To set up utilities, trash and grease trap service for a new restaurant, call your electric, gas and water providers 6 to 8 weeks before your inspection date, book a commercial waste hauler and a licensed grease hauler 3 to 4 weeks out, and budget deposits of one to two months of estimated usage. Inspectors cannot sign off on your space without live power, gas and water, so utilities are on your critical path to opening.
Why utilities delay more openings than you expect
Commercial accounts often require a signed lease, a business license, a deposit and sometimes a site visit. Gas lines may need a new meter or a pressure test, and electric service may need an upgrade if your equipment draws more than the previous tenant's. A two-week delay at the utility company becomes a two-week delay in rent you pay for an empty room. Put these calls on your calendar alongside the steps in Your First 90 Days: An Opening Roadmap and How to Get a Certificate of Occupancy for a Restaurant.
The services to set up and when
| Service | Call this far ahead | Typical deposit or setup | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric | 6-8 weeks | 1-2 months of estimated bill | Confirm amperage and phase for your equipment |
| Natural gas | 6-8 weeks | Deposit or letter of credit | May need meter and pressure test |
| Water and sewer | 4-6 weeks | Tap or meter fee if new | Ask about backflow device inspection |
| Trash and recycling | 3-4 weeks | Container delivery fee | Size for your volume |
| Grease trap or interceptor | 3-4 weeks | First pump-out | Required in most cities |
| Internet and phone | 4-6 weeks | Install fee | Needed for POS and payments |
| Pest control | 2-3 weeks | Initial treatment | Do before stocking food |
Electric and gas: confirm capacity first
Before you sign a lease, ask the landlord for the panel size and the gas line size, then compare them against your equipment list. A double-stack convection oven, fryers, a range and a hood make-up air unit add up fast. If the service is too small, the upgrade can cost thousands and take weeks. Your equipment decisions are covered in the Restaurant Equipment Buying Guide, and your lease terms in How to Negotiate a Commercial Lease.
Water, sewer and the grease trap
Most municipalities require a grease trap or interceptor on any kitchen sink, dishwasher or floor drain that carries fats, oils and grease. Ask your city's wastewater department what size is required and how often it must be cleaned, commonly every 30 to 90 days. Keep every pump-out receipt, because inspectors may ask for the log.
Hiring a grease hauler
Use a licensed hauler that provides a manifest. Compare price per pump-out, minimum fees and emergency response time. Separate, you can often contract a used cooking oil collector who removes fryer oil at no charge or even pays you a small rebate.
Trash and recycling
Dumpster size and pickup frequency drive your bill. Start with a pickup two to three times a week for a 100-seat restaurant, then adjust. Ask whether your city requires organics or cardboard diversion. Reducing waste at the source lowers this bill, so pair it with Reducing Food Waste in Your Restaurant: 15 Proven Tactics.
Internet and payments
Your POS, card terminals, online orders and phone depend on reliable internet. Order a business line early, since installs can take weeks, and keep a cellular backup. If the connection ever drops, follow How to Keep Taking Orders When Your Restaurant Internet Goes Down.
Takeaway: Start utility applications the same week you sign your lease. Electric, gas and grease service are the three most likely to hold up your inspection.
Build the monthly budget
Utilities usually run 3% to 5% of sales for a full-service restaurant, but your first months will be higher because sales are still ramping. Use the free worksheet below to total each service, include deposits as one-time costs, and see your monthly occupancy cost. Feed the result into your startup budget and keep an eye on it afterward with How to Reduce Energy and Utility Costs.
Don't forget your technology
Utilities keep the lights on, but your POS keeps the money moving. Cobblestone POS is a free, all-in-one POS for independent restaurants, with commission-free online ordering, scheduling, loyalty and reporting and no monthly fee, versus roughly $470+ per month for Toast. Choosing it early means one less recurring bill in your opening budget.
Free Restaurant Utilities and Services Budget (Excel).