Key Takeaways

• Every restaurant needs a mix of large appliances, small equipment, and safety tools to operate efficiently.

• Choosing to join a restaurant franchise like Antioch Pizza can simplify setup by providing equipment guidance, supplier access, and cost-saving partnerships.

• A solid restaurant equipment checklist includes ovens, fryers, refrigeration, prep surfaces, utensils, POS systems, and cleaning tools.

• Whether you go independent or franchise, quality equipment and efficient layout are key to long-term restaurant success.

What Equipment Do You Need to Start a Restaurant?

If you’re planning to open a restaurant, knowing what equipment you need is one of the first major steps. The list will vary based on your cuisine and menu — a pizza or Italian restaurant has different needs than a seafood grill or café — but most commercial kitchens share a set of essential core appliances.

This restaurant equipment checklist is organized into three main categories: large kitchen appliances, smaller tools, and operational essentials.

Some Advantages of Purchasing a Franchise

Before we get into the equipment list, there’s an important choice to consider before opening a restaurant: Are you going to open an independent restaurant or join a franchise? Opening an independent restaurant means you’ll maintain complete control of your operation, but you have to handle all the responsibilities; that includes equipping your kitchen with all the necessary appliances and cooking implements. You also have to find reliable suppliers within your budget.

When you purchase a franchise like Antioch Pizza, you’re not just buying into a brand; you’re also gaining access to resources that can simplify setting up your restaurant. A franchisor can provide some equipment directly, easing the initial setup process. Being part of a franchise often gives you greater purchasing power. Additionally, many franchisors have contracts or business arrangements with suppliers or provide lists of preferred suppliers for essential equipment for commercial kitchens. This can lead to cost savings and ensure you get quality equipment suited for the specific needs of the franchise’s menu and operations.

Whether you chose to join a franchise or go independent, it’s important to know what your kitchen needs to operate. Now, let’s look at the must-have kitchen equipment list.

Large Kitchen Appliances

Your restaurant’s main equipment will likely include several large commercial-grade appliances. These are your workhorses — the foundation of daily operations.

Essential Large Appliances Include:

• Ovens and Ranges: For baking, roasting, and heating. Pizza restaurants often use stone-deck or conveyor ovens for consistent crust quality.

• Refrigerators and Freezers: Keep perishable ingredients safe and fresh. Commercial reach-in or walk-in coolers are must-haves.

• Grills and Griddles: Perfect for burgers, steaks, vegetables, and sandwiches.

• Deep Fryers: Needed for appetizers, sides, and crispy dishes.

• Steam Tables: Keep dishes warm before service, essential for buffets or lunch rushes.

• Sinks and Dishwashing Stations: Maintain hygiene and meet health codes.

• Storage Racks and Shelving: Keep your kitchen organized and safe.

Tip: Choose stainless steel appliances for durability and easy cleaning — they’ll withstand high-volume cooking environments.

Smaller Appliances and Handheld Equipment

Once the large equipment is in place, focus on smaller appliances and hand tools. These items might seem minor, but they make daily prep faster, safer, and more efficient.

Small Kitchen Equipment Checklist:

• Mixers & Food Processors: For dough, sauces, and prep work.

• Cutlery & Knives: Chef’s knives, paring knives, and slicers are daily essentials.

• Cookware: Pots, pans, baking sheets, and roasting trays.

• Utensils: Spatulas, ladles, whisks, and tongs.

• Prep Counters & Cutting Boards: Create ample, sanitary prep space.

• Storage Containers: Airtight bins for dry goods, sauces, and leftovers.

• Coffee Makers & Commercial Toasters: Great for breakfast or beverage service.

Pro Tip: If you’re opening a pizzeria or Italian concept, invest in pizza peels, dough trays, and sauce ladles — these tools speed up consistency and portioning.

What Other Equipment is Needed to Run a Restaurant Smoothly?

Beyond the cooking equipment, there’s a variety of miscellaneous equipment necessary for the smooth operation of a commercial kitchen. Here are some important essentials beyond cooking supplies:

• First aid kits: For handling minor injuries and accidents.
• Point-of-sale (POS) system: For efficient order and payment processing.
• Safety equipment: Like fire extinguishers and slip-resistant mats.
• Cleaning supplies: To maintain hygiene and cleanliness.
• Kitchen display system: For managing orders and kitchen workflow.

These items might not directly contribute to food preparation but are integral to maintaining a safe, efficient, and compliant operation, making them an essential part of any aspiring restauranteur’s must-have list of equipment.

A comprehensive kitchen equipment list for a restaurant includes everything from large appliances and small tools to safety and administrative items. Understanding and acquiring these essentials will set the foundation for your restaurant’s success. Moreover, for those considering a franchise, the additional support in equipment procurement can be a significant advantage, streamlining the process of opening your restaurant.

Should You Buy Equipment Independently or Join a Franchise?

Before making large purchases, it’s important to decide how you plan to open your restaurant: independently or as part of a franchise.

Going Independent

Running an independent restaurant gives you total creative freedom — but it also means:

• Sourcing all your equipment and vendors yourself.

• Handling installation, layout, and compliance with little guidance.

• Managing cost negotiations and maintenance independently.

Joining a Franchise

When you invest in a restaurant franchise like Antioch Pizza Shop, much of that work is done for you.

Franchisors often:

• Provide pre-approved supplier lists for major appliances and kitchen tools.

• Offer discounted pricing through bulk purchasing power.

• Help plan your kitchen layout for efficiency and compliance.

• Include training on equipment use and maintenance to reduce early wear and tear.

This support can save new owners thousands of dollars in time, design, and trial-and-error — one of the many reasons why franchising can be a smarter way to start.

Example: How Antioch Pizza Simplifies Restaurant Setup

When you join the Antioch Pizza Shop franchise, you don’t just get a brand name — you get decades of operational expertise.

Franchise Benefits Include:

• Equipment and supplier recommendations tailored to your chosen format (dine-in, takeout, express, or food truck).

• Operational manuals detailing approved kitchen layouts and appliances.

• Vendor partnerships for cost-effective sourcing.

• Installation and tech integration support (POS, delivery systems, loyalty programs).

• Ongoing guidance from Antioch’s experienced operations team.

This ensures you open faster, with the right equipment and systems already in place — no guesswork, no wasted investment.

Complete Restaurant Equipment Checklist

Here’s a quick summary of the most common restaurant equipment you’ll need:

Back of House (Kitchen):

• Ovens, fryers, grills, refrigerators, and freezers
• Food processors, mixers, and prep tables
• Storage shelves, racks, and bins
• Sinks, dishwashers, and cleaning stations

Front of House (Dining & Service):

• POS system and KDS screens
• Tables, chairs, and lighting
• Serving trays, cutlery, glassware, and napkins
• Cleaning and sanitation supplies

Safety & Admin:

• Fire extinguishers and mats
• First-aid kits and thermometers
• Secure cash management and reporting systems

Make Antioch Pizza Your Must-Have Franchise

We’re ready to welcome qualified candidates to our franchise family and share the knowledge and experience in the restaurant industry. We’re an Italian restaurant franchise seeking franchisees interested in buying a franchise to establish an Italian restaurant and who share our goals of serving people goodness and making everyone a regular. Submit a franchise form to learn more about your franchising opportunity with Antioch Pizza.