvisor)⏎
- P1How much do Resy and OpenTable in-app reviews actually move bookings?Online Review Management (Google, Yelp, Resy, Tripadvisor)⏎
- P1How do I run a wedding anniversary or first-visit-anniversary program at my restaurant?Birthday / Anniversary / VIP Comp Strategy⏎
- P1How do I define a VIP at my restaurant — by spend, frequency, or both?Birthday / Anniversary / VIP Comp Strategy⏎
- P1How should I configure comp categories in the POS so the comp report is actually useful?Birthday / Anniversary / VIP Comp Strategy⏎
- P1What is loyalty fatigue and how do I tell if my program is causing it?Pitfalls (gift card breakage liability, loyalty fatigue, comp abuse, GDPR/CCPA)⏎
- P1What do I have to do if my CRM, POS, or loyalty platform suffers a data breach exposing guest emails or card data?Pitfalls (gift card breakage liability, loyalty fatigue, comp abuse, GDPR/CCPA)⏎
- P1What is the right way to shut down or migrate a loyalty program without losing customer trust?Pitfalls (gift card breakage liability, loyalty fatigue, comp abuse, GDPR/CCPA)⏎
- P1When is Punchh the right loyalty platform for an NYC operator?Loyalty Platform Selection (Toast Loyalty, Punchh, Thanx, Square)⏎
- P2What software stack runs a $150-500/month F&B membership club?Membership Clubs ($150-500/mo F&B model)⏎
- P2Should I list my restaurant on Raise, CardCash, or Groupon-style gift card platforms?Gift Card Programs (legal, breakage, integration)⏎
- P2How do I handle sales tax on a recurring restaurant subscription in NYC?Dining Subscriptions & Prix-Fixe Memberships⏎
- P2Can a NYC hotel sell a 'breakfast subscription' to neighborhood locals?Dining Subscriptions & Prix-Fixe Memberships⏎
- P2Should I attach guest photos to CRM profiles for VIP recognition, and is that legal in NYC?Guest Data, Tagging, Personalization⏎
- P2How do I distinguish real churn from seasonal NYC patterns like summer Hamptons exodus?Churn Analysis & Frequency Cohorts⏎
- P2Should I use a dedicated survey tool like Medallia, Delighted, or just the built-in Sevenrooms/Resy survey?NPS & Guest Survey Programs⏎
- P2Are review-generation tools like Birdeye, Podium, or NiceJob worth it for a NYC restaurant?Online Review Management (Google, Yelp, Resy, Tripadvisor)⏎
- P2Do loyalty programs work for bars and late-night venues in NYC?Loyalty Program Strategy & Concept Fit⏎
- P2How should I handle comp requests from press, influencers, and food critics?Birthday / Anniversary / VIP Comp Strategy⏎
- P2I have guest data scattered across Resy, Toast, Klaviyo, and a gift card platform — how do I unify it without a six-figure data project?Pitfalls (gift card breakage liability, loyalty fatigue, comp abuse, GDPR/CCPA)⏎
🛎Hotel F&B80
Open playbook →- P0What F&B does Marriott actually require in a full-service NYC hotel?Brand Standards (Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, IHG, Accor)⏎
- P0When does it make sense to run F&B in-house instead of leasing it out?In-House F&B vs Leased Restaurant Concept⏎
- P0When should I lease out the hotel restaurant to a third party?In-House F&B vs Leased Restaurant Concept⏎
- P0What's the difference between Hilton-brand breakfast standards across Hampton, Hilton Garden Inn, Hilton, and Conrad?Brand Standards (Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, IHG, Accor)⏎
- P0Why do luxury hotels chase chef-driven flagship restaurants?Chef-Driven Flagship Restaurant Pairings⏎
- P0Is room service profitable in NYC hotels in 2026?Room Service / IRD / Mini-Bar Operations⏎
- P0How should I structure IRD service charges and gratuities under NYC labor law?Room Service / IRD / Mini-Bar Operations⏎
- P0What's the realistic breakfast capture rate I should plan for?Hotel Breakfast Volume & Service Models⏎
- P0When should I run plated breakfast vs buffet vs grab-and-go?Hotel Breakfast Volume & Service Models⏎
- P0Why are banquets the most profitable F&B at hotels?Banquet, Catering & Group Sales Integration⏎
- P0What is the HTC Local 6 Industry Wide Agreement and who's covered?HTC Local 6 Industry Wide Agreement (Jun 30 2026 expiration)⏎
- P0What should I do to prepare for the June 30 2026 IWA expiration?HTC Local 6 Industry Wide Agreement (Jun 30 2026 expiration)⏎
- P0What share of NYC hotel bookings comes through OTAs and how does that affect F&B?OTA Distribution & Revenue Impact on F&B⏎
- P0How much of NYC hotel occupancy is points-redemption and what's the F&B impact?Points-Program Redemption Nights & Comp Strategy⏎
- P0What F&B credits do loyalty elites get and who pays for them?Points-Program Redemption Nights & Comp Strategy⏎
- P0How often do brands audit your F&B and what happens when you fail?Brand Standards (Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, IHG, Accor)⏎
- P0What's the biggest source of brand-vs-operator F&B conflict?Pitfalls (brand-vs-operator conflict, GM-vs-F&B Director, mini-bar shrink)⏎
- P0How is NYC tip credit reform affecting hotel F&B labor cost?Pitfalls (brand-vs-operator conflict, GM-vs-F&B Director, mini-bar shrink)⏎
- P0What is an F&B carve-out in a hotel management agreement and why does it matter?Management Agreement / HOA F&B Carve-Outs⏎
- P0How does F&B quality affect hotel asset value at sale?Pitfalls (brand-vs-operator conflict, GM-vs-F&B Director, mini-bar shrink)⏎
- P0Can the brand veto your choice of leased restaurant operator?Management Agreement / HOA F&B Carve-Outs⏎
- P1Should I structure my leased restaurant as fixed rent or percentage rent?Management Agreement / HOA F&B Carve-Outs⏎
- P1How much of the FF&E reserve should be allocated to F&B refresh?Management Agreement / HOA F&B Carve-Outs⏎
- P1How do I underwrite the lease-vs-in-house decision financially?In-House F&B vs Leased Restaurant Concept⏎
- P1What's the most common hybrid F&B model in NYC hotels?In-House F&B vs Leased Restaurant Concept⏎
- P1What due diligence should I run on a prospective restaurant tenant?In-House F&B vs Leased Restaurant Concept⏎
- P1How do I structure the financial deal with a name chef?Chef-Driven Flagship Restaurant Pairings⏎
- P1Which chef-hotel partnerships are active in NYC right now?Chef-Driven Flagship Restaurant Pairings⏎
- P1How do I get the chef-driven flagship covered in NYT, Eater, and Resy?Chef-Driven Flagship Restaurant Pairings⏎
- P1How much does a name chef add to wedding and event pricing?Chef-Driven Flagship Restaurant Pairings⏎
- P1How flexible is Hyatt on F&B standards versus Marriott or Hilton?Brand Standards (Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, IHG, Accor)⏎
- P1How should I engineer the IRD menu to maximize ticket size?Room Service / IRD / Mini-Bar Operations⏎
- P1Can a 24-hour pantry market replace traditional room service?Room Service / IRD / Mini-Bar Operations⏎
- P1How do I control mini-bar shrink in 2026?Room Service / IRD / Mini-Bar Operations⏎
- P1Which IRD tablet platforms are competitive in NYC hotels?Room Service / IRD / Mini-Bar Operations⏎
- P1How many IRD servers do I need per shift in a 250-room NYC hotel?Room Service / IRD / Mini-Bar Operations⏎
- P1What does IHG require for F&B at voco vs Kimpton properties in NYC?Brand Standards (Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, IHG, Accor)⏎
- P1How do I staff the breakfast operation without overspending labor?Hotel Breakfast Volume & Service Models⏎
- P1Can I serve a Continental breakfast as the loyalty-elite comp?Hotel Breakfast Volume & Service Models⏎
- P1How do I handle allergens, gluten-free, kosher, and halal at breakfast?Hotel Breakfast Volume & Service Models⏎
- P1What does a hotel banquet BEO process look like and how is it priced?Banquet, Catering & Group Sales Integration⏎
- P1How should F&B minimums and attrition be structured in group contracts?Banquet, Catering & Group Sales Integration⏎
- P1What's the wedding F&B economic model at a NYC luxury hotel?Banquet, Catering & Group Sales Integration⏎
- P1How does Accor structure F&B standards for Sofitel, SO/ and 25hours in NYC?Brand Standards (Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, IHG, Accor)⏎
- P1How do I structure corporate meeting F&B packages?Banquet, Catering & Group Sales Integration⏎
- P1What F&B-specific work rules does the IWA impose?HTC Local 6 Industry Wide Agreement (Jun 30 2026 expiration)⏎
- P1How much more does a union hotel F&B operation cost than non-union?HTC Local 6 Industry Wide Agreement (Jun 30 2026 expiration)⏎
- P1What's the risk of HTC organizing my non-union hotel?HTC Local 6 Industry Wide Agreement (Jun 30 2026 expiration)⏎
- P1Do brands force you to use specific POS systems, vendors, or menus?Brand Standards (Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, IHG, Accor)⏎
- P1Should I bundle F&B credit into OTA package rates?OTA Distribution & Revenue Impact on F&B⏎
- P1How do rate parity rules affect my ability to discount F&B-bundled packages?OTA Distribution & Revenue Impact on F&B⏎
- P1How much do OTA reviews affect F&B perception and bookings?OTA Distribution & Revenue Impact on F&B⏎
- P1Who has authority to comp F&B and what are the right approval limits?Points-Program Redemption Nights & Comp Strategy⏎
- P1What did the Waldorf reopening teach NYC hotel operators about F&B?Waldorf Astoria 2025-26 Reopening Lessons⏎
- P1How do I handle GM versus F&B Director power struggles?Pitfalls (brand-vs-operator conflict, GM-vs-F&B Director, mini-bar shrink)⏎
- P1Where does F&B inventory leakage actually happen?Pitfalls (brand-vs-operator conflict, GM-vs-F&B Director, mini-bar shrink)⏎
- P1What should I look for when hiring an NYC hotel F&B Director?Pitfalls (brand-vs-operator conflict, GM-vs-F&B Director, mini-bar shrink)⏎
- P2What rebates and brand-fee kickbacks should I expect on F&B?Management Agreement / HOA F&B Carve-Outs⏎
- P2Does the owner get to approve the F&B Director hire?Management Agreement / HOA F&B Carve-Outs⏎
- P2Can poor F&B performance trigger termination of the management agreement?Management Agreement / HOA F&B Carve-Outs⏎
- P2What happens when the leased restaurant tenant fails or wants to leave?In-House F&B vs Leased Restaurant Concept⏎
- P2Who reports to whom — the celebrity chef or the hotel's F&B Director?Chef-Driven Flagship Restaurant Pairings⏎
- P2What happens to the restaurant when the chef leaves?Chef-Driven Flagship Restaurant Pairings⏎
- P2Do soft-brand affiliations like Autograph or Curio give chefs more freedom?Chef-Driven Flagship Restaurant Pairings⏎
- P2How do I evaluate an up-and-coming chef who isn't yet a household name?Chef-Driven Flagship Restaurant Pairings⏎
- P2Should the chef be exclusive to my hotel or operate other restaurants too?Chef-Driven Flagship Restaurant Pairings⏎
- P2How do welcome amenities and IRD amenity programs work?Room Service / IRD / Mini-Bar Operations⏎
- P2Should I outsource breakfast to a third-party operator?Hotel Breakfast Volume & Service Models⏎
- P2Can I choose my own breakfast coffee or is it brand-mandated?Hotel Breakfast Volume & Service Models⏎
- P2Should the hotel banquet kitchen pursue off-site catering business?Banquet, Catering & Group Sales Integration⏎
- P2How important is Cvent for hotel group F&B sales?Banquet, Catering & Group Sales Integration⏎
- P2How are banquet gratuities distributed in a HTC union hotel?HTC Local 6 Industry Wide Agreement (Jun 30 2026 expiration)⏎
- P2What are the healthcare and pension obligations under the IWA?HTC Local 6 Industry Wide Agreement (Jun 30 2026 expiration)⏎
- P2If I buy a union hotel, do I have to keep the union contract?HTC Local 6 Industry Wide Agreement (Jun 30 2026 expiration)⏎
- P2What F&B incentives drive direct booking versus OTA?OTA Distribution & Revenue Impact on F&B⏎
- P2How do I convert OTA-booked guests into F&B revenue?OTA Distribution & Revenue Impact on F&B⏎
- P2How do status match and elite trial promotions affect F&B P&L?Points-Program Redemption Nights & Comp Strategy⏎
- P2What does a major F&B kitchen rebuild cost in a NYC luxury hotel?Waldorf Astoria 2025-26 Reopening Lessons⏎
- P2What's the F&B marketing playbook for a hotel reopening?Waldorf Astoria 2025-26 Reopening Lessons⏎
- P2How early should I open banquet sales before a hotel reopening?Waldorf Astoria 2025-26 Reopening Lessons⏎
🏛Multi-Unit80
Open playbook →- P0How do I know if my first restaurant is actually ready to support a second unit?Capital Strategy for Unit #2 (debt, equity, refi)⏎
- P0Should each unit have its own insurance policy or one master group policy?Holding Company / Multi-Entity Structure⏎
- P0When do I need to hire a real GM versus running it myself?GM / Director Hiring, Comp & Equity⏎
- P0How should I structure GM comp — base, bonus, and equity?GM / Director Hiring, Comp & Equity⏎
- P0Should I self-fund unit 2 from unit 1's cash flow or raise outside money?Capital Strategy for Unit #2 (debt, equity, refi)⏎
- P0What does a real brand standards document for a multi-unit restaurant look like?Brand Consistency Across Units⏎
- P0How do I make sure the food actually tastes the same at every unit?Brand Consistency Across Units⏎
- P0At what point does it make sense to open a central commissary?Central Kitchen / Commissary vs Unit Prep⏎
- P0What permits do I need to legally run a commissary kitchen in NYC?Central Kitchen / Commissary vs Unit Prep⏎
- P0Can I get an SBA 7(a) loan for a second restaurant location in NYC?Capital Strategy for Unit #2 (debt, equity, refi)⏎
- P0Which POS is actually built for multi-unit hospitality in NYC?Multi-Unit POS, Reporting, Tech Stack⏎
- P0What reporting do I need at the holdco level once I have 2+ units?Multi-Unit POS, Reporting, Tech Stack⏎
- P0Which payroll provider is built for multi-unit NYC restaurants?Payroll, Benefits, Multi-Unit HR⏎
- P0Can I pool tips across multiple restaurant locations?Payroll, Benefits, Multi-Unit HR⏎
- P0When can I offer health insurance, and how much will it cost across units?Payroll, Benefits, Multi-Unit HR⏎
- P0What training is legally required for restaurant staff in NYC, across units?Payroll, Benefits, Multi-Unit HR⏎
- P0Should I consolidate to one primary food distributor across all units?Vendor Consolidation Across Units⏎
- P0What does a NYC restaurant build-out actually cost in 2026 dollars?Capital Strategy for Unit #2 (debt, equity, refi)⏎
- P0At what point do I actually need to hire my first Area Director or DOO?Area Director / DOO / Multi-Unit Mgr Role Design⏎
- P0What does Area Director compensation actually look like in NYC restaurants in 2026?Area Director / DOO / Multi-Unit Mgr Role Design⏎
- P0Should I acquire an existing restaurant or build a new one for unit 2?M&A vs New-Build for Growth⏎
- P0What do I have to diligence carefully when buying an operating NYC restaurant?M&A vs New-Build for Growth⏎
- P0What does new-build vs acquisition actually cost in NYC right now?M&A vs New-Build for Growth⏎
- P0What does it cost to actually become a franchisor in New York State?Franchising vs Corporate Operations⏎
- P0How should I structure a holding company for a 2-3 venue restaurant group?Holding Company / Multi-Entity Structure⏎
- P0Can I put multiple restaurants under one liquor license to save money?Holding Company / Multi-Entity Structure⏎
- P1What does the management company / OpCo actually do in a multi-unit structure?Holding Company / Multi-Entity Structure⏎
- P1Should I put my brand and trademarks in a separate entity?Holding Company / Multi-Entity Structure⏎
- P1Should my holding company elect S-corp, partnership, or stay C-corp for tax?Holding Company / Multi-Entity Structure⏎
- P1How do I move cash between units without triggering tax or legal issues?Holding Company / Multi-Entity Structure⏎
- P1Should I give my GM real equity in the LLC?GM / Director Hiring, Comp & Equity⏎
- P1Where do I actually find a strong NYC restaurant GM?GM / Director Hiring, Comp & Equity⏎
- P1At what point do I need a Director of Operations sitting above the GMs?GM / Director Hiring, Comp & Equity⏎
- P1Should every unit have the exact same menu, or is local variation OK?Brand Consistency Across Units⏎
- P1How do I keep service standards consistent when I'm not in the room at unit 2?Brand Consistency Across Units⏎
- P1Should each unit look the same or should the design adapt to the neighborhood?Brand Consistency Across Units⏎
- P1Should I build my own commissary or rent space at a shared commissary?Central Kitchen / Commissary vs Unit Prep⏎
- P1Who runs the commissary day-to-day, and how do I structure that role?Central Kitchen / Commissary vs Unit Prep⏎
- P1How do I cost commissary product when it gets transferred to a unit?Central Kitchen / Commissary vs Unit Prep⏎
- P1Should I use one reservations platform across units, and which one?Multi-Unit POS, Reporting, Tech Stack⏎
- P1When do I need automated invoice processing and inventory across units?Multi-Unit POS, Reporting, Tech Stack⏎
- P1How do I schedule staff across multiple units efficiently?Multi-Unit POS, Reporting, Tech Stack⏎
- P1What's my PCI compliance obligation across multiple units?Multi-Unit POS, Reporting, Tech Stack⏎
- P1How much equity should I give up to investors for unit 2?Capital Strategy for Unit #2 (debt, equity, refi)⏎
- P1Should I use a delivery aggregator or a per-platform integration across units?Multi-Unit POS, Reporting, Tech Stack⏎
- P1Should I use a PEO or build in-house HR for a 3-5 unit group?Payroll, Benefits, Multi-Unit HR⏎
- P1Do I need a separate employee handbook for each unit?Payroll, Benefits, Multi-Unit HR⏎
- P1How does workers compensation work across multiple restaurant locations?Payroll, Benefits, Multi-Unit HR⏎
- P1When do I need a dedicated marketing person at the group level?Central Marketing & PR Across the Group⏎
- P1Should I hire a PR agency for the group, and what should it cost?Central Marketing & PR Across the Group⏎
- P1Can I cash-out refinance my first restaurant to fund unit 2?Capital Strategy for Unit #2 (debt, equity, refi)⏎
- P1How do I run email marketing across multiple restaurant locations?Central Marketing & PR Across the Group⏎
- P1Should each unit have its own Instagram or one master account?Central Marketing & PR Across the Group⏎
- P1How do I keep Yelp and Google ratings consistent across units?Central Marketing & PR Across the Group⏎
- P1How do I consolidate wine and spirits buying across units in NY?Vendor Consolidation Across Units⏎
- P1How do I structure waste and recycling across multiple NYC units?Vendor Consolidation Across Units⏎
- P1Should I use one HVAC and refrigeration service contract across units?Vendor Consolidation Across Units⏎
- P1How do I structure pest control across multiple NYC restaurant units?Vendor Consolidation Across Units⏎
- P1What's the actual difference between an Area Director, a DOO, and a VP of Operations?Area Director / DOO / Multi-Unit Mgr Role Design⏎
- P1How many units should one Area Director realistically oversee?Area Director / DOO / Multi-Unit Mgr Role Design⏎
- P1What KPIs should an Area Director's bonus actually be tied to?Area Director / DOO / Multi-Unit Mgr Role Design⏎
- P1Should I promote my best GM into the Area Director role or hire externally?Area Director / DOO / Multi-Unit Mgr Role Design⏎
- P1Where do I actually find restaurants for sale in NYC?M&A vs New-Build for Growth⏎
- P1Am I buying a brand or just buying revenue?M&A vs New-Build for Growth⏎
- P1What does a tuck-in acquisition of a single-unit operator actually look like?M&A vs New-Build for Growth⏎
- P1When does it actually make sense to franchise instead of growing corporate?Franchising vs Corporate Operations⏎
- P1What royalty and ad-fund percentages should I charge franchisees?Franchising vs Corporate Operations⏎
- P1Should I sell single-unit franchises or area development agreements?Franchising vs Corporate Operations⏎
- P2What's the realistic GM tenure I should expect, and how do I extend it?GM / Director Hiring, Comp & Equity⏎
- P2How do I keep music and lighting consistent across units?Brand Consistency Across Units⏎
- P2Do I need my own truck or can I use a third-party delivery service?Central Kitchen / Commissary vs Unit Prep⏎
- P2How do I avoid getting nickel-and-dimed by 15 SaaS vendors across my units?Multi-Unit POS, Reporting, Tech Stack⏎
- P2Should I run a loyalty program across all units?Central Marketing & PR Across the Group⏎
- P2Should I use one linen and uniform service across units?Vendor Consolidation Across Units⏎
- P2Should I consolidate cleaning supplies, small wares, and disposables across units?Vendor Consolidation Across Units⏎
- P2What does an Area Director actually do day-to-day so I know I'm getting my money's worth?Area Director / DOO / Multi-Unit Mgr Role Design⏎
- P2Should I finance kitchen equipment separately from the construction loan?Capital Strategy for Unit #2 (debt, equity, refi)⏎
- P2Should I do a roll-up of a 3-5 unit group in one transaction?M&A vs New-Build for Growth⏎
- P2Why don't more NYC restaurant groups franchise?Franchising vs Corporate Operations⏎
- P2Can I run a hybrid model — corporate flagship in NYC and franchise nationally?Franchising vs Corporate Operations⏎
🚨Crisis & PR80
Open playbook →- P0A guest just called and said they got sick after eating here last night — what do I do in the first 30 minutes?Foodborne Illness Outbreak⏎
- P0A patron we served left here, drove drunk, and killed someone — what do I do tonight?Alcohol Crisis⏎
- P0How do I train my staff to refuse service without it turning into a fight?Alcohol Crisis⏎
- P0When do I have to file an Incident Report with NYSLA and what triggers it?Alcohol Crisis⏎
- P0An underage patron got served and was hospitalized for alcohol poisoning — how bad is this and what do I do?Alcohol Crisis⏎
- P0Two of our line cooks just got into a fight in the kitchen and one is going to the hospital — what now?Workplace Violence⏎
- P0A guest just punched our server — do we press charges, or how do we handle this?Workplace Violence⏎
- P0Security pulled a gun off a patron at the door — what do we do with the weapon and the patron?Workplace Violence⏎
- P0How many sick guests does it take before this becomes a legal 'outbreak' I have to report?Foodborne Illness Outbreak⏎
- P0We had a death on premises tonight — overdose, heart attack, fight, doesn't matter — what's the protocol?Workplace Violence⏎
- P0A guest reports she was sexually assaulted in our bathroom — how do I handle the next 60 minutes?Workplace Violence⏎
- P0ICE just walked in the front door asking for I-9 records — what do I say and what do I hand over?Regulatory Raid⏎
- P0NYS DOL Wage & Hour just walked in the door asking to interview employees — what now?Regulatory Raid⏎
- P0Should I voluntarily close the restaurant if I think we have an outbreak, or wait for DOHMH?Foodborne Illness Outbreak⏎
- P0A process server just handed our hostess a stack of papers — what do I do with them?Lawsuit Service⏎
- P0We just got an EEOC charge from a former employee — what's the difference between this and a lawsuit, and how serious?Lawsuit Service⏎
- P0We got sued by someone we've never seen for ADA accessibility — is this a real case or a shakedown?Lawsuit Service⏎
- P0A guest slipped on our floor and is threatening to sue — what do I do tonight and over the next week?Lawsuit Service⏎
- P0We just got named in an FLSA collective action over tips and overtime — how bad is this?Lawsuit Service⏎
- P0A current employee filed a sexual harassment claim against our chef — investigation playbook?Lawsuit Service⏎
- P0DOHMH just showed up unannounced for an outbreak inspection — who do I call first and what do they have authority to do?Foodborne Illness Outbreak⏎
- P0A 30-second TikTok of an incident at our restaurant just hit 500K views — what do I do in the first hour?Social Media Crisis⏎
- P0Where do I post the statement, what does it say, and how long should it be?Social Media Crisis⏎
- P0There's a small kitchen fire — Ansul system discharged — what do I do besides 'call 911'?Fire / Flood / Power Loss⏎
- P0We have a confirmed Norovirus case in a server — what do I do with the rest of the staff and the dining room?Foodborne Illness Outbreak⏎
- P0A pipe burst overnight and the entire dining room is under 2 inches of water — what's the order of operations?Fire / Flood / Power Loss⏎
- P0Con Ed cut power to the block and we have a fridge full of $30K of inventory — what do I save?Fire / Flood / Power Loss⏎
- P0We smell gas — what's the protocol and how long are we shut down?Fire / Flood / Power Loss⏎
- P0We've never trained for active shooter — what's the basic protocol every employee needs to know?Active Shooter / Lockdown⏎
- P0Do I lock the doors and shelter-in-place or evacuate the dining room?Active Shooter / Lockdown⏎
- P0How do I communicate with 911 and arriving NYPD during an active shooter event?Active Shooter / Lockdown⏎
- P0Our GM just quit with no notice in the middle of service — what do I do tonight and tomorrow?GM / Partner / Investor Crisis⏎
- P0We think the bar manager is stealing — how do we investigate without tipping them off?GM / Partner / Investor Crisis⏎
- P0My business partner is freezing me out of decisions and money — what are my options?GM / Partner / Investor Crisis⏎
- P0Who should be the spokesperson during a crisis — owner, GM, or PR firm?Press Strategy & Statement Protocol⏎
- P0What's a good template for the first holding statement when I don't have all the facts yet?Press Strategy & Statement Protocol⏎
- P0After a major incident, which carriers do I notify and how fast?Insurance Coordination⏎
- P0What is Dramshop liability and when does it apply to my bar in New York?Alcohol Crisis⏎
- P1After a violent incident, our community board is calling for our license to be revoked — how do I respond?Alcohol Crisis⏎
- P1Our nightclub does bottle service — how does that change Dramshop exposure?Alcohol Crisis⏎
- P1A fired line cook is threatening to come back and hurt the GM — what protective steps do I take?Workplace Violence⏎
- P1How do I make sure my I-9s are clean before an ICE audit ever happens?Regulatory Raid⏎
- P1ATF is coming to inspect our liquor records — what are they actually looking for?Regulatory Raid⏎
- P1IRS or NYS DOL is auditing our tip records — what do they want and how exposed am I?Regulatory Raid⏎
- P1DOHMH just showed up for a routine inspection — how do I make sure we don't lose our A grade?Regulatory Raid⏎
- P1How long do I have to keep what records to survive an unannounced regulatory inspection?Regulatory Raid⏎
- P1We're settling a harassment claim — can we still require a non-disclosure agreement?Lawsuit Service⏎
- P1What's a litigation hold and how do I actually do one?Lawsuit Service⏎
- P1We're getting hit with 200+ fake 1-star Google and Yelp reviews after a politically charged news story — how do we fight back?Social Media Crisis⏎
- P1An Eater or NY Post reporter just DMed me about an incident — should I respond?Social Media Crisis⏎
- P1Our bartender posted a TikTok mocking a guest by name and it has 2M views — fire them or what?Social Media Crisis⏎
- P1There's a major incident on our block (terror attack, building collapse, mass shooting nearby) — should we stay open?Fire / Flood / Power Loss⏎
- P1We're closed for 2 weeks for fire repair — how do I handle confirmed reservations and deposits?Fire / Flood / Power Loss⏎
- P1Should we have first aid for gunshot wounds (tourniquets, etc.) and who gets trained?Active Shooter / Lockdown⏎
- P1A guest or random person off the street is acting in a way that makes us think they might be planning something — what do we do?Active Shooter / Lockdown⏎
- P1DOHMH wants to know exactly which oysters or which lettuce shipment caused this — how do I trace back fast?Foodborne Illness Outbreak⏎
- P1After a violent incident, how do I take care of staff psychologically — beyond just sending them home?Active Shooter / Lockdown⏎
- P1An investor is demanding to see books, contracts, and bank statements — am I obligated and how do I respond?GM / Partner / Investor Crisis⏎
- P1Our celebrity chef partner is leaving — how do we handle the brand and the menu?GM / Partner / Investor Crisis⏎
- P1We can't make payroll this Friday — what's the order of operations?GM / Partner / Investor Crisis⏎
- P1Can I tell a reporter something 'off the record' to give them context without it appearing in print?Press Strategy & Statement Protocol⏎
- P1DOHMH lab just confirmed Salmonella in our chicken — what do I tell the press and when?Foodborne Illness Outbreak⏎
- P1When is it actually OK to say 'no comment' or refuse to engage with a reporter?Press Strategy & Statement Protocol⏎
- P1What does my insurance broker actually do during a crisis besides take a commission?Insurance Coordination⏎
- P1Our carrier just sent a 'reservation of rights' letter — what does that mean?Insurance Coordination⏎
- P1We're closed for 3 weeks and need to file a business interruption claim — what does the carrier need from me?Insurance Coordination⏎
- P1Our POS got compromised and credit card data was stolen — what's the insurance and disclosure protocol?Insurance Coordination⏎
- P1We've been closed for a crisis and we're reopening next week — what's the right communication?Post-Crisis Recovery⏎
- P1What's the right comp or refund policy for guests affected by an incident, and does it admit fault?Post-Crisis Recovery⏎
- P1Half our staff is talking about quitting after a traumatic incident — how do we keep the team together?Post-Crisis Recovery⏎
- P1How do I get reopened after a DOHMH outbreak closure, and how long does it usually take?Foodborne Illness Outbreak⏎
- P1After we've recovered from a crisis, how do we make sure we don't repeat it?Post-Crisis Recovery⏎
- P2Police want our security footage from a DUI fatality involving someone we served — do I just hand it over?Alcohol Crisis⏎
- P2What if multiple agencies (NYPD, ABC, FDNY, DOHMH) all show up the same night for a 'multi-agency operation'?Regulatory Raid⏎
- P2We got subpoenaed for records in a divorce or criminal case where one of our former patrons is involved — what do I do?Lawsuit Service⏎
- P2We got a default judgment entered against us because the lawsuit papers got lost in the mail — can we fix this?Lawsuit Service⏎
- P2A reviewer posted something demonstrably false (claiming food poisoning when they never ate here) — can we sue?Social Media Crisis⏎
- P2A coordinated political boycott just hit us over something the owner said publicly — how do we ride it out?Social Media Crisis⏎
- P2What tools should I be running to catch a social crisis early before it goes viral?Social Media Crisis⏎
- P2Should we issue a formal press release or just post to Instagram?Press Strategy & Statement Protocol⏎
💼Sale & Exit80
Open playbook →- P0How far in advance of selling my NYC restaurant should I start preparing the business for sale?Pre-Sale Prep (clean books, lease check, license review)⏎
- P0Should I hire a business broker or an investment banker to sell my NYC restaurant?Business Broker / Investment Banker Selection⏎
- P0What terms should I negotiate in my broker or banker engagement letter?Business Broker / Investment Banker Selection⏎
- P0What EBITDA multiple should I expect for a NYC restaurant or bar?Valuation Methodology (EBITDA multiples, asset vs stock, goodwill)⏎
- P0Should I structure as an asset sale or a stock sale, and who decides?Valuation Methodology (EBITDA multiples, asset vs stock, goodwill)⏎
- P0Do I need a quality of earnings (QofE) report before going to market?Pre-Sale Prep (clean books, lease check, license review)⏎
- P0How should goodwill be allocated in the purchase price, and why does it matter?Valuation Methodology (EBITDA multiples, asset vs stock, goodwill)⏎
- P0Who are the realistic buyers for my NYC restaurant or bar?Buyer Universe (strategic, financial, owner-operator, bankruptcy)⏎
- P0What lease issues will kill my deal before I even get an LOI?Pre-Sale Prep (clean books, lease check, license review)⏎
- P0What should my NDA cover before I share any financials with a buyer?NDA / Teaser / CIM Workflow⏎
- P0What goes in the one-page teaser and what should I leave out?NDA / Teaser / CIM Workflow⏎
- P0What goes in the Confidential Information Memorandum (CIM)?NDA / Teaser / CIM Workflow⏎
- P0What are the essential terms in a hospitality LOI that I cannot leave vague?LOI Negotiation⏎
- P0How long an exclusivity period should I grant the buyer in the LOI?LOI Negotiation⏎
- P0How do I prevent the buyer from cutting price during diligence?LOI Negotiation⏎
- P0What licenses and permits do I need to clean up before listing my bar or restaurant?Pre-Sale Prep (clean books, lease check, license review)⏎
- P0How do I set up a hospitality data room for buyer due diligence?Due Diligence Prep & Data Room⏎
- P0What's the typical diligence request list a buyer will send post-LOI?Due Diligence Prep & Data Room⏎
- P0What does "clean books" actually mean to a buyer evaluating my hospitality business?Pre-Sale Prep (clean books, lease check, license review)⏎
- P0What is the typical structure of an Asset Purchase Agreement for a NYC restaurant?APA Mechanics (reps & warranties, indemnity, escrow)⏎
- P0What representations and warranties will I have to make as seller?APA Mechanics (reps & warranties, indemnity, escrow)⏎
- P0What indemnity caps and baskets should I push for as seller?APA Mechanics (reps & warranties, indemnity, escrow)⏎
- P0How much of the purchase price will be held in escrow, and for how long?APA Mechanics (reps & warranties, indemnity, escrow)⏎
- P0What add-backs can I legitimately apply to boost EBITDA when I sell?Pre-Sale Prep (clean books, lease check, license review)⏎
- P0How do I get my landlord to consent to assigning the lease to a buyer?Lease Assignment & Landlord Consent⏎
- P0What is a landlord recapture right and how does it threaten my deal?Lease Assignment & Landlord Consent⏎
- P0Can I get released from my personal guaranty when I sell?Lease Assignment & Landlord Consent⏎
- P0What are the different types of SLA license transfers and which applies to my sale?NYS SLA Liquor License Transfer (escrow, MoO, corporate change)⏎
- P0What is an SLA escrow closing and when do I use it?NYS SLA Liquor License Transfer (escrow, MoO, corporate change)⏎
- P0How does a corporate change application work in a stock or membership-interest sale?NYS SLA Liquor License Transfer (escrow, MoO, corporate change)⏎
- P0Does the NY WARN Act apply to my hospitality sale?NY WARN Act, Employee Notifications, Retention⏎
- P0Does WARN Act notice apply to a sale where the buyer is keeping all the employees?NY WARN Act, Employee Notifications, Retention⏎
- P0What is the NY Tax Law §1141(c) bulk sales notice and why is it a deal-killer?NY Tax Law §1141(c) Bulk Sales Notice + Closing Mechanics⏎
- P0How does the actual closing day flow for a NYC restaurant sale?NY Tax Law §1141(c) Bulk Sales Notice + Closing Mechanics⏎
- P1What are typical broker and banker fees for a NYC hospitality sale?Business Broker / Investment Banker Selection⏎
- P1What questions should I ask a broker's references before hiring?Business Broker / Investment Banker Selection⏎
- P1Do I still need an M&A attorney if my broker is handling the sale?Business Broker / Investment Banker Selection⏎
- P1How are NYC hotels valued differently from restaurants?Valuation Methodology (EBITDA multiples, asset vs stock, goodwill)⏎
- P1Can I sell my restaurant if it's losing money or break-even?Valuation Methodology (EBITDA multiples, asset vs stock, goodwill)⏎
- P1How is working capital handled in a hospitality sale?Valuation Methodology (EBITDA multiples, asset vs stock, goodwill)⏎
- P1Should I accept an earn-out as part of my purchase price?Valuation Methodology (EBITDA multiples, asset vs stock, goodwill)⏎
- P1What do strategic acquirers look for in NYC hospitality acquisitions?Buyer Universe (strategic, financial, owner-operator, bankruptcy)⏎
- P1How do I attract and qualify owner-operator buyers?Buyer Universe (strategic, financial, owner-operator, bankruptcy)⏎
- P1How do I prequalify buyers before sending the CIM?NDA / Teaser / CIM Workflow⏎
- P1What's a realistic timeline from launch to close for a NYC restaurant sale?NDA / Teaser / CIM Workflow⏎
- P1Should I require buyers to submit an IOI before going to LOI?NDA / Teaser / CIM Workflow⏎
- P1Should the LOI include a break-up fee if the deal doesn't close?LOI Negotiation⏎
- P1What conditions to close should the LOI list?LOI Negotiation⏎
- P1What do I do if I receive multiple competing LOIs?LOI Negotiation⏎
- P1Should I do my own sell-side diligence before going to market?Due Diligence Prep & Data Room⏎
- P1How do I handle buyer site visits without tipping off staff?Due Diligence Prep & Data Room⏎
- P1When can a buyer talk to my key vendors and customers?Due Diligence Prep & Data Room⏎
- P1What is a Material Adverse Change (MAC) clause and how do I narrow it?APA Mechanics (reps & warranties, indemnity, escrow)⏎
- P1Should I use representations & warranties insurance?APA Mechanics (reps & warranties, indemnity, escrow)⏎
- P1Will I have to sign a non-compete, and how broad will it be?APA Mechanics (reps & warranties, indemnity, escrow)⏎
- P1How do I prepare the disclosure schedules to protect myself?APA Mechanics (reps & warranties, indemnity, escrow)⏎
- P1Can a stock sale avoid landlord consent?Lease Assignment & Landlord Consent⏎
- P1What lease amendments should I negotiate before going to market?Lease Assignment & Landlord Consent⏎
- P1What is an estoppel certificate and why does the buyer need one?Lease Assignment & Landlord Consent⏎
- P1Should I time my sale around a strong trailing twelve months (TTM)?Pre-Sale Prep (clean books, lease check, license review)⏎
- P1What buyer issues will disqualify the SLA license transfer?NYS SLA Liquor License Transfer (escrow, MoO, corporate change)⏎
- P1Does the community board have to approve my SLA transfer?NYS SLA Liquor License Transfer (escrow, MoO, corporate change)⏎
- P1Should I offer key employees retention bonuses to stay through the sale?NY WARN Act, Employee Notifications, Retention⏎
- P1When do I tell my employees I'm selling?NY WARN Act, Employee Notifications, Retention⏎
- P1What happens to accrued PTO, sick leave, and benefits at closing?NY WARN Act, Employee Notifications, Retention⏎
- P1How do I keep employees, vendors, and customers from finding out I'm selling?Pre-Sale Prep (clean books, lease check, license review)⏎
- P1What's a reasonable post-closing transition arrangement, and how do I structure it?NY Tax Law §1141(c) Bulk Sales Notice + Closing Mechanics⏎
- P1What personal financial planning should I do before I sell?Pre-Sale Prep (clean books, lease check, license review)⏎
- P2Do I need a fixed-asset list and FF&E appraisal before selling?Pre-Sale Prep (clean books, lease check, license review)⏎
- P2Can I sell my restaurant without a broker, and when does that make sense?Business Broker / Investment Banker Selection⏎
- P2What broker conflicts of interest should I watch out for?Business Broker / Investment Banker Selection⏎
- P2Should I provide seller financing to close the deal?Valuation Methodology (EBITDA multiples, asset vs stock, goodwill)⏎
- P2What if I need to sell because I'm running out of cash — how does a distressed sale work?Buyer Universe (strategic, financial, owner-operator, bankruptcy)⏎
- P2Can I sell my NYC restaurant to a foreign buyer, and what extra friction does that create?Buyer Universe (strategic, financial, owner-operator, bankruptcy)⏎
- P2Should the LOI include a standstill or no-poach protection?LOI Negotiation⏎
- P2What are the most common diligence findings that derail or re-price NYC hospitality deals?Due Diligence Prep & Data Room⏎
- P2How much will I spend on professional fees during diligence?Due Diligence Prep & Data Room⏎
- P2What does "to seller's knowledge" mean and who counts as having knowledge?APA Mechanics (reps & warranties, indemnity, escrow)⏎
- P2What documents need to be exchanged at closing?APA Mechanics (reps & warranties, indemnity, escrow)⏎
- P2What's the actual cost to transfer or apply for an SLA on-premises license?NYS SLA Liquor License Transfer (escrow, MoO, corporate change)⏎