Frequently Asked Questions

Q1 - I want to open a restaurant or café in Los Angeles. Where should I start?

Start by defining your concept, menu, budget, and location requirements. Before signing a lease, we recommend evaluating the space to confirm whether it can support your proposed restaurant or café, including zoning, utilities, kitchen requirements, and permitting considerations.

まずはコンセプト、メニュー、予算、希望エリアなどを整理することから始めます。物件を契約する前に、その場所で希望する店舗が実現可能か、用途・設備条件・厨房・許認可などを確認することをおすすめしています。

Q2 - Can you evaluate a restaurant space before I sign a lease?

Yes. We can review the existing space, proposed use, utilities, code requirements, and potential Health Department and Building Permit considerations to identify possible challenges before you commit to a lease.

はい。既存の状況、用途、設備条件、法規、Health Department・Building Permitなどの要件を確認し、契約前に想定される課題やリスクを検討します。

Q3 - What permits and approvals are required to open a restaurant or café?

The requirements vary by location and project scope, but typically include Health Department approval and Building Permits. Depending on the project and jurisdiction, Planning, Fire Department, Industrial Waste, and other agency approvals may also be required.

レストランやカフェの開業に必要な許認可は、地域やプロジェクト内容によって異なります。一般的にはHealth DepartmentとBuilding Permitの申請が必要となり、計画や管轄によってはPlanning、Fire Department、Industrial Waste（排水関連）などの承認が必要になる場合もあります。

Q4 - What commercial kitchen equipment do I need for my restaurant or café?

Kitchen equipment requirements depend on your menu, operation, and space. We help plan equipment, refrigeration, sinks, ventilation, and other kitchen needs while considering Health Department requirements and efficient workflow.

必要な厨房機器は、メニューや営業形態、店舗条件によって異なります。厨房機器、冷蔵設備、シンク、換気設備など、Health Departmentの要件や作業動線を考慮しながら計画します。

Q5 - Does a small café still need Health Department approval?

In most cases, businesses preparing or serving food and beverages require Health Department approval. Requirements vary depending on the menu and operation, so we recommend reviewing them early in the planning process.

小規模なカフェでも、飲食物を提供する場合は基本的にHealth Departmentの承認が必要です。メニューや営業内容によって要件が異なるため、計画の早い段階で確認することをおすすめします。

Q6 - Can I use commercial kitchen equipment imported from Japan?

Possibly, but equipment must meet applicable U.S. and local requirements. UL, NSF, or other certifications may be required depending on the equipment. We can help review requirements and coordinate the certification process when needed.

使用できる場合もありますが、米国および各地域の基準を満たす必要があります。機器によってUL・NSFなどの認証が必要となるため、必要条件の確認や認証取得に向けたコーディネーションをサポートします。

Q7 - Do you provide restaurant consulting and permitting support in Japanese?

Yes. We provide Japanese-speaking support throughout the process, from feasibility and restaurant planning to commercial kitchen design, permitting, and project coordination.

はい。Feasibility Studyや店舗計画から、業務用厨房設計、各種許認可申請、プロジェクトコーディネーションまで、日本語でサポートしています。