Americans spends nearly $175 billion a year eating out. As consumers are dining out or taking prepared food home with increased frequency, food-service operations are skyrocketing. There's plenty of room for more food businesses, but for a successful startup you need more than just good recipes. You also need to know about planning, capitalization, inventory control and payroll management. Here's everything you need to consider when starting your own restaurant, pizzeria, coffeehouse, delicatessen, bakery, or catering business. Interviews with successful eatery owners show how others have made their food business dreams come true. Among the many topics covered are: Set-up and equipment Inventory Staffing Legal structure Location Permits Sanitation Marketing Financial management You also get a glossary and an appendix of additional helpful food industry resources.