✦ Resources

Resources for restaurant owners

Running a restaurant is far more than the software. These are the associations, agencies and publications owners rely on — for compliance, funding, hiring and staying current. All external, all free to explore.

Industry associations & advocacy

The organizations that represent restaurants, lobby on their behalf, and publish research and toolkits.

National Restaurant Association ↗ The largest US foodservice trade body — research, operations toolkits, and policy updates. Independent Restaurant Coalition ↗ Advocacy focused specifically on independent restaurants and bars. James Beard Foundation ↗ Industry programs, grants and professional development for restaurateurs and chefs. Your state restaurant association ↗ Every state has one — the best source for local laws, permits and networking.

Food safety & compliance

Certification, the rules your kitchen is held to, and where inspections come from.

ServSafe ↗ The standard food-handler and manager safety certification, from the National Restaurant Association. FDA Food Code ↗ The model code most state and local health departments base their rules on. Find your local health department ↗ Your county health department handles permits and inspections — start here.

Funding & business support

Loans, free mentoring, and the tax basics of running the business.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) ↗ Government-backed loans, business planning tools and local assistance offices. SCORE ↗ Free, volunteer business mentoring and workshops — a genuinely useful, no-cost resource. IRS — Small Business & Self-Employed ↗ Federal tax obligations, employer IDs, and recordkeeping for small operators.

Hiring & labor

The wage, tip and hour rules that trip up more restaurants than almost anything else.

U.S. DOL — Tips & tipped employees ↗ Federal rules on tips, tip credits and tip pooling under the Fair Labor Standards Act. U.S. DOL — Wage & Hour Division ↗ Minimum wage, overtime and youth employment rules — plus state law links.

Marketing & online presence

The free profiles that most affect how new customers find you.

Google Business Profile ↗ Your listing on Google Search and Maps — the single highest-impact free profile to claim. Yelp for Business ↗ Claim and manage your Yelp listing, respond to reviews and add photos.

Industry news & trends

Where operators keep up with what’s happening across the business.

Nation's Restaurant News ↗ Long-running trade publication covering the whole industry. Restaurant Business ↗ News, data and analysis for restaurant operators. QSR Magazine ↗ Focused on quick-service and fast-casual operators specifically.

These are independent organizations we link to because they’re genuinely useful — we’re not affiliated with them, and links may occasionally move. Spotted a broken one? Let us know.