Key Takeaway:
Opening a restaurant requires more than just a great menu—you need the right equipment and supplies to support food prep, storage, cooking, cleaning, and service. Use this complete checklist to avoid costly delays and ensure you’re fully operational from day one.

Why You Need a Restaurant Supply Checklist

Failing to stock essential equipment before opening can lead to health code violations, inefficiencies, and poor customer experiences. A detailed checklist ensures your commercial kitchen is safe, compliant, and fully functional for staff and guests alike.

This guide covers every core category—whether you’re launching a quick-service restaurant, a full-service dining room, or a niche concept like a bakery or café.

Cooking Equipment Essentials

This is the heart of your kitchen. Choose appliances based on your menu and expected volume. For most restaurants, the following are non-negotiable:

• Commercial gas or electric range

• Convection or combi oven

• Griddle or flat-top grill

• Deep fryer

• Microwave for reheating or speed cooking

• Toaster or salamander broiler (if applicable)

• Ventilation hood system

You can find reliable, heavy-duty cooking equipment at MarketsDepotUSA.com.

Refrigeration and Cold Storage

Safe food storage is critical to both quality and health regulations. You’ll need a mix of cold storage options to handle raw ingredients, prepped foods, and beverages.

• Reach-in refrigerators and freezers

• Undercounter coolers

• Sandwich/salad prep tables

• Bar refrigerators or bottle coolers (for beverage service)

• Walk-in cooler (for high-volume operations)

• Ice machine with bin

Ensure all units are NSF-certified and fit your kitchen’s layout.

Food Preparation Tools

Prep time is where efficiency gains (or losses) happen. Proper food prep tools improve speed, consistency, and safety.

• Stainless steel prep tables

• Commercial cutting boards (color-coded)

• Chef knives and sharpeners

• Food processors and mixers

• Portion scales and measuring tools

• Mixing bowls and colanders

Look for commercial-grade, dishwasher-safe materials that hold up under pressure.

Cookware and Bakeware

Your cooking station needs durable, high-performance pans, pots, and utensils that withstand constant use.

• Fry pans, sauté pans, sauce pots, and stock pots

• Baking sheets and hotel pans

• Steam table pans (for hot holding)

• Tongs, spatulas, and ladles

• Heat-resistant gloves and pot holders

Aluminum and stainless steel are best for commercial durability and heat distribution.

Food Storage Containers

Keep your kitchen organized with labeled, stackable storage containers for dry goods, prepped ingredients, and leftovers.

• Polycarbonate food containers with lids

• Ingredient bins for flour, sugar, and dry bulk

• Cambros or deli containers

• Day-dot food rotation labels

• Wall-mount shelving or dry storage racks

Proper labeling and airtight containers help with inventory control and food safety.

Dishwashing and Cleaning Supplies

Health departments pay close attention to your sanitation protocols. Make sure your cleaning station is fully equipped.

• Three-compartment sink or commercial dishwasher

• Dish racks and drainboards

• Sanitizer buckets and test strips

• Trash cans with liners and lids

• Brooms, mops, and floor squeegees

• Handwashing sinks with soap dispensers and towels

MarketsDepotUSA.com carries all required sanitation tools for health code compliance.

Service and Front-of-House Supplies

Even if you’re running a counter-service or ghost kitchen, you’ll still need supplies that support packaging, presentation, and customer flow.

• Plates, bowls, and glassware

• Flatware and utensil holders

• Menu holders and check presenters

• Condiment caddies and napkin dispensers

• Takeout containers, cups, and lids

• POS system and receipt printers

If offering table service, factor in tray stands, bus tubs, and hostess station gear.

Safety and Compliance Items

Compliance is more than just having a fire extinguisher. Equip your restaurant with the necessary safety tools to pass inspections and protect staff.

• First aid kits

• Fire suppression system and extinguishers

• Non-slip mats and kitchen signage

• Protective gloves and aprons

• Thermometers for food and equipment

• Emergency exit lighting and signage

Check your local fire and health department for region-specific requirements.

Optional Equipment Based on Concept

Depending on your restaurant model, you may also need:

• Coffee and espresso machines (café)

• Heat lamps or food warmers (buffets)

• Dough sheeters or proofers (pizzerias and bakeries)

• Charbroilers or smokers (BBQ)

• Bar blenders and glass chillers (bar service)

Build your checklist around your core offerings to avoid overspending or missing critical gear.

Ready to Get Started?

Download this list and use it as a guide when sourcing your restaurant supplies. For convenience, MarketsDepotUSA offers a wide range of restaurant startup bundles, equipment packages, and bulk ordering options to help new food businesses launch faster and more affordably.

Need help building your supply list?
Visit MarketsDepotUSA.com to browse commercial kitchen supplies or contact our team for personalized recommendations based on your menu and layout.